leatherquestions

Real good lookin rig! I'm from N.C. myself (Rutherfordton). Now living in Kansas, but that will change when I finally decide I've had too much Flatland. Tip

Good lookin holster. I'd like to see the completed rig, belt & holster together. Holster looks fine to me. I like plain & simple, and except for a little embossing, that's the way I make mine. My patrons seem to like it , too, cause they keep ordering them. Tip

The retention strap should always follow the plane of the barrel, not the center of the gun. If you make the strap in a straight line following the line of the barrel it works. At the same time you have to move the retention tab forward so it is also in line with the barrel. Works every time.

Slow Learner, The "stick in the barrel holster" he is referring to is the Versacarry. It's very simple: slip the rod into the barrel, clip it to your belt, instant IWB. I don't like the concept either, but that company is making a ton of money selling them. There are actually 2 companies retailing similar holsters, but I can't think of the others name. I hope you notice I made my suggestion without the bias of the other contributor. Tip

They look great! Keep going. Tip

Looks good. I like the pattern. Casrried a Glock for both Sheriff Dept.'s I worked for and Beretta for 15 yrs as Air Force cop (Hated IT). Now carry RIA .45 Gov't. Love my Glocks too, though just not as much as the RIA. Tip

My only point of critique is the "Oh Shit!" strap. If you want a secure gun place the strap behind the hammer. Other than that it looks good. I dont welt a sight channel usually, only if the customer asks for it. Tip

Good job on the holster. I like the real wool, too. Glocks are definitely too heavy for ankle carry, unless your leg is about6 inches b igger than normal. I wear high boots, too, but in all my boots I sew a strap inside to carry a Colt Detective Special. It may take a little time to present, but I always have the backup (my Training Officer taught me that one years ago). Tip

Great looking rig! I'm from Rutherforton, N.C. just happen to be living in Kansas. Tip

Thanks for the pattern. Back to the original post: what would you change and why? It looks good and servicable to me and I'm curious. Thanks, Tip

Looks real good. Tip

Stainless steel is about the only finish that will give a little protection from rust on a gun. However, I would never line a holster with chrome tanned leather. It's just a disaster waiting to happen, especially if the gun stays in the holster most of the time. And then you might have an incensed customer saying you did something to make it happen. I'd rather have a customer upset because I refuse to do a bad thing, than do it and have him telling everyone it was my fault.And from experience this can happen even with a "friend". IMHO Tip

I'll second Rohn's observation! I like the "interchangable" loop, hanger, clip, whatever you want. Change to go with any outfit. I especially like the retaining strap on the large one, very minimal and old school. Keep up the good work. Tip

For first projects they look good. Simple and workable, retro. Are you a re-enactor? Those look like 19th century wallets. My first was a disaster with a capital D, yours look very good. Tip

Sheath and knife both look good. Tip

Great job, Rohn, I use the double loop lace all the time and after 30 yrs I still have trouble with closing. I always try to find a place sort of out of casual view in case I don't get it just right. I have found it's easier for me to begin/end on a corner. That way you can disguise a foible, if necessary. The case looks great and will last a long time. What did you use for the liner, it looks good? Tip

Looks Great, but, I too tried that once. It is a living hell while making and wonderful relaxation when done. Tip

Awesome! I could never do that, never could get the hang of carving. And thanks for the sentiments for us Vets. I'm sure he will be blown away when he sees what you've done. Tip

Very well done. Tip

Wyvern those are beautiful! I've never made one cause they look super difficult. I might have to give it a try. By the way, I'm from Rutherford County, N.C., happen to live in Kansas now. Great Work and Keep Makin! Tip

My first reaction is a definitive "NO!". I don't know if it can be tanned after soaking in Formaldehide. If it can, I would not tan it. I would explain this to the customer this way, "I'm a leatherworker, not a tanner, and I will not risk ruining a holster or a snakeskin. If you want the holster, bring me the tanned skin and I'll do it.". But, that's me. You're the one doing the work. Hope everything turns out well & we get to see the finished holster. Tip

Tossik, let me say Wonderful Work For A First Try! I wish my first were that good. All points I would cover have been addressed. Don't fret over hand stitching belts, if you can do a holster you can do a belt. I handstitch all of mine. Great work. Remember, every piece of work is a learning experience, I don't care how long you've been working with leather. Sometimes the Gremlins bite and sometimes they don't. Good job. Tip

You really should think twice about losing the finisher. I had two in my shop (long & short) and you would not believe what you can dream up to do with a finisher. You can use the brushes for cleaning and polishing your work. Set it up with several different grits of paper to shape and finish projects. They are amazing. If it is too big, cut it down. It should be made to be taken apart for that very reason. And hooking up a home-made vacuum system is easy (in case it has the underbody dust bag, get rid of it!). When I became disabled I sold most of my power equipment. Serious disconnect with my logic at the time, and now I wish I had them back. Good Luck whatever you decide! Tip

Really well done. I like the artwork. Tip

I like them both. I'm curious as to why you left the unstitched area at bottom center of the second one. Tip