K-Man

The Springfield XD .45 acp is a different size than the XD9 or 40. The XD-M is a different size all together, along with their XD tactical models.

Where did you get the rattlesnake skin from? What species is it? I've never seen one like that before.

Laser engraving of leather is an excellent tool with which to work. The detail and effect provided open up many opportunities to decorate a piece of leather. It's a bit on the expensive side for some folks, generally starting in the $10k range for a decent machine. I've used them on occasion and have enjoyed the results. You've shown some impressive work, and we hope to see much more.

I utilize the press offered by Weaver to do the initial forming of the holster around the gun. Once that's been done, then I utilize a couple of boning tools and modeling spoons to highlight the lines of the gun. Here's a couple of pics that show how much of a difference it makes by going the extra step in comparison to just utilizing the press (or similar). (Not trying to hijack your thread, but simply want to show the effect you can get by taking the extra time to do that.) As you do more holsters, and more guns, you'll learn where the lines are that you want to follow. Each person's interpretation is different in that respect. In my experience, the Hermann Oak leather has proven to be the best for holster making. I've utilized WC as well, but find it to be better for knife sheaths, tooling, and a few other things.

I make my belts as shown as the single layer.

The placement of the paddle itself on the holster is critical for the overall balance of the gun on the belt. This affects the function of the holster, as well as the comfort. There are some variety of styles of paddles. Most use kydex material; I've seen others use a paddle made out of leather. The G-Code paddles mentioned above would give you a good starting point in working with the paddle itself.

Looks like those will work. Thanks, rdb.

Anybody know of a source for the 1.5" roller buckles with the double tongue? Every place I've looked either has the single tongue or is a size much larger than I need. Am making a belt and the customer wants the double-tongue, if we can find it. Any resources available? Thanks.

I've owned both the cast iron and aluminum versions. I got the first one (cast iron) new about 6 years ago, and they were just transitioning to the aluminum version. If the current owner of the machine you're interested in bought it new recently, then odds are greater that it's the aluminum version. My experience with the machines themselves was very frustrating. I actually owned three of them. Broke parts in the first two, and sold off the third one in frustration. An issue with it is the timing gets off very easily. If you're able to reset the timing, then most likely you'll have few issues with it. One of the other issues I had with it was trying to transition between thinner and thicker layers of leather. Once I got it set for the thicker leather, it was fine. But I would spend an inordinate amount of time trying to adjust tension, etc., if I wanted to sew something relatively thin in comparison. I've read many reports of people who use the machine that are satisfied with it, and have produced some nice stuff. I'll never own another one, based on the experiences I've had with the machine itself. The customer service at Tippmann is excellent and they will help you in every way possible with it. I bought mine from Neel's Saddlery. After having the problems I did with the BOSS, I transitioned to a couple of his flatbed and cylinder arm machines. It was a huge difference and improvement for me. I now have Artisan machines.

Forgot to mention - the machine is located in central FL, near Tampa.

Have one of my Artisan 3000 machines up for sale. It's a couple of years old, and does a great job laying down a stitch. Have not had any issues with it at all. The price is $1500. It includes the stand, servo motor, speed reducer, some needles, or other accessories that came with the machine when purchased. Payment can be made by cash, money order/cashier's check, or credit card (Mastercard/VISA). Shipping would be an option (and added expense), but only by the buyer's arrangement. The buyer would need to contact a shipper and have them come to the shop and get it all packaged up, etc. That's not a difficult task to have done, I just do not have the time to arrange for and/or do the packaging of the machine/stand. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. The quickest way is to contact me at our shop, 813-601-0504, and we're available Monday-Saturday, 9:00 - 6:00 (eastern time). You can also pm me here on the forum or send an email (leathercraft ((AT)) hotmail ((DOT)) com).

Okay, Jeff, you can stop showing off now. You're putting the rest of us to shame here. Very, very nice work. I believe you have a strong future in the custom holster business and will do very well in that segment. Maybe you should apply for a "design trademark."

Buying direct from Ring's will get you a good price, too.

You would be wasting your time and money with the one you have pictured. If you're set on getting one of those, let me know. I have one I'd sell to you for say $25 + shipping. It's just gathering dust under one of my work benches. There's a number of folks here who have a variety of styles of presses. Most use what's readily available around them. I use the one offered by Weaver, as it's a space saver model, and you can put a good size hydraulic jack into it. It comes with a 6-ton jack.

If you become a business entity (usually a simple, inexpensive process), you can buy direct from Ring's. And becoming a business entity opens up a large number of other sources you can buy from, usually at significant savings.

Very nice job, Matt.

Actually the cheapest place to buy the blue guns is from Ring's themselves, www.blueguns.com.

The following guns have sold, pending receipt of funds: Beretta Cougar Colt Detective S&W 500 4" Ruger P95 Ruger P89 S&W 4006 S&W 4013 TSW Charter Arms Undercover Charter Arms Bulldog STI Edge STI LS9

Have the following available in addition to the above: STI Edge D STI LS9 D Will have a few others available soon, as we're pairing down the guns.

SIG P220R/226R, Beretta 92FS, Springfield 1911-A1 are sold, pending receipt of funds.

Have the following dummy guns available: Beretta 92 D Beretta 92FS B Beretta Cougar B Taurus PT945 D Bersa Thunder .45 D Firestorm .40 D Colt Detective D S&W 500 4” D Ruger P95 D Ruger 22/45 D Raven .25 B Spg 1911-A1 B 1911 5” (aluminum) Ruger P89 B Walther P99 B S&W Sigma 9V B S&W 4006 D S&W 4013TSW D SIG P229R B/D SIG P229 B/D SIG P220R/226R B F&N 5.7 D H&K SOCOM B Charter Arms Undercover (factory dummy gun) Charter Arms Bulldog (factory dummy gun) D = Duncan Aluminum Gun B = Ring’s Blue Gun Price is $25/each, plus flat rate priority mail shipping. Payment accepted is Paypal, credit card, or money order/cashier's check. If interested, please contact me via pm here on the forum. Thanks for your consideration.

John Barton: That's true for the most part. There are, however, ways to make and sell items that have trademarked logos on them. It's a very finite area within the law. For anyone considering something along these lines, the best thing you can do is obtain advice from a trusted legal advisor/attorney.

I can't believe ya'll would say such nice things about his holster - shame, shame, shame. I was always taught to not say anything at all unless I could say something nice.... Hmm...well....uh....let me see - the maker's stamp looks nice. Kind of looks like a billboard to me. Bruce, it looks like you need to sign up for my all-special, how to make a real holster, class. It's a 3-day intensive training class on how to learn how to make holsters. The cost, you ask? A very reasonable $2400. I only offer one of these a year, and I only have one seat/opening left available. So you best sign up quick if'n you want to learn anything. I think you could greatly benefit from this class.... Nice holster there, my friend. Like Rhome mentioned, I also think the extra line around the edge(s) adds a nice accent. Keep up the good work.

Welcome, Bree. Don't know if you've had the opportunity or inclination, but have you knocked on Lou Alessi's door yet? He's often been willing to share aspects of holster-making. He's right in your backyard....