Johnny Valentine

Also, thanks for the pic of your holsters. Very handsome work. I want to make some Mexican Single Loops similar to those, but with slightly bigger and rounded loops for placement of Texas Star conches. I intend to do a little tooling on the rig, but it will be limited by time (my wedding on 11/17/12) and skill level. Johnny Valentine

@ Old Grump: Wow! 12/13 oz seems really thick. Plus lining? Why do you go that thick on your belts? I was planning to use the same 4/5 or 5/6 sandwich as was recommended for holsters. BTW, this will be an old west style cartridge belt. Any particular tips or tricks regarding this style? Also, no one chimed in regarding shoulders vs. sides, and why Herman doesn't seem to sell shoulders. Any thoughts? Thanks, Johnny Valentine P.S. Just curious, what kind of Colt replicas do you have/favor? Any thoughts on Ruger's New Vaquero? I know it's technically not a true replica.

Howdy, I'm kind of a young buck and new to these parts. Been interested in leather work for a long time, but just now getting started. I have a background in woodworking, so I know my way around the shop and can use tools without loosing any appendages. For my birthday I'm getting a Ruger New Vaquero in .357 mag, and of course I need a good holster and cartridge belt to go boot. Now to the nitty-gritty, I'm at a quandary as to how to go about lining said rig. Some recommend a soft pigskin or suede, while others insist that none other than good quality cowhide will do, especially to preserve blued steel. Right now I'm leaning towards the cowhide, but my question is what quality of cowhide is necessary? I want to do it right and use Herman Oak, but this could be cost prohibitive if I have to buy pieces of two different weights, e.g. 5-6 oz and 3-4 oz. What are some thoughts on going with a small side of 4-5 oz and using that for outer and lining? Also, if Herman Oak is so great why don't they offer shoulders, which are said to be the ideal cut for holsters? Sorry if I ramble. Any and all feedback will be appreciated. Sincerely, Jason, AKA Johnny Valentine

Hey guys, I'm kind of a young buck and new to these parts. Been interested in leather work for a long time, but just now getting started. I have a background in woodworking, so I know my way around the shop and can use tools without loosing any appendages. For my birthday I'm getting a Ruger New Vaquero in .357 mag, and of course I need a good holster and cartridge belt to go boot. Now to the nitty-gritty, I'm at a quandary as to how to go about lining said rig. Some recommend a soft pigskin or suede, while others insist that none other than good quality cowhide will do, especially to preserve blued steel. Right now I'm leaning towards the cowhide, but my question is what quality of cowhide is necessary? I want to do it right and use Herman Oak, but this could be cost prohibitive if I have to buy pieces of two different weights, e.g. 5-6 oz and 3-4 oz. What are some thoughts on going with a small side of 4-5 oz and using that for outer and lining? Also, if Herman Oak is so great why don't they offer shoulders, which are said to be the ideal cut for holsters? Sorry if I ramble. Any and all feedback will be appreciated. Sincerely, Jason, AKA Johnny Valentine