BruceGibson

Very interesting post, David. I use Bowden (from Arlen) saddle trees and I've been pleased with everything I've gotten from them. My opinion on the whole "saddle fitting" deal is that it's not dissimilar to the whole "equine chiropractic" deal...it's a con-game. I'm fortunate to not only be a horse owner, but I also have access to sixty or more head a mile down the road from me that I have free rein to work with at any time. I can test gear...bridles, halters, saddles, etc. And I take advantage of that. I've never hurt a horse in any way with any saddle I've built from any tree I've gotten from Bowden. I do not, and will not, use any of the plastic poly crap that these "high-tech" companies put out. I use saddle trees built from wood and covered in rawhide. They work, have always worked, and unless equine physiology takes on a drastic overnight change, I see no reason why they won't continue to work. And work well. I would strongly advise anyone that is tempted to buy-in to the saddle-fitting, equine chiropractics, equine dentistry cons to do some research before taking the leap. Just take a step back and look at reality.

Saddlemaker here, too. And, California born--I'm from Lompoc. So now we have two "Bruce's" with a California connection.

I've dealt with these folks for over 10-years--they're 50-miles up the road from me. Everything from horseshoe nails to Lexol to vaccines. Free catalogs for Equine, Pet and/or Livestock. Toll-Free 1-800-JEFFERS and the website's at www.JeffersEquine.com.

Thank you, Dave! This one is just swivel-knife cuts and a camo border stamp. Strangely enough, it's one heck of a popular combination. I appreciate the kind words!

Here's a few pictures of another belt I did. This is another dual-layer Hermann Oak, 1-1/2" wide in Cherry (Black Cherry) with an old standard cross-cut pattern and camo border stamp and white stitching. The edges are burnished, then painted, then burnished again and waxed...and yes, more burnishing. I'm still too limited to actually post real pictures so here's another one of those links I'm becoming famous for: GIBSON BELT SAMPLE PICTURES

Awesome work! The tooling on the skulls/borders is incredible.

Very nice!

That's beyond cool. I've never dealt with Springfield, but I'll certainly give them a try now. Glad you're back, Kevin! Hope all is well and back on track.

Incredible.

Awesome, Dave! Black tends to be "safe," despite obliterating the tooling detail. I get the same herd mentality from bullriders...they all want what the other guy's got. On the other hand, there's always the one in ten or so that say, "Do what you want...knock me out." Those are the one's that I wait for. Great looking stuff!

That's beautiful! I learn something new here every single day. Thanks for sharing!

I've used the Tandy stuff in the past, and it's been okay. My preference, and the only brand I use, is Barge.

Happy Birthday! As always, I'll spare the song! :beer:

Very nice! And Bianchi for an instructor...that's awesome!

I'm left-handed. Sounds like we've got a few around here!

Being a lefty, I'm feelin' right at home!

I'd use sheepskin. I don't know how much, if any, the wool would draw gun oil, but you wouldn't be keeping the gun in the case for extended periods without checking on it--you wouldn't want to leave it in a holster for extended periods of time either.

Thanks, David. That's exactly what I was going for--you just said it better than I ever could have! And welcome to the forum!

Anytime, Stephanie. And best of luck with your projects--if there's anything we can do, or answer, don't hesitate to give a holler. Also, if you haven't tried Goliger for your chap leather, I'd recommend them highly. I've always had good service from them, they carry a bunch (24) different colors, plus metallics. I use a lot of metallics when I take chap orders from bullriders--gotta have the flashy fringe & filigrees. If you're doing chinks or chaps for work, they can help out there, too. Goliger's website is www.GoligerLeather.com

Wolvenstien, The buckle on this belt is the 1-1/2" from Weaver, along with the 1-1/2" brass keeper. If you don't have their catalog, give them a call or check out weaverleather.com. They also come in chrome brass (silver) and they are some chunky buckles. I was real impressed, and have a bunch of folks that want 'em.

Thanks everybody! Heck, y'all made my day! The buckle is solid brass, it's one from the Paul Weaver collection. It's got a partial tongue, and looks a little weird, but the buckle works great--especially for a heavy gunbelt. David, I've got a half-dozen going right now, and they're in several different colors and combinations. I'll make it a point to shoot some more pictures before I ship and just inundate everybody with them! Seriously, thank you for the kind words. Now if I could just make a motorcycle seat HALF as nice as yours.

You're not "supposed" to do this, but Fiebing's Leather Balm with Atom Wax works GREAT on the flesh side to both seal and smooth. I use it on the flesh side of saddle fenders--works great, and it's against the "rules." Try it on a scrap piece. It's good stuff. :beer:

Ain't it wild how that works? I know there are times I'll cringe at a high price, but it's almost always the result of better quality and attention to detail. I was talking to a friend of mine about price, quality, and the "tiny details" today. The quality (greater cost/better quality) of the raw materials provides a much nicer canvas for us to create on than the lesser quality (cheaper) stuff. And the little details DO matter.

Hi, Regis, The color is mahogany, and there's kind of a reddish-brown shade to it. The camera's flash tends to bring a lot of the red out. Makes it look sorta black-cherry.

I actually did a little work this week and thought I'd share...input and opinions are much appreciated. This one's 1-1/2" wide, 1/4" thick doubled & stitched Hermann Oak. It's mahogany, but the camera flash brought out the red. http://gibsonprorodeo.com/GUNBEL1.jpg