Steve75

Rex, Thanks, that would be great. Ferg, Thanks, for the advice. The photos will be a great source for ideas on hardware to use in building the halter. fivewayswelshcobs, Thank you for sharing the measurements and advice on construction. I enjoy visiting this website as I am able to get sage advice from experienced leatherworkers. When I have the halter made I will post pictures of it. Thanks again for your advice guys. Steve

My niece is showing cattle for 4H. I have been searching in vein for a pattern to make her a halter. Tandy has a pattern pack but its for horses. Anyone know where I might be able to find a pattern to make one? Below is a picture of what I am talking about. Any help is appreciated.

Stohlman's many books on leatherworking are an invaluable source of information. The projects are dated in some cases, however the techniques used to create the objects are fundamental to developing your abilities. He also identifies the tools to acquire for each project, so you don't have to worry about the bone head sales person. These books are readily available at your local Tandy's. I have been fortunate as the Tandy in Sacramento has fairly knowledgeable sales persons. On the weekends when I have been there, there have been a couple knowledgeable leatherworkers floating around the store, which you might be able to strike up a conversation with. This forum is also a great resource. The many artisans on this forum are great and have no problem sharing information and ideas on how to accomplish projects.

Nicely executed.

I apologize for the vagueness of my original post. I have read the posts and yours spells out the issue nicely. I don't like that I am not able to use my bevelers on tight corner, especially inside corners. I appreciate all the advice on how to sharpen the bevelers. It is good knowledge. I also have Stohlman's book on leather tools and how to sharpen them. Just looking for recommendations on which bevelers perform well in addressing tight corners without gouging the leather.

What type and brand edge bevelers are you guys using? I am currently using Tandy Keen Edge Bevelers and have found they are not user friendly when beveling a corner or a tight radius. Any insight given is appreciated.

The biggest challenge I have is finding the right size container to perform the dip dye in.

If I am after tan I apply a coat of Neats Foot Oil and allow it tan in the sun. This creates a nice tan color. I dip dye to create brown and black. I dip dye in coffee to create a rich brown color. For black I dip dye in vinegaroon. I keep it simple. If I run out of Neats Foot Oil I substitute Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I don't have to worry about running out of a dye. This is important as the nearest Tandy is over 30 miles away, and as Murphy's Law would dictate is closed when I need something leather related.

Truly a work of art.

Thanks, plinkercases. I appreciate the advise. I have my stitch line at the muzzle of the holster and the toe plug at 3/16". It seems like many of the pictures in Packing Iron show the stitch line is closer then what I am using. I can try setting my stitch line for the muzzle of the holster and toe plug at 1/8". I don't think it would be safe to go any closer to the edge. I just completed a second trial run. It was much easier this time. I had an easier time getting the angle right on the awl. I will have to revise my pattern as it will likely be to tight around the muzzle based on my two trials.

Thanks plinkercases. I figure on doing one more practice run before I try it on a holster.

Practiced making and sewing a toe plug. I used 9 ounce leather with a plug made of a double thickness of 9 ounce leather. I now understand why some avoid these things like the plague. They pose a real challenge in maintaining the proper awl angle.

Thanks for the advice. I have some 9 ounce I can practice on. I will also double up the toe plug.

dikman, my wife has known for a while that I have wanted a pair of Army revolvers. She told me I could get them for my birthday in June. I quickly ordered them and anxiously awaited their arrival. Thanks Josh. I am going to try the toe plug on some 4 ounce scrap leather I have first. If it turns out ok I will try it on the actual holster. I will post the results of my experiment when it's finished.

I also like the Slim Jim. Packing Iron has some good examples of the style. I have seen two different tutorials, Ghormley's and Stohlman"s, on how to sew the toe plug in. I was just toying with different design ideas. The toe plug certainly would add some authenticity to the holsters. I have not put a toe plug in any of the holsters I have made thus far. I think I will give it a try on some scrap leather I have to gain some experience before trying on an actual holster.

I got a pair of Uberti 1860s for my birthday, and figured a pair of holsters and a gun belt were in order. I decided to go with a Slim Jim style holster, and created the pattern myself. Just debating how to finish the muzzle area of the holster. I plan on sharing the progress of my project. Any advice or constructive criticism is welcome.

Well done.

I have made three Tom Threeperson style holsters for revolvers. None of them have a safety strap. I can hold any of those holsters with the revolver in it upside down without the weapon falling out.

Nicely executed.

The flaws are what make the work unique. Typically we are the only ones who notice the flaws. The people who view our work are so taken by the artistry that they overlook the flaws, unless they are really obvious.

Nicely executed.

Nicely executed.

Nicely done.

Right there with you on the whole stamping thing, Boriqua. There are a couple of good tutorials that are that opening page of this section of the forum. Brazos has a good one on how to make the Mexican Loop style holster. I have used it with success. I will echo the sentiment on Stohlman's How to Make Holsters book. Both give a run down of the basics of making a pattern. I started with Stohlman's book and made a couple of holsters from it before I moved on to attempting to emulate designs I saw in movies or pictures. A word of caution though this hobby will get expensive quick if you enjoy it as the rest of us do.

Seems like this was at one point a fairly popular holster. I found the Don Hume H702 listed on ebay. They made it for revolvers with 2" and 4" barrels for the J, K, L, and N frame revolvers. Most had a retention strap attached with snaps on both ends making it removable. Being a revolver fan I think I will attempt making on for my .357. Thanks again for sharing the inspiration for your holster, Josh.