Haystacker

I think the most common mistake when trying to wet mold holsters is not waiting for the leather to dry enough. If you work the leather when it is too wet the leather will not hold that sharp definition you are looking for. I agree with Shooter, you can get good results with Tandy leather provided you are using veg tanned sides, shoulders or backs, not bellies. I personally prefer Herman Oak or Wicket and Craig for commercial use. For hobby stuff, you just can't beat the convenience of Tandy. Best Luck, Jeff

I agree. That is one fine looking rig. I would be proud to own that.

These look good.

I have an identical experience. I am a big fan of Springfield Leather too. I made a lined custom order cross draw for a Ruger New vaquero. Worked great and the horse butt grain is amazing when it's dyed. Seems that the horse butt was only 5/6 oz so worked good with a layer of 3/4 cow hide glued to it.

Looks good!

I'm sorta thinkin this is a new twist on an old idea. I like out of the box thinking. Keep us posted on how it works.

I personally like the eco flo dyes. I use an acrylic sealer and then sometimes shoe polish on top of that. Tandy's Sheen products are good but I like and use mop and glo cut 50/50 with water. Hope this helps. And, on a side note, where are the pictures? best regards, Jeff

Mighty fine looking stuff. Good job Shooter.

Looks great!

I always have the same problems with glocks. a couple of other things I have tried is use a sock instead of the freezer bag and rub a little clear shoe polish on the inside of the holster. Good luck.

Looks really good.

WOW! Very nice.

Great job.

Nice job. i like your wrap piece covering so much in the front. For what it is worth I use 7/8 ounce leather.

That is one fine looking rig. Welcome to the forum.

I think it looks great!

Redd, Great looking holster. May i suggest you resize your photos?

Great work. The cowboy rig is impressive.

You do good work. I like the eco flo dyes. i have started using the new stain from Tandy. I like the stain better than the dye.

I reread your post and wanted to edit my reply. I mark my stitch lines with a groover. My stitch lines are set 3/16 inch and 1/4 inch from the holster edge. This keeps the presser foot on the leather. i have never tried to make my stitch lines so close to the edge of the holster.

I use 3/16 and 1/4 inch stitch lines. The process I use allows for some sanding after sewing. I still have a lot of "meat" after i sand.

Jeremy, Based on comments by the "Grumpy Old Guy", I have used shoe polish after the mop and glow. However, I don't use the polish very often. I usually like the look I get from dipping the holster. By the way, the GOG is Katsass. He uses his air brush to spray a couple of light coats of M&G on his holsters. Jeff

Nice job. I like your work.

Yes you can skip the oil. do anything you want. I think the oil restores what was lost during the forming process. It may last longer with the oil. How long will the holster last without the oil? You can dip the holster in the mop and glow. Try on some scrap first and see what you get. just a quick in out is fine. I have heard all kinds of things about how this does not work. trust me, it does. just test on some scrap first and see what you get. Make sure you cut the m&G with water. 50/50 or a little more water is great. let it stand for 24 hours. Dip again if you think it needs it. What ever acrylic sealer you use, should help stiffen the holster too. Another thing I have tried for restoring leather is Skidmore's leather cream. Only takes a little. acts as a finish/sealer too. works good on new leather. Holster making is addicting. But it helps you justify buying more guns. Opens more doors to reasons "I need this other pistol because...,". Jeff

Jeremy. Nice looking holster. Stitching looks great. A very light coat of pure neats foot oil or extra virgin olive oil on the outside surfaces works good. Emphasis on light coat. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the oil coat to absorb before you seal. maybe 24 hours or more. Seal with an acrylic sealer. Many folks will chime in on what works for them. I find that mop and glow cut 50/50 with water works good. One bottle will do for many holsters. Best luck to you. Jeff Hays