mrfixit

Thanks gentlemen. I appreciate the feed back, and agree that the stitching needs improvement. Since I'm making these for me, for various handguns, I can practice as much as I can afford. I do intend to look seriously at my stitching. I also made a big goof on the stamping. I stamped the wrong side of the stitch line. I've been wearing this one on duty to get an idea how it fits the belt and judging angles and such. I like it. But, I would like it to look better. So I guess I'll have to make another and refine it a bit.

Photo of my "first completed" holster. The actual first one I started, the dye came out way too dark, so it still sits as a flat piece of leather on the bench. The second i finished. I worked the dye problem out, but the belt slots were way to large, and the fit was horrible. I know this one needs improvement, but here it is: I'm looking for feedback and advice. Mr Fixit

Well, just to see for myself, I ordered some horsebutts. I hope to get some with figure in them. They are, as I guess most are, hard rolled. Any advice or special precautions I need to know before they get here? Mr Fixit

Looks like I'm going to have to get some horsehide to play with. Can it be tooled like cowhide? Ive never seen a horsehide piece with tooling.

Can you see the patterns in the leather before you cut it out? can you layout the piece to take advantage of the pattern, or does it just show up after ?

I've seen some photos here (I think from Lobo) that showed a horsehide holster with really nice patterning in it, almost like a fine wood. I was wondering is this something that always shows up in horse? How do you bring out the patterns? What happens if you dye the leather? will the pattern still show. I would really like to make some 'stuff' with it. Mr Fixit

I'm looking for a pattern for a simple pattern for a mag holder. Looking for a single mag carrier for 1911, OWB. Something that wont take up too much space on the belt, but more importantly will wear close to the body. Mr Fixit

I posted this in the exotic section, but haven't received any replies in a week. So, I'm posting it here hoping someone and help me: Went by Tandy and picked up some left over pieces of elephant, Ostrich, and shark to use on holsters. I'm fairly new to this all anyway and only plan on using the exotic as trim and accent pieces. My question is about gluing it. I plan on using contact cement and stitching it to some veg tan before sewing it all together. The back of the elephant especially is really "furry" if that is a description. Looks like suede almost on back. Do I need to do anything to it before gluing it? How much will the exotic stretch when I fold and wet mold? Mr Fixit

Went by Tandy and picked up some left over pieces of elephant, Ostrich, and shark to use on holsters. I'm fairly new to this all anyway and only plan on using the exotic as trim and accent pieces. My question is about gluing it. I plan on using contact cement and stitching it to some veg tan before sewing it all together. The back of the elephant especially is really "furry" if that is a description. Looks like suede almost on back. Do I need to do anything to it before gluing it? How much will the exotic stretch when I fold and wet mold? Mr Fixit

I see what you are saying now. But I had to burnish a couple edges because they wont be a full overlap when sewn. If i dont burnish now, I cant later. Hope that makes sense. After gluing and sewing I will go back and sand the exposed edges even then burnish.

I would like a little more info as well. I have made a few knife sheaths, and after casing put them in the oven on low heat and used a hair dryer as well. They came out hard as rawhide which was what I wanted in that case. Thanks for the video suggestion, I had seen that but it had been a while.

New guy here, couldn't find exactly the answer i need. Im making a holser, OWB fairly simple. Have a pattern I made, and its looking good so far. What I have a question is on the actuall process order. So far I have cut the pattern trimed beveled edges tooled (limited border pattern) dyed ???? next would have to be glue, sew, case i think what then? What or how do I put a protective finish on? I already know this holster is going to be a practice run. The color went wrong. I was using Feibings Cordovan and it came out almost black, not what I was looking for. i wanted a redish brown, or a brownish red. So i'll play with dyes and do it again. I'm going to finish this one to see what all problems with the design come up and how to fix them. Do i have the process right so far? What and how to finish? oil? Looking forward to the ideas.