Sixer

I recently ordered some Herman Oak from Springfield. Granted, I'm a total newb at this, so take my opinion with a grain of salt... but the 7/8oz double shoulder I received was pretty nice leather. Perfect thickness, very workable, and very few blemishes. Of course I don't really have anything to compare it to, but it's worked out well for me so far. Now if I could just get the dying, burnishing, and stitching down I'd be all set

Thanks for the input BigRiver! I'm using gum trag on the edges but I think you hit on my biggest problem. I'm using a Dremel on the edges and just not quite getting both sides even at the same time. I think using a sanding wheel in my drill press will help a lot. I also have to admit that I was being a bit lazy with the burnishing My stitching is slowly improving. I've been using a 1/16 bit in the drill press which has helped tremendously. My next steps is to pick up a diamond shaped awl blade and use that in the press instead of the bit. As soon as I get a hold of some neatsfoot oil, an awl blade, and a #5 overstitch wheel, I will give it another go and post some pics. Thanks again for all the help guys!

brit, thanks for tip! I will give the denim a try and see if that helps. js, that's one good thing about the holsters... they fit and feel great! I can't really take any credit for the design though. I have a few Galco holsters for my Sig 229 that I used as a bit of a "guide". I'm just getting comfortable with the process before I start cranking out any designs of my own BTW, I will give neatsfoot oil a try. Thanks!

Thanks for the input Frank! My stitching definitely needs some serious work. I will try to get those stitches closer together... I think you are absolutely right about it helping the look of the holster. I'm struggling with the edges, like you said. I've been using gum trag with a Sharpie but it just doesn't quite get the job done. Need more elbow grease I appreciate the reply. It will only help me improve!

Ok, so my first and second attempts at holster making are currently residing in the scrap box, lol. Let's just say they were not exactly worthy of pictures Last week I ordered some decent leather, a few basic tools, dye, etc. so I decided to put in some work this weekend. The following pics are my 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th attempts at making holsters. From a functional standpoint I think they turned out really well. Retention is EXCELLENT, they fit great, and I achieved the cant that I was after. Cosmetically... ehhhh, ok I guess. I'm improving with the stitching and dying, but there is still ALOT of room for improvement. P.S. My picture taking skills suck Holster #3 - Glock 23 OWB (I used the Eco-Flo dye on this and it came out pretty weird) Holster #4 - M&P 40c OWB (Switched to Fiebings Pro Oil Dye but still had some dark spots) Holster #5 - M&P 40c IWB ( My first attempt at an IWB holster, I marked my stitching holes with a small marker before drilling with a press... the black ink bled a bit ) Holster #6 - Sig P239 IWB ( Cleaned up the straps a bit, but failed on the stitching...) So there they are... I am looking for any feedback, good or bad. I'm VERY new to this so any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

Well, I guess I could... but from almost everything I've read (online) they recommend the dyeing part comes after the stitching and wet forming. I'm still a newb at this, so I haven't strayed to far from the directions / methods I have read. I guess there is one good way to find out... Just try it and see what happens

Hey guys and gals, I'm a fan of the contrasting look of white thread on brown leather... How do you guys do it? In my case, I am using white waxed nylon for stitching my holsters. The stitching is done before the dyeing. When I dye the leather, the thread picks up some of the color as well. Any ideas on how to keep that thread white ?

You are correct sir... they are "Pull the Dot" snaps. I stopped by Lowes this evening and picked up a few sets of the tee nuts. Thanks again for your help

I recently picked up two small bottles of Fiebing Pro Oil dye, one Black and one Saddle Tan. I was wondering what kind of results I might get by mixing in a bit of Black with the Saddle Tan. The idea is to get a darker shade of brown. Has anyone tried this? Did it work out the way you wanted?

Awesome, thanks guys!

This may not be the right forum, but I'll give it a shot anyway... I have 2 different holsters that have these types of snaps on them. Can anyone tell me where to buy these? Thanks!

This topic has probably been discussed more than a few times... but I've gotta ask. Where do you get most of your snaps, clips, etc. for your holsters? I'm ready to get started on my first IWB holster and I haven't yet decided to use belt loops or a clip. Secondly, how do most you attatch your belt snaps and clips on your holsters? Thanks!

Like the one Denzel uses in "The Book of Eli"? Not sure how practical it would be ... but it would definitely be pretty sweet

Looks good! It kind of reminds me of Galco's "Summer Comfort" holster. Nice work.

I've been having similar issues with Tandy's leather dye. I'm using the Eco stuff in Brown on Hermann Oak. Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but the finished product (holster) ended up with a VERY uneven and blotchy color. Not at all what I had in mind... but it does result in an almost "antique-ish" look. Kind of neat looking but not what I wanted.

Thanks for the input guys! Ok, so the speedy stitcher thing is out of the equation. Thats exactly what I needed to know. A good awl is definitely on my "things to buy" list, but I still have my doubts on how well I can work it with 2 pieces of 8/9 oz leather glued together. I tried the Dremel with a 1/16th drill bit and found it pretty difficult to keep my holes even on both sides. I like the drill press suggestion! I've been shopping around for one lately for other projects, so if I can put it to use on my holsters as well that would be great Again, I appreciate the help! This forum is proving to be a great asset for a beginner such as myself.

I'm a novice at this so bare with me I have just recently started making (attempting to make) my own holsters. I am still trying to get a feel for the stitching part. So far I have only tried using a Saddle Stitch. I was thinking about picking up a Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl, but wanted to get a few expert opinions first. What do you guys / gals prefer when it comes to your stitching? Which method would you reccomend to a new guy for holsters? Thanks for your input!

Just wanted to make my introduction and say hi! I'm a complete rookie when it come to working with leather. About 2 weeks ago I stopped by the local Hobby & Craft shop where I picked up a bag of scrap leather and a few tools to get me started. The tool selection was pretty slim so I had to make due with what they had. My first two "creations" look like some kind of 3rd grade school project The last two holsters I made are actually not too shabby for scrap leather. I'm really enjoying my new found hobby and look forward to being able to make decent - nice holsters for myself and friends . I have since orderd some actual leather crafting tools and supplies, along with a good size piece of Hermann Oak. No turning back now! Cheers