usmc0341

jt1, For stitching I'm just using waxed nylon thread from Tandy. The applicator pad is for brown shoe polish just to clean up the edges and darken the thread. Thank you guys for the compliments! Brian

Thanks for the compliments guys, I've seen some excellent holsters on here and have learned alot. I've only been doing this since April, but I'm starting to feel like I'm gettin the hang of it. This holster was more of a challenge then ones previous, but I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I'm still learning things from the people on here every day I log on.

And the back

Well I finally finished a holster I feel is worth posting. This is a crossdraw holster for my Dad's Ruger Blackhawk .357. Everything is stitched by hand, and this is the first holster I made with reinforced opening and retention strap. Interested to hear what you guys think!

WOW, very nice looking holster. Now if only I can get mine to look like that!!!

I want to try this stuff out, but I only wanna use it around the top of the holster. If I use the barge cement do I still have to stitch it? I don't want it to come off anywhere. Brian

They look pretty good for your first couple holsters. Each time I make a holster I find things that I would do differently on the next one, I figure in about 10 years I should have the "perfect" holster. It is very addicting but very relaxing for me. Brian

Thanks for the info johnd. I just got off the phone with bluegrass084 who sent me a message with his cell number to give him a call. He not only explained the whole kydex thing, we talked about holsters and leatherworking for the better part of 45 minutes. This site has some great people on it that are willing to go above and beyond to help people out. Thanks for all the replies, I'm gettin me some kydex and a heat gun and plan on practicing this stuff! Semper Fi! Brian

That's good news, but how dare them throw fine handcrafted leather goods in the trash!!! Make sure you still watch your credit, because all they need are a couple of indentifiers such as D.O.B., SS#, address for them to steal your identity.

If there is anything good to this situation, it is the fact that they stole unique one of a kind items, which you have pictures of. Those items will make catching them easier for the police. I doubt they would try to pawn the handmade items, however it might jog someones memory if they saw someone with them. Criminals talk which is the demise of there criminal activity alot of times. Talk to your neighbors about the items and make sure the police get copies of the pictures. I know if I pulled someone over with unique items like that they raise alot more questions then the typical traffic stop. Good luck with cancelling all of your credit card stuff, and don't forget to put a flag on your social security number and check your credit reports often for the next 12 to 18 months. Credit companies should provide you with this information since you are a victim of theft. God help them if they make their way over to Baltimore, I hate thieves, especially from fellow leatherworkers!!!!

If I would have known that this morning I would have picked some of that up from Tandy. My brother just got a whole bunch of different scraps of crocodile and other exotic leathers and I've been thinking of different things to do with them. I might just make a holster for my .380 Keltec. Semper Fi

That's a nice lookin holster. What did you use to glue the sharkskin? Brian

I want them in kydex, and I'm contemplating making them myself like someone suggested earlier. Unfortunately I would have no idea where to begin. If anyone has a link on a how-to or can tell me themselves that would be great! I can't imagine they are too hard to make but I'm gonna need some instruction. Semper Fi!

Thanks TexasGeezer, they are a bit on the pricey side but that's what I wanted. Thanks for the help. Brian

That's it, that is the clip I'm looking for! I've done a tone of searches and can't find them anywhere. I don't see me going out and buying kydex and a heat gun and all the other stuff though cause I would have no idea where to begin to make them. I was hoping someone sold them. If anyone knows where to find one of these I'd be a happy mortarman! Thanks for the info Billsotx. Semper Fi!

That's pretty close to what I'm looking for, but I guess I get a picture in my head and I am a bit stubborn. I can picture what it is I want and I know they're out there. Thanks for the suggestions so far. Brian

I'm not doing this as a business (now I don't feel as stupid for not knowing what that was), just a hobby. Anyone know where an individual can get the clips?

At the risk of sounding like an idiot can you tell me what a Federal tax ID might be?

I know there was a thread on this before, but I can't remember it. I'm looking for some clips for inside the pants holsters, but not the regular silver ones from Tandy. I'm looking for some tuckable or "J" hooks something like Galcos holsters. Anyone know where to find them? Thanks, Brian

The shakes and shear panic is starting to subside! Thanks for all the work, and just in time, I'm not sure I would have made it another day!!!

Haaaaaaaaa, thanks Mike, and my bride would probably agree. As far as the cutting with a knife, I have made the mistake of cutting all the way down too. It never even crossed my mind to flip it over, I learn something new everyday.

Yes that does help, Thanks Ben. Brian

Thanks, I didn't want to sound like an idiot for not knowing what that was, but I googled it and all I got was punching bags. Do they make them the actual size of a belt slot that all I would have to do is punch it one time?

I'm not even sure what a bag punch is so I'm guessin I don't have one, it will be on my list. The tube punch seems like the best method that I have available right now. I'm guessin you are a Marine since you know my MOS, so Semper Fi and thanks for the info. I'm learning so much on here, only wish I had more time!

Thanks Luke, it would seem that I need some more tools.........thank God Christmas is coming.