bushpilotmexico

Let's put it this way whether there is a glue or not (Gorilla glue will work but foams) I think the rawhide has to be free floating and let it shrink if it wants between layers and form to the predetermined shape. Trapped between leather that has been subjected to the cuirboulli process I think you would be able to jump up and down on the holster without affecting the shape when it dries. Just looking for comments from leather artisans who have worked with rawhide.

Thanks Dwight, What I don't understand is why is it such a big secret, Obviously because the rawhide needs to be wet and supple to be able to sandwich it and then form the holster there is a certain technique that should be followed, type of adhesive, etc. if adhesive is in fact used (I doubt it). This guy on Google who says it's his trade secret shouldn't be afraid to pass it on. The proof of the pudding is the end result if he is, in fact, a master leather smith then his final product should speak for itself and blow away any competition if they use his technique. I see some individuals use metal between layers rather than rawhide. In a lot of my knife sheaths I use the old boiled leather process and after I wet form the knife the sheath dries as hard as nails. I'm kind of thinking that if you sandwich the rawhide (wet) between the outer and inner lining leather but don't have the rawhide extend into the area to be stitched. Then sew the holster, use the boiled leather technique and form it to the firearm which has been wrapped sufficiently ( remember in fast draw we don't want a friction fit it has to fit loose) with layers of saran wrap or what ever to get the loose fit and then let the holster dry. If and when the rawhide decides to shrink it will do so trapped between the boiled leather outer and inner layers. Not being held by the stitches it shouldn't cause the liner to bubble up as it shrinks. It should follow the predetermined shape of the holster. I think this has to be the way it's done as I can't think of any glue that will bond to wet leather and you really don't want it bonded if it's going to shrink.

I have searched all over including this forum for hints on how to fasten rawhide between two pieces of leather when forming a fast draw cowboy holster. I Googled one gentleman who makes them and when it came to his process he politely said it's a trade secret. I'm a custom knife maker and in all my years never met a knifemaker who wouldn't share any or all the information he possessed. Nothing was a trade secret. The thing that separated the master knife makers from the amateur was the quality of the finished product. I make all the sheaths for my knives as well as archery quivers. Rawhide has to be wet to be formed, seems like glue won't adhere to a wet surface, the rawhide shrinks when it dries, if you sandwich it between two layers it will shrink and possibly bubble up the liner and on and on, lots of horror stories. It would be much appreciated if anyone be able to tell me how to proceed or maybe give me some helpful tips? I use 8-9 oz leather for my sheaths and for holster making was thinking of using 8-9 oz and then 3-4 oz for the liner and sandwiching rawhide in between. Some photos:

Hi Dwight, I sent you a PM asking what tool you use to cut the slots? thx

After making the back quiver I thought I would take a stab at making a side quiver. The side quiver seems a lot more practical. With the strap over the right shoulder and the quiver hanging by the your left side removing an arrow is easy. Simply select and arrow, slide it backwards and then slide it down and out. Very little actual movement unlike with a back quiver. Naturally lots of little mistakes, most of them fudged over but if I build a second one it has been a learning experience.

Being a part time custom knife maker probaly more for "I made one" rather than being practical. Don't think I would want to try and skin out a deer with it. This the side quiver that I made and use for 3D shoots and competitions. Any photos would be appreciated. Thx

I am a traditional archer and although I don't think a back quiver is practical I decided to at least try and make one. I'm not terribly pleased with the single strap and would welcome suggestions as to how to construct a 3 point harness.