Ran

Mike...I can see myself giving that a whirl. I really don't mind the stitching (at least not YET I don't). I find it relaxing and easy enough to do that I can let my mind wonder to other (perhaps more important?) things..

Thanks for the comments and tips, folks. I appreciate it. Glendon, while I 'have' researched spraying a little, I've not tried it yet. It appears the initial expense is not too bad, so I can definitely see myself getting into it. A craftsman can never have too many tools!

I've been making my first holsters and have actually sold three of them already. The 9-10oz. double shoulder I bought from Tandy is just 'okay,' in my opinion (in terms of quality, that is). I don't have much to compare it with, but from what I've seen and read, there are much better options in terms of premium holster leather. Does anyone have tips on where to purchase my leather and what product to buy? Springfield? Herman Oak? Is 9-10oz. the right weight (seems like it to me). As a LONG time woodworker, cabinet-maker, furniture builder, I'm familar with many of the tools and confident in my ability to make things from leather. The biggest challenge I'm discovering is achieving an even dye job. On the most recent holster I've made, I dampened the leather just a bit before applying the dye with a sponge and it helped tremendously. But I'd still like to achieve a better quality dyeing process. Any tips will be much appreciated. And I apologize to the admin if I've placed this post in the wrong section.

Thanks Frank!

Guess that makes me third..

Thanks St8line!

Nice work, Bill!

Nice work, Rogueshadow! Question: How do you measure for the stitches if molding only the front? Do you leave a little 'slop' in the front leather?? I've made a few holsters, but never one with a flat back panel..

Thanks Double Bar P! I've been looking at more stamps and other tools for leather crafting lately. Not really sure what I want yet. Although I see LOADS of talent and experience in all of these floral patterns, they don't particularly do much for me. I guess I'd like to keep watching videos and looking at pictures here on the forum for a while so I can decide just exactly what trips my trigger.. Randy

Thanks for the kind remarks, Phil!

Yes Mike, I've sent grips all over the Country. Depending of the species of wood and whether its been stabilized, I sell 1911 grips for anywhere from $45 to $80 shipped. I have some beautiful stabilized Box Elder Burl in both Officers and fullsize 1911 in stock right now. I also have some curly Walnut and Curly Maple. I have several others too, but this gives you an idea. I can also cut them for a magwell and/or cover the MSH post, OR cut the relief per traditional grips. Oh....and I make those pistol stands too. PM me if you're interested. I don't want to break any rules on this forum..

Small world, Mike! I used to spend a fair amount of time in Madison in the 'old days,' back when I was in business.

Thanks for all the comments, folks! (especially you fellow 'Cheeseheads'). I know from all my years of fine woodworking that sometimes one needs to take a break and let what he's learned 'soak in' a little. I'm gonna do just that and get back to the leather in a few days again. Kinda funny....my woodworking shop is beginning to look like a leatherworking shop. My tablesaw must be wondering what all that leather is doing draped over it..

Thanks Mike. Yes, I make pistol grips. I've been a cabinet-making, furniture builder, woodworker for a very long time. The leather work is just a natural progression for me as well as a distraction from woodworking for a while. I make grips out of all sorts of wood. The ones on that 1911 Officers are made from stabilized spalted Taramind. Its a wood that I believe is native to southest Asia..

Thanks Mike. I appreciate the referrals. So, after creating and doing the tooling, you then 'painted' the floral pattern? I assume using tiny brushes?? Very nice, BTW...

Thanks St8line....Here in the Northwoods of WI no such Leather Store. I was at a Tandy in the Milwaukee area last week, but that's 250 miles south of me. Guess I'll keep watching YouTube vids. Watching videos fits my personality better anyways. That's how I learned what I know so far.

Mike...I honestly don't know where to start with the tooling. I suppose I'll need to purchase more stamping tools. How do you get the pattern?? Here's my first basketweave stamp job.. (I made it for a 'south paw' buddy of mine in NC)

Mike....I too just made my first 'Avenger' style holster the other day. I like the tooling on yours and I want to learn how to do that. Nice work!

Mike....thanks for the comments. You are spot-on regarding grip clearance. I need to slightly adjust my pattern in that regard. I have relatively small hands and can get a quick grip on the pistol, but my hand 'does' indeed contact the hind top of the holster. Anyone with 'fat' fingers is not going to like it. I just finished another 'practice' holster for a southpaw buddy of mine down in NC and I have a similar issue with that one too. Its a pancake for a 3" officers 1911. I intend to make adjustments. Thanks again, Mike!

Thanks Frank. I get down your way fairly often. I grew up in Waukesha and still have lots of family down there..

Thanks folks! Just made another holster today, and thanks to this forum my edges look fantastic!

Hi Folks, Just recently got started leather working. I'm a long time woodworker, cabinet maker, furniture builder, pistol grip maker and decided to try my hand a making a few holsters. I can already see that this is going to become addicting! Here is my first stab at making holsters. I hope to learn LOTS more about this craft here..