KarlB

Also, I should mention that this holster was dyed using the vinegaroon formula posted in a very informative thread on this site. Thank you for the vinegaroon thread!!! KarlB

Thank you, Mr. Hayes, for your input. Glad to make your acquaintance! I may not have specified, but the examples I've posted are just trial, experimental models. The plain one was made for a friend, as per his request, and the black one is my personal one, and my goal is not to make a concealed carry holster, but rather a scabbard to use at the range for shooting steel targets. Where I live, "carry concealed" is not permitted, but there are ranges which permit holster carry when "on the line." (After completing an approved course!) So - quick access is not an issue at this moment, but your point is well taken, and on my next model I may well streamline the back part of the holster a bit. This is a fun hobby, and I appreciate all comments and input I receive! I hope you can find a nice spike antler for boning - it's the BEST!!! Here's another view of my newest holster with the boning tool: Best regards KarlB

Boning... My tool of choice is a spike antler from a young buck I harvested many years ago,,, KarlB

Here's another belt slide holster for the 1911 I just put together: KarlB

I'm glad you found some help here, Ibenu! I'm a beginner with the weaving and knots myself, mostly I just do sheaths and holsters. But if there's any way I can be of assistance, please ask! And almost everyone here will help if they can! Good luck with the riding crops! Karl

Well, the steering wheel is locked up in storage until we need it... looks like it will be a while! So I did not get the chance to take some new pictures, sorry, Fandaor! But to answer your question (and I apologize for the delay - I've been crazy busy!) about affixing to the handle, it's quite simple: I just start the Turkshead by pulling the lace UNDER one of the strands in the handle. I tie it wet (using saddle soap) and once it dries, it is a nice snug fit. I hope they have more similar projects for me in the near future! Look for "Restoration Garage" on The History Channel to see more of our projects, too! You might even see ME!! LOL KarlB

Hello, Fanador! A pleasure to make your acquaintance! I managed to figure out the Turk's Head knot that we needed on the handles, thanks to help from members on here and an excellent book by Bruce Grant, "The Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather Braiding." Here is a picture of one of my "practice" knots. I'm sorry, but I searched through my pictures for a better one of the steering wheel, but I can't find one! When I'm in the shop tomorrow I'll try to remember to take a close up picture of the stitching. Thanks for replying and good luck with your project! Karl

Just to let everyone know, I managed to do it! With a lot of advice and help from RCsaddles. Many thanks! I'll try to post a pic: Many thanks again! KarlB

Thanks, Pattonky! Before I had this job foisted upon me, my leatherworking had been limited to holsters, pouches and belts. In this particular application, we are being required to use the same material for all the upholstery coverings - seats, doors, interior panels, steering wheel, and yes, even the grab handles on the back of the seats! Now, I'm not certain of the weight or manufacturer or tanning process of the leather we have, but it is *extremely* light, akin to a "glove" leather. It *REALLY* has a lot of stretch in one direction - which imposed a bit of a challenge forming the steering wheel cover! I might have to remake the handles yet again, as the loop ends are noticeably larger than the originals. But NOW I have a good idea how to accomplish this!! Thank you for your comments! KarlB

Basically, this is what I was attempting to accomplish: They aren't perfect, and I will probably have to remake them if the Powers That Be decide so, but at least now I think I have a "handle" on how to do it! LOL Been a long hard trek, but we're getting there! KarlB

Thank you for the reply, HorsehairBraider! I really could use some one-on-one lessons at this point. The frustrating part is that what I'm trying to do is a "SIMPLE" (!!) Turk's Head, and I know I'm missing something that should be completely obvious! Also, after this automotive project is done, I may not braid again for a very long time - my preference is in making holsters. Also, none of the tack shops I've visited around here (and it is QUITE a "horsey" area!) can give any suggestions - they're only salespeople. Oh, well, I'll just keep trying, and EVENTUALLY I will "get it!" Thanks again... KarlB

That's exactly what I'm trying to accomplish on my project at work!! Specifically, I need step=by-step instruction on how to fabricate the Turksheads at either end. No matter how I try, I always end up with a tangled mess! My braiding turned out alright, though. Even Bruce Grant's Encyclopedia doesn't help me... same for YouTube... any help would be GREATLY appreciated!! (Yes, I realize this is an older post, but I'm desperate! Thanks... KarlB

I'm presently in the Bradford area, and working with The Guild Of Automotive Restorers there. We will be featured on The History Channel this fall!! Good to hear from you! KarlB http://www.guildclassiccars.com/

Hi - it's a 1942, as I mentioned - a "concept" car, of which only one was made. Similar variants were produced after the fact, of course. Pininfarina did the coachwork. I have already successfully recreated the steering wheel covering... Lots more leather work to do! KarlB Thanks for replying! Oh - it was the first time they used the term "Golden Arrow" (or Freccia d'Oro) to label the automobile.

Hi everyone! I've been given a daunting task at my place of employment. We're restoring a one-of-a-kind automobile, and the chore has fallen upon me to do some of the leather work. Specifically, the braided "grab handles" on the rear of the front seat. I've been able to weave the basic parts and make the loop ends, but I've failed miserably at forming a decent Turk's Head knot to cover up the mating parts. Can anyone give me any hints? I have the Encyclopedia of Rawhide & Leather Braiding by Bruce Grant, and Braiding Fine Leather by David Morgan, and have watched numerous videos by Bernie 46(?) to no avail. I still end up with a tangled mess! In the photo above, my effort is above the original part I'm attempting to replicate, as close as possible. Please help!! Thanks! KarlB

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum but have enjoyed dabbling in leatherwork as a hobby for a few years. I'm really looking for information on how to braid or plait leather strips. There's a project at work that has fallen upon me. But as an introduction, I have a pic of a project I did a little while ago - a pancake holster for a 1911 ACP pistol. Fits and functions quite nicely. I hope to learn a lot on this forum!