Eaglestroker

I'd be really proud to call that my first holster. You should be too

I ran into this on W&C leather, I now make patterns out of 1/4" PDF, sandwiching the leather, and cut with a scroll saw. Sure makes for less sore fingers.

If you really wanted to be slick, make the holster 'Katass' style with two thinner weights of leather, then your snap is hidden in the middle and the reinforcement piece is not needed. I can see where you would want that and very innovative, I myself prefer to get to my shooter a little quicker.

Matt, it's fiebings professional lt brown, cut with alcohol. 50/50 give or take 5-25% Do everything as normal. When ready for final finish, apply light coat of something as a resist (people argue about what, I use the same thing I use as a finish). Wipe on the black antique, don't let it sit for long or it will bleed through your resist, and wipe it off. Reapply as need it will be obvious what needs touching up if you have tooled it. When all this is done LEAVE IT ALONE, I do this last thing so it will sit at least 8 hours before I touch it again. If you rush the final finish the antique will rub up and onto your brush if you don't apply by airbrush, I use a sponge brush with the finish cut very thin. May be right, may be wrong, but whatever it is it works for me. I attached a picture of the belt where you can see a 'line' where the antique is and isn't applied. I also attached one in mahogany done the same way, but with what I call a 'lick' of black all the way to the stitching. I don't care for mahogany as I find the color overbearing, some folks do though. -Robert

Thank you, definitely my new favorite color. Thank you Del, Thanks for the compliments. If it makes a difference I use the Gel formula fiebings antique, applied with shearling and wiped off with a rag. -Robert Thanks Shooter! Hey Jake, just have to kick the right stones. I do a lot of local trading. I joke with friends that leatherworking is the best thing to ever happen to my gun addiction. -Robert Thank you! Thank you Mike, glad it worked out for everyone as this belt would most certainly not fit me. -Robert

I recently traded some work for a nice Model 28 Highway Patrolman. This rig for a 4" Colt Python was the last of our deal, as I was going along dying a few different belts edges I accidentally dipped my dauber in the black dye, and by the time I caught it, it was to late. After emailing the customer with updated photos I asked if he wanted me to precede as is or start over. He not only told me to go on with it, but to finish it as I see fit. I used a black antique and am quite happy with the results of my mistake -Robert

I started with Standard, now I order 3-6 sides every 6-7 weeks using their overstock Special grade. Even when I cut out the portions I won't use the savings are pretty tremendous. My last order was 2 sides 4-5 oz, 2 6-7, 2 7-8, and one 8-10 oz all in the carving leather. I ordered on a Tuesday and it shipped on a Friday but this seems to be an exception to the rule.

Some variables, I would think, would be time and materials invested into the project. I almost always undercharge the first time I attempt a new project, not intentionally that's just the way it is as you find things out while your working. YOU know what your willing to work for and if the customer isn't ok with making it worth your time just as well. Look forward to seeing what you come up with should you take the job!

Thanks for the picture Mike. Like the way you wrapped the lining around on the front, seen that a lot on El Paso Saddlery lined rigs. The two tone really sets them both off. -Robert

I'd like to see the back of that second, Mike. Top notch work as to be expected!

I like the two-toned interior and stitching. Nice job!

Dalton, that first one has my name all over it. That my friend is gorgeous!

Shooter, I agree with the pink thread Really like the look so kudos!

The gun dragging is a consequence of using a thumb break and the end user must take this into consideration when choosing the right 'one for them' IMO. In my narrow mind it seems in fixing one 'problem' you may create issues with the snap wanting to unsnap when the bumper was hit by the gun and pushing the back support during normal use. There are ways around that...but now I'm rambling

Hope you don't mind me adding this, but this is the version of that holster Mernickle sells as a high ride. It has a flap of leather with a 'bumper' at the base that pushes against the muzzle to aid in preventing tip out. Every review I've ever seen has been a good one so I think your on a winning design! They also seem to demand a premium price. I've nearly posted about this design more than once.

I like it, would have probably double stitched the entire thing, if possible, to keep it looking uniform. Some stitching patters can be a maze to figure out! On a side note I am curious on the construction of that holster if you have any pictures of the construction process. Reminds me of a Mernicle design I've been staring at for a while.

Excellent work! Might I ask what basket stamp that is? I love the longer look.

I currently have to turn down a lot of orders due to me not being able to come up with the different Blackhawks, Redhawks, Security Sixes and such. Besides the base 4" Gp100 and 3" SP101 Rings offers, I know Cleveland offers a Speed six. Anyone have a source I do I just have to buy them all?

Thank you Shooter. Thank you for the compliments! I really like the caliber and the handgun, next on my wish list is a 45 Colt or 45 ACP wheelie, though Thank you Bob! Josh, appreciate the words as always . -Robert

Thanks Mike. It's all sewn by a Tippmann Boss, have the utmost respect for anyone with the patience to hand sew an entire rig like this.

I already posted this over in the Holster area, but frankly I wanted to show it off and get some comments from the not so regular crowd. This is the first full blown rig I have made for myself and am all-in-all very giddy with the results. Thoughts/critics/comments welcomed

Hey Viking, I am looking forward to playing with it as it is my first .44 Caliber handgun. I finished these along with 100 plinking rounds on Tuesday, and picked up the gun on Friday I am headed out right now to go enjoy the afternoon after getting to wear my new rig while on the grill. Time to see how she shoots! -Robert

Thank you! Mike, I'm pretty sure it was a post between you and Ray showing yours off that made me want one. Yours appears in better shape than mine and has excellent figure in the grips!

I'll start by saying that for the most part leather is a hobby that pays for itself, most of the time. About everything I make off of pieces I sell either goes into new equipment/tools or into handguns you can't buy molds for. Writing off guns as a business expense is kind of nice, too In any case I've been on the hunt for a 3" N-frame S&W for a little while now and finally found it. The previous owner of this 24-3 was the original owner and also a LEO who worked for his local DA. Since it was his carry gun I thought a LEO-esque rig would be mighty appropriate. Some people don't care for my style and I'm A-OK with that. Minus the seeding I attempted on the thumb break I am really happy with this rig especially as a first attempt on everything but the belt. The holster is 7/8 oz with a 2-3 oz calfskin lining. Ever since trying it I've been hooked on the calf skin it is a super slick finish. Have a great holiday weekend everyone and don't forget why we have it!

Very nice, particularly fond of the elephant rig. I recently rushed my first attempt with it, and while I failed miserably it sure did look good!