mmirob

Looks very nice. As I have matured in the craft I always am drawn to the edges of anyones work. I agree with Particle. However, I now give particular detail and time to my edge work regardless of what I am getting for it. I try not to look at the clock on any build as it may be really disappointing when calculating an hourly rate if this is a true business for you. When anyone else looks at your customers holster they assume that's simply how you finish your edges and may choose to place an order with your based on the craftsmanship not what you charged your customer perhaps because they didn't care what the edges look like. Also, edge work is a practiced skill. The more you do it the better and faster you become. IMHO. Peace, Rob

Not sure what you are referring to on the "stitch line being way off". Any time you are using a 3-5oz exotic that covers 7-8oz veg tanned the 90 deg curve stitching right below the trigger guard can not be as close as if it were only 7-8oz veg tan. Gator in particular can vary in thickness depending on the length of the hide. For example a 10 foot hide may be 5-6oz. If the tannerery makes it any thinner they run the risk of cutting holes in between the scales since they are larger and much more pronounced. 4-6 foot gator hides are usually 3-4 oz. The veg tan below is molded tightly to the contours of the 1911. Is that what you are referring to?

Yes, Govt.

The more I use gator the more I like it. Ever so unique. I normally don't use conchos on OWB rigs but this one seems to fit and not one you can buy at any tandy store. We'll see if it helps it sell!

Here is a different slant on inlay overlay. This is a simple star pattern both done in shark. Skived, stitched, then glued to veg tan. Makes for an interesting functional art. The art of inlay overlay is limitless. Some have made it their profession. See Randy and Claudia for some out of this world talent. In the mean time enjoy my meagar little star!

I did notice that it does have low VOC. 303 vs. the older 499. Appearantly low VOC does mean inferior adhesion. Dissappointed nonetheless. I hope they still make the "red" can version, will check tomorrow and report. Unequivocally, the adhesion difference is significant. Glued two identical strips to same leather. Green version tears off separating the glue, red version tears the leather before releasing. Suppose if you never used the red can version you have no point of comparison. Anybody else have experience here? Chime in. Is the older version still available in another brand?

I have been using gallon jugs of Tandy's contact cement 4085 in their red bordered container. Worked great! Better than weldwood IMHO. Purchased the latest version in a green bordered container labeled 2525-04. It is a clear thin glue that does NOT work like the previous version. Takes a long time to set up comparatively and does not have the gluing strength. Has this changed or have I just purchased the worng can? Sorry for the rant but what gives?

Keep your eye out on the machines for sale forum right here. They do pop up. They are indeed heavy. I found one not too long ago here and seller did a great job in shipping to TN from CA. It was only around $200 and I had to pick up at local trucking depot where they helped me load it. I am still not sure of the brand that I have as it is not marked anywhere. BTW, the lucris bench clicker/press are still manufactured today. http://www.lucris.com/ They are a bit pricey $1K plus. Here is a pic of the one I found. If you know the brand let me know! ) BTW it is not a converted arbor press.

Can you post his contact info? Website? Email? I'd be interesting in a die that punched a buckle slot and two holes for chicago screws. Send him my way!

I think this is a dead post as seller appears to be unresponsive.

Tried to PM you.

The belly cut is nothing like the back. Belly is soft as butter! No bone, no scutes.

A few asked about different hide finishes. This is American alligator (belly cut) finished in a high gloss or "glazed" Not for everyone, I know, but simply elegant.

This was a fun one! As many of you know me by now I have an addiction to the exotics. Wheres my needle? Thinking of starting an Exotics Annoymous blog. "Hi, I'm Rob and I love gator!" )

Remember, the mark of a master craftsman is not that they do not make mistakes, but they have learned the skills to fix them where no one else will ever notice. If nothing else, it would be good practice to attempt a peel and reglue. What do you have to loose. I too get excited about using a new exotic hide or some new gadget. Now that you have made this error, from here on you will not make that one again. I propose that you have graduated from 101 and welcome you to the club of mistakemakers anonymous. Now go fix it! )

These came from the tannery with a nice natural sheen. Needed nothing but a little natural wax and a buffing wheel. Tanneries have different finishes for Gator. One of them is a high gloss called glazed. This is not glazed. However glazed gator is beautiful. Many belts and wallets are finished in glazed.

I also completed some inlay work with gator too. Have a lot to learn here. Inlay seems to work better when thinner. Eh, you have to try one to get better. By round 3 or 4 I get to thinking, hey maybe I can sell these...)

Ocaisonally. However this particular hide was very nicely finished with very little sponge on the flesh side. I have learned that much has to do with whoever skinned the hide and the quality of the tanner. Not all tanneries are created equal. Great question! Keep your eyes peeled on craigslist. I search mulitple gator hunting states and have found much better deals than typical providers. They are sold by the sq cm! You must act quickly when you find them.

Craiglist! Texas! Guy was nice enough to ship to me in TN.

Just picked up some more alligator. The more I use it the better I like it! It's true that it is pricey but nothing really compares to the genuine deal. I've learned that the 6-7 foot hides are special in their own way. However the 11ft hides have big gnarly defined lines. Both beautiful, just different. American alligator (unlike nile and caiman) is soft to the touch but ever so durable. If you haven't tried, go for it! Below is a 7ft hide. Rob

I would try to persuade the customer to allow you to finish the holster as you normally would. There is a reason for it and most customers may have a tough time understanding the why behind what we do. Try to share that with them and the downside of not doing so. You can still put a final finish with wax. Veg tanned without sealer lends itself to moisture issues in the near future. IMHO.

Take a picture of the entire hide. If it is real gator or lizzard you can see where the scales and hide narrow for the legs and tail and then stop. Additionally the flesh side will be rough and less uniform. Embossed cowhide looks just like the second picture you attached. You cant really tell where the animal begins and ends on an embossed hide. This is the way the buyers of embossed hides what it so they can use all of the hide. Quality embossing looks remarkably real to anyone but those of us who have been handling and working with exotics. Lizard rarely ever gets to that size...at least that I have seen regularly sold. It does not really look like gator or croc to me. Check me on this but do a search for gator or lizard and see how they look and compare yours. Best of luck.

I agree! They take dye well too. They will polish up beautifully.

I'd guess from the size that it was cow hide embossed to look like lizard.

+1 alligator for sure.