Randyc

Dave Great looking sheaths. Randy

Last summer a customer brought me this holster which started life as a drop loop western holster for a 6" pistol. The holster was purchased in Mexico. He asked me if I could convert it to a high ride cross draw holster for a 4" pistol for his upcoming hunting trip. After agreeing to take the job on I discovered this holster was constructed of thin 2 oz. leather covering sheet metal. After cutting down the holster, I had to use a metal rasp to smooth the bottom of the holster. After stitching on the belt loop and instaling a leather hammer thong, I returned the holster to him. He liked the conversion.

I'm still in the R&D phase of my new holster buisness. My latest proto type holsters are front pocket holsters for a Beretta Tomcat .32 Cal. and a North American Arms Mini .22 Cal. Both were built rough side out with a tan coat finish. I'm having a problem getting my makers stamp to imprint into the rough side so that it can be easily read. I have 5 blue guns on order and have 4 custom orders to fill for some of my fellow police officers. So far so good. As always everyone's comments and critique is welcome. Randy

Thanks Warren! Randy

Drac I purchased my press/clicker through weaverleather.com The steel plates are already welded to the press and Weaver sells the clicker pads. I think I have around $300.00 in the set up not including the gum rubber molding pads from Mcmaster-Carr. You do need a federal tax number to buy from Weaver. Randy

You may want to consider a Tippmann Boss. You should be able to snag a used one on Ebay for under $1,000.00. Before I upgraded to the Artisan 3000 I used the Boss for a couple of years. Once the Boss is adjusted, it does produce a good stitch with possibly less of a learning curve then a powered machine. Randy

Nice looking holster! Randy

Kevin, Your interiors and edge work are beyond belief. I was wondering when someone would stitch designs in a wallet. You pulled it off. Nice Job! Randy

Steve, Nice work. I really like the antique look finish. Randy

Welcome to the forum Duane, Your custom work is beyond belief. Now, if I can make my gun leather look as good as your scooter work I could quit my daytime job! Randy

Drac, Nice job on your first holster. Your molding and detail looks pretty good too. Randy

I never quite got the hang of hand setting line 24 snaps. I've only used the snaps available through Tandy and destroyed a few projects after the snaps came apart. I invested in a hand press and line 24 dies. In my opinion, it was money well spent and I haven't had a problem setting snaps since. Randy

Colin, I'm sure you will love the 3000. I updated from a Tippmann Boss a year ago and never looked back. Randy

JT, Thanks for the kind words. I depend on you guys for feedback and critique. It really helps with my R&D. Randy

Jt, It looks pretty good. Nice sitching. Randy

Luke Thanks for the kind words Randy

I built these 4 knife sheaths from 6-7oz. vegtan cowhide. I built the three concho adorned sheaths for myself and hold my "Case" stockman knifes. The concho less sheath was built for a friend and his "Case" stockman knife. Randy

I designed and built this holster for a co-workers Smith & Wesson J Frame Revolver. The holster was made from 7-8 oz. vegtan cowhide. The holster was built with hooks on both sides of the throat then glued and stitched rough side out to aid in pocket retention. The holster was pressed, hand molded, and finished in tan kote. Randy

Regis, I used 6-7 Oz. for that holster. I use the throat reinforcing strap for a couple of reasons. I can secure the snaps to the holster without using a liner. It keeps the throat open for reholstering. I also like the way it looks. Randy

Luke, Excellant job on your sling! Randy

Bighorn, Welcome to the forum. Lots of good people here. Randy

I like the shifter knob. You may have just created a new cottage industry for yourself. Randy

Nice job on you wrist bands. I have a couple of questions. Do you draw out your letters free hand or use a type of templete? What tools do you use inlay your letters or are they painted on? Your handcuff case looks pretty good. My only advise is to stay away from spring clips on holsters, sheaths, and case type items like your cuff case. The clip will eventually loosen up and when you pull your cuffs from the case, the case will come off your belt with the cuffs. It's kinda tough to speedcuff the desperado when that happens or you reach for your cuffs and their not there. I used to build my pocket knife sheaths and inside the waste band holsters with those spring clips. I lost a real nice "Case" pocket knife and the sheath after it fell of my belt Good thing it wasn't a handgun, huh! Randy

Art, Thanks for your critique and advise. Regis, As WaG35 correctly pointed out, the snaps only go through the reinforcing piece at the throat of the holster. No metel pieces from the snap are in contact with the weapon. Thanks Guys, Randy

Tiffany, I agree with Ken, elephant is a strong and durable skin. If the skin is genuine, you have a valuable skin. Elephant is often used for the vamps and counter covers on western boots. I have a pair of vintage Tony Lama boots made from elephant as well as a pair of Justin's in elephant. Randy