snubbyfan

I tried drilling stitch holes in a knife sheath once, once, I wasn't happy with how it looked. Yeah I got the stitch holes done faster, but it just didn't look right to me.

Wow, those are really nice.

Nice stuff Chief.

Looks good, I used to use a stitching wheel but I feel that using a pricking iron works better for me.

I used to make custom furniture and I have a garage workshop with lotsa wood scraps. I'm sure ya'll be seein' something from me.

Nice belt. I could just imagine how cool that'd look with a matching holster.

It's a question of production. The bottles are blow molded and the manufacturing method dictates the shape more than the end use.

I make belts, straps, rifle slings and stuff like that but I haven't made any dog collars yet.

I determine where the most stress'll be placed on the stitches. On these knife sheaths, I added "ears" to give me a place to end and double back my stitches. On the off side, I doubled my stitches to give it a balanced look. On this holster, I started and stopped my stitches at the bottom. I started at the bottom, stitched along the inside, stitched the perimeter then back stitched 3 or 4 stitches after I came back around on the bottom. Both ends of the thread are at the backside, clipped leaving about 1/8" then melted and mashed down. Fold over knife sheaths and holsters, I'll start at the top and end at the bottom. Back stitching 3 or 4 stitches. I do all my stitching by hand so I'm not sure how this'll apply to machine stitching. I don't use any super glue and none of my stitches have ever come loose.

You're welcome, my stuffs more of a traditional American style. Gratuitous backside picture; I've been thinkin' of maybe tryin' a dangler sheath, they seem more popular in the UK.

Looks good, I'm sure your friend'll like it. The dye job's very good. Thanks for showin' the back. I'm always curious what the back of items look like. Excellent, straight stitch line.

I agree with the others, that's very nice, well done.

Looks pretty good. Yeah there are certain refinements that can be made and that'll come with time and practice. The dye job looks good and even without any blotchiness. There are some who like the offset iwb design. Holster cant depends on what the end user prefers. But in general I'll make a holster with zero cant for field use; Forward cant for concealed carry; And canted toward the strong hand for a chest holster;

Very nice, I like 'em both.

Did you say dirty words with your youngster at the table?

I use Tan Kote as a sealer and Gum Trag. for edge burnishing. After burnishing and after the gum trag dries I put a coat or two of Tan Kote over that.

When I first started out, I had a scratch awl, craft needles, some blind cord, a snap set, a sturdy pair of scissors and a bag of veg. tan scraps. One of the first things I made was this thumb break holster. After that I was addicted. Now I've got 3 boxes of stuff that I accumulated a little at a time and a few double shoulders of leather of different weights.

After my edges are burnished, I put a couple of coats of topcoat over them and that seems to help. I checked out Bob Park, he said that he doesn't use gum trag. because he dyes his edges after burnishing and it prevents the edges from absorbing dye. I just might try some of his techniques, I'm always willin' to try something new.

Very nice.

I also come from a woodworking background. I just chucked a sanding drum in my drill press and use that to sand my edges. After sanding, I bevel my edges, wet, burnish, let the edge dry then gum trag, burnish, let it dry then gum trag and burnish again. After that dries, I do the stitchin', top coat then burnish the edge one more time. I'm pleased with how it turned out. I do all my burnishing by hand.

I like it, looks good. As far as 5 vs 7 holes, if it's just to hold pants up of for a designated holster, I'll usually put 5 holes unless otherwise specified. If it's for concealed carry with an unspecified holster, I'll put 7 holes. Don't know if it'll be iwb, owb, paddle, pocket or whatever and I want to leave extra adjustability.

For me there's nothing else that takes my mind off of all of life's little troubles like leather work. It's the experience of creation that I enjoy and doin' the best that I can, just as much as the finished product. Doin' a long stitch line is actually relaxing and good physical therapy for my hands. I recently finished this for a customer. He paid for hand stitching, dying and finishing and that's what he got. When I lost a bunch or weight and needed another belt. In todays world of instant gratification, I find it gratifying to be able to sit down, relax and make my own leather products. It's also nice to make a few bucks while I'm at it.

Thanks, I'm thinkin' a custom holster and a box of ammo'd be good for Christmas and may encourage her to get more range time in.

I just found out that my sister bought herself a snubby revolver and that she'll be goin' for her VA concealed carry permit soon. It's a Charter Arms Pink Lady. I'm wantin' to make a holster for her for a Christmas present but there ain't no such a thing as a Charter Arms Blue Gun. Least that I could find. Does anyone know if it's the same size as a S&W J frame snubby? That's a Blue Gun I already have.

There ya go hidepounder, I left it that way on purpose to give it a "rugged look."