Randyc

I recently purchased a double shoulder of black drum dyed vegatable tanned cow hide from Zack White Leather Company. I made a pocket holster for a customer's mini revolver. I also used a piece for a couple of wristbands. It has worked out nice Randy

Hey Jordan, Glad to see your still building holsters. I think that one will be real nice. Randy

Opps sorry Double Post

Art Very nice job on the range bag. I like that it doesn't scream it's intended use. Illinois doesn't allow civilan carry of concealed weapons. I often shoot at a local Bass Pro shop. The stores located in a large shopping mall. The mall and parking lot are over run with gang bangers and other miscreants with numerous carjackings, robberys ect. ect. If it hasn't already happened, I wonder when someone using the range will have their range bag snatched while returing to their vehicle in the parking lot. Randy

Interesting thread that sure brings back memories. I became a police officer in 1976. At that time we were very limited with what was available for personal protection gear. At that time the chemical spray (mace) was being phased out, pepper spray and electric tasers had not yet been invented. We had the choice of our fists/feet, straight baton (night stick), or the sap or "blackjack. I carried both the flat sap or round sap in a special pocket sewn into the side of my uniform trousers. The flat saps were made from a piece of spring steel covered in leather. The round sap was made with a piece of spring with powered lead at the business end also covered in leather. The spring steel/lead filled saps could be very lethal if a person was struck in the head. By the 1980's most police departments phased out or completly outlawed the use of saps by police officers. I would guess they are probably illegal for civilian use in most states. From a leather workers point of view, they were works of art. From a police officers point of view, their proper use could be considered an art form. Randy

Johanna, I'm interested in your web hosting services. I'm currently hosted by Yahoo. I designed the web site myself (I know it shows ) I need help with my internet presence. The search engines don't seem to notice my site much. I know absolutly nothing about improving my site for more expouser. I'm also considering accepting credit cards. PayPal ect and no nothing about having an online store and check out. Please let me know. Randy www.bulldogleathercompany.com

Thanks Murse, I'm going to try a test post right here. Cool, it worked! Thanks again!!! Randy

Hey Guys, I've been using photobucket.com to post photos to my website and to this forum. I would click on the image code, the image code would display yellow, then paste the photo where I needed to. For the past couple of weeks, I click on the image and nothing happens. Any help is appreciated. Thanks Randy

I made a couple of test bracelets today. I used a 1.5" belt of around 8/9 oz. cowhide. The first one was a little looser then I like. The second one started out a little tight, but loosened up a bit after wearing it for awhile. I think I'm going to lean more towards the tighter fit bracelets unless the customer requests a looser fit. Randy

A friend of mine by the name of Brian Thomas went through boot school at Omulgee many years ago. He's now a custom boot maker in Abeline Texas. I believe he thinks rather highly of the school. Randy

Good looking functional holster. I too like the spare round holder. As far as that pistol, it's kinda like carrying a sows ear around in a silk purse. If your customers happy with it, that's all that really matters. Randy

JRB I've built more pocket holsters then any other style holster. I have a standard width pattern that I use. Some of my holsters are built with a rounded bottom, most are built with a straight bottom. My pocket style holsters have worked out well with most style size pockets. In my opinion, the tightness of the trousers has more to do with the fit and usefulness of a pocket holster then the size of the pocket. If your pocket holster works well with most of your trouser pockets, but does not work well with a particular style/size pocket, I suggest modifying the pocket to better fit the holster. I agree with Lobo, real tight boning is not required and can be detrementel to a smooth draw from the pocket. I usually only bone the side of the holster which is against the leg. In a leather pocket holster some pistol retention is required. For example, If your seated on a soft sofa, you don't want your pistol tumbleing out of your pocket. Hope this helps. Good luck with your holster. Randy

I glue then stitch my exotics to a vegetable tanned throat band. If I'm using 8/9 oz. leather for my holster body, I use 6/7 oz. for the throat band. If I'm using 6/7 oz. for a pocket holster, I use 4/5 oz or 5/6 oz. for the throat band. I've found that the vegetable tan throat band is needed for exotics so the band can serve it's intended purpose. Randy

I have never personally observed pistol finish damage because of chrome tanned leathers, then again I've never observed a chrome tanned leather holster either. I have never built a holster out of chrome tanned leather and know of no custom holster maker past or present who have used chrome tanned leather. If chrome tanned leather was suitable for holsters, somebody would have already used it. Randy

Brent Nice looking barrettes. Barrettes were some of my first leather work projects. Of course mine never looked as good as yours. Randy

I have a 31-15 I purchased for doing boot tops. I also use it for lighter weight leather projects. I studied boot making under Carl Chappell and used a few 31-15's in his bootshop. I learned to control the speed of the machine from Carl. He buys, refurbishes and sells industrial stitchers, line finishers and you name it related to bootmaking He's also a great source of parts. My 31-15 was made in 1918. Singer manufactored a bizzillion of these. Parts are stil plentyfull. Randy Carl's website www.trailtowncustomleather.com

Bruce your on your way. Great looking holster! Randy

I've been a police officer since 1976. I left full time police work for a 6 year period and taught high school. I've been assigned to criminal investigations for the past 3 years. I've also been a licensed private detective for the past 12 years. Now, I'm trying to build up my holster business. What a long strange trip it's been. Had alot of fun, but didn't plan out my retirement future very well. I will probably have to work until it's dirt nap time.

Here's a photo of me on my way to the Boot and Saddle Makers Roound up in Wichata Fall TX. a coupe of years ago. The other photo is of me and my pal Blues Singer Lonnie Brooks. Randy

Okie If it's a Smith & Wesson J Frame you can order a Blue Gun mold and build the holster around the Blue Gun. Without the actual pistol or a correct model mold, I would not attempt to build a holster. Rather then take a chance on having an unhappy customer, I'd refer them to another holster maker. Randy

Mostly pocket holsters for J Frame Smith and Wessons followed by beltslide holsters for Glocks. Randy

I've only used 6/7 oz. or 8/9 oz. cowhide for my throat reinforcement bands. The weight depends on the weight used for the holster body. I haven't found the need to stitch in metel reinforcement, yet. If a customer asked for a metel reinforced band, I would certainly stitch one in. Randy

SmokinP Every few months, I go to the Elgin Il. store and stock up on my supplies. Bill is a real nice guy as are his employees. The Elgin store is not a typical store hidden in a strip mall. The stores in an industrial area, you enter through a door next to the loading dock. The place is a warehouse with stacks upon stacks of hides. Every kit, every dye, and all of the hardware you would require are on display. The store is just off Interstate 90 route 31 exit. It's on the outskirts of Elgin. Randy

Nice looking holster. It looks like it will make an excellant driving holster. I also wish I had money to burn, I would like to have one of those Bond Arms muself. Randy

Mike Let me be the first to say, nice job! What type of glue or cement are you using to attach your elephant? Randy