DHopper

Hi Josh. Great question! This one is a single strip of 11-12oz hide. It's 1 1/2" wide and feels like the grain fibers should keep this one super strong for a long while. However, having said that; I think I'll still be adding either a 6oz hide or a heavy nylon backing strip to my future belts. I'd rather errrrr on the side of better than not. Dave

Just finished up my first matching belt, mag pouch, & holster set. All black cowhide with caiman skin trim. Holster is for a 1911 Commander. This is my first belt ever, too. I'll be making a 2nd mag pouch for the set to get a better match and much better stitching. It was my first mag pouch to match my Wingman IWB holsters.

Thank you Laird. Great info. I don't think I'm grooving nearly deep enough. That really might make a big difference. Didn't even think of that. I'll try a deeper groove on one I'm prepping to sew tonight. Btw - pretty nice job on the stingray, too.

Ok. I wonder if I should thin down the awl a little more? Are you hand sewing as well? What size needle and thread are you using? Have a pic of one of yours I could compare too? I really appreciate the feedback and help!

Hi Laird. Depends on which one you're referring to. The ones I've hand sewn were punched using an awl I made from jewelers screwdrivers. They're small and hold up really well. A couple of those were done on a buddies machine at his boot shop. One big difference I haven't overcome yet is the thread size I can use by hand compared to the machine. If I go bigger by hand I have to use a bigger needle which makes it super tough to get through without making even bigger holes. Are you thinking the holes are too large now? Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!! Dave

Beautiful work! The tooling is awesome.

Morning. Thanks everyone for the replies. Much appreciated! Red. The 2nd loop is incorporated into the mouth support piece that wraps from front to back. Not a great pic, but should give you the idea. This one was the first with a thumb break I had done and is rather messy. I need to get new pics of the cleaner and newer ones.

Just finished these up and wanted to share. They're full 1911 IWB rigs with ostrich leg front trim and straps. What ya think?

I've been lurking here and trying to soak up all the great info and tips. Some amazing lessons and help from some amazing artists. I figured I may as well post a few of my projects. I've been at the bench working with leather for a couple months now. I'm still on the learning path, but a little better off than my first couple attempts. Eventually I need to break down and find a machine. Getting a little tired of hand cramps! LoL. Anyway, check them out if you would. Throw in some tips and suggestions, too. Can always use the feedback to get better. Thx.

Hello all. Another new member here. I just got pointed to the forum by a great holster maker who has gone out of his way to throw me quite a few tips and suggestions. Thanks again, Josh! I'm a rookie leather worker, but I've got the bug. I've been making holsters and mag pouches for a couple months now and began by making custom watch straps a few months before that. I'm learning something new every day, and hope to keep doing that here for a long while. Right now I'm doing everything by hand and with mostly improvised or self made tools. Makes some things pretty difficult but actually it's fun that way ... for now! LoL. Hope to see you around. Dave