1961Mike

Dang it, I'm having too much fun trying to attach the Civil War version. Later

Hi If the lady in the original post was gray haired, that was Barb. I took an introductory class that she taught. She's very good and knows what to get and what not to. Later

Dang, please post front and back pictures when you attach the adjustable part of the buckle. At least that looks like the Civil War version as opposed to the modern version. I have various kinds of ways to attach the belt on the back of the cartridges, but I used leather that was too thick on the first one I'm working on. Blockade Runner has a lot of that sort of thing. Hi JW, Hanover Brass is where he got that one, Parsley Brass is also good. I usually by Tim Parsley's stuff. Later

Hi I trial and error the distance between the two lines of stamping on the cut off end of a belt. When I get a spacing I want, I make the lines and start stamping. I find it helpful to start on the inside of the project instead of the outside. Later

Hi Realizing that I'm being Doktor Fronkenstine and resurrecting the dead, but how do the Brass and steel stamps last? I broke two Tandy Meander stamps, at $7 a piece and Barry's stamps are a lot more, but have already lasted longer. His are all steel. Later

Hi, you know, if you going to put the "swell" behind the trigger guard, you might as well use the extra space to put more slot area for the belt. Later

HI Thanks everyone. I was looking for the whole how to make this work next time. I already have some Hermann Oak 9 ounce shoulder leather to use on the next ones. I also have a Slim Jim about half done that will be lined and had a loop that is tight on the cartridge belt. I may try the Concho and strap idea just so I know how to do it. CASCity mentioned using a Chicago Screw to attach the holster to the skirt. The holster pattern doesn't lend itself to bumping out the holster like in a Mexican loop setup unfortunately. Thanks

Hi Dwight, this is more or less what Will Ghormley calls the Lawdog holster. I made one for practice out of crappy 6-7 ounce leather. I finished it with Neatsfoot oil and Skidmores after letting it get a tan in the sun for a couple of days. The holster practically jumps out of the strap when I draw it. How do you avoid that on this style holster? If I used Vinegaroon would the extra stiffness make it stay in place? Thanks

Hi That looks a lot better than my first holster. What color of thread did you start with? I ask because it appears to have taken some dye. If you dye the leather first, the thread stands out more. You can still do the edging last and put more dye on the edges and finish. With your application, I'd have used a matching thread anyway. The white thread would have stood out too much for Alaska. Later

HI I just saw this and it looks really good. Does it attach to your belt at the bottom? That might make it easier to draw. I have a shoulder holster that I haven't worn in years. Later

HI Bruce, That looks great. Your carving is very, very good. I'm curious how you finished the leather to keep it that light color. Is that unfinished (no Neatsfoot oil, no EVVO) with some sort of laquer? Thanks Mike

If you haven't put any Neats foot oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) on it, it will look gray. I'd let it air out, then put the oil on it. Takes some of the vinegar smell away. Later

OK, mine has NEVER looked that bad and I"m on my second batch. The first lasted a year or so, and I"m say 4 months into the second batch. I keep it in a tall skinny jar from Hobby Lobby. Tall makes for better belt dipping. I have a five gallon bucket ready, but would like to have a house first. Later