DCKNIVES

I don't make concealment holsters for my customers(just me), but looks like you have the skills.Nice looking.Dave

I would agree, patents are very expensive and usually fruitless these days.Even if you were lucky enough to get one, defending it is your responsibilty.Anyways I have been using the film technique and coat mine with Feibings Leather Sheen.I have done alot of testing, first made several test pieces to try and destroy, and make some sheaths to give out.I gave some to my regular customers to use and give me feedback.The film holds up extremely well and aside from what the OP said,I believe it has a very leathery feel to it.I have even been able to bevel a background on it and mold it.Dave

Thanks for the great Pics, Johanna.Dave

Tom, that looks great brother.I am working on a gunbelt with some skiulls ,I hope it turns out half as nice.Dave

Lots of stuff in process and leaving.Dave Glock 19 dressed in Gator for a new company specializing in Alligator products Beretta model 92 w/ mag pouch inlayed in Nile Crocodile Some ammo slides in .308 and 12 ga. A WIP . Ranger style belt with twin 1911's at the center of the back w/flamed mag pouches

Thanks Tom, the retention strap was patterned after the billet ends. It was originally set to go with a silver tip but he increased the size on everything and went with 2" billets then changed his mind on the tip.I was getting changes all through this build.Dave

LOL, that would be Rio Bravo. The method you used sounds good too, but alas I handsew everything.Thanks.Dave

Thanks Mike, unfortunately the holsters are already cutout and carved so that method as written won't work for this one.It looks like a good method and I may try that on the next one.Thanks for your help brother.Dave

Well maybe my recent experiences might help.I have been making knives and doing leatherwork for about 18 years part-time.I was layed off my day job in Febuary 2009, and called back in a month, but at reduced hours and thus pay until July 30 th when we were layed off again.Due to a paperwork screwup with our payroll company I am not getting any unemployment money at all which is all our income.I immeadiately started working fulltime in leather and knives and fortunately I am making as much as if I had been working for my boss. The interesting thing I found was that before, being part-time was holding me back on taking jobs due to time constraints and I held back on advertising for fear of getting to many orders that I would have trouble filling.Now with a bunch of orders from my repeat customers and new orders coming in weekly things are looking hopeful.I also have time to surf the net now for more work.I am still working long hours but they are for me and my family and they are very satisfying hours, almost enough to make me wish I didn't need sleep.Good luck friend and I wish you the best. Dave

Sounds like you got one of my customers .Tell him at least 4 figures and have fun.Dave

I very seldom use accents prefering to do full inlay's on my holsters instead.That said I usually charge close to the price of the skin,if I am using most of it on one project.If it's a big skin say like a big gator, I will pro-rate to the amount I use.Dave

That does sound like a possibility, but I sure would like to have it totally done before attaching.Thanks.Dave

Ok, I need some suggestions on technique.Not long ago I posted a gunrig in which the customer had requested that I sew the holster directly to the belt.On that rig I basically had to build the holster right on the belt, sewing it on,folding it over ,glueing the edge,punching my holes.At this point is where the difficulty starts.Finishing the edge of the holster while it is partially attached to a very large belt was a pain,and took a great deal of time and care.I did get it done and it turned out well. Enough background , I just recieved another order for a rig that will feature two holsters facing each other at the center of the back and yes he wants them sewn on.the holsters will be touching as seen below. Again the problem is edge finishing with the holsters touching, rolling forward to give me clearance to work will be tough.Any ideas that will allow me to finish the holsters seperate then sew to the belt would be great appreciated.Thanks .Dave

Hi Lui, Glad to find out you met Hank and Jeanne from Ostrich Market.I was over ther the other day helping him out with a few things.Good luck brother.Dave

If you have a Glock 19 bluegun, you could use it.The differences are very small.Dave Glock 19 Glock 36 OAL 6.85" 6.77" Width 1.18" 1.13" Height 5.00" 4.76"

Just sent these out.The top one is a for a Ruger Mark II and inlayed in Ostrich legskin.The bottom one is for a 1911 and inayed in Nile Crocodile.Dave

Due to a layoff, I am selling this machine.I had been making some new parts for it, got it running a few weeks ago.The motor is like new, and I purchased two new spools of #69 thread(white/black) and a ten pack of 110/18 needles.I also have two other old machines (vintage about 1900) with some rough cabinets, niether of which work but could be rebuilt, that I'll throw in.I also have a couple of extra spools of various size threads I'll throw in. I cannot ship this so it is pickup only.I am asking $300.00 for everything.Dave

Thanks everyone.Dave

Nicely done.Dave

That's exactly what it's called and you can pick it up at most hardware store or places like Lowes or Home Depot.I usually mix mine 50-50 with water and put in a spray bottle.Dave

Bruce hit it right.I believe it is between $30-$40 a square foot( I don't really know because I don't pay retail with him) and he will cut you a section out. The ears are the best for most purposes and if your going to be paying top dolar get the best you can.Dave

Pretty much as expected in this economy.As far as "our" end of things pricing has not dropped dramatically.Since I was layed off of my day job about 3 weeks ago, I have been doing a few things for my exotic distributor, mostly involving Gator.We discussed this a few weeks ago and he said he has seen it from the tannery's and farms, with the greatest impact coming from the textile industry who just aren't ordering as many hides.My distributor is selling quite a bit, but alot of his work is custom automotive and motorcycles companies, and that is a small niche compared to the textile industry.For those of us who do strictly custom orders,I doubt we will see much impact in supply but demand will probably start to raise pricing.I myself , have had an increase of orders with Gator and croc.Dave

You can get it here, Ostrich Market . I just picked some up Saturday.Dave

Thanks Tim, I went there and found them, though they look alot lighter weight than my sample.Dave

I have looked high and low and can't find a good source for a 4" single tongue roller buckle. I have been asked to do some custom inlayed weightlifter's belts and the sample I have has one, but I am not having any luck.Thanks. Dave