Shorts

The belt looks pretty good. Interestingly enough, I think the grooves ending on this particular belt contribute to the style. As Tony noted, normally I'd groove the edge all the way around (I use the English point for belts). All in all, cool belt

Belt slots don't need reinforcing. I don't do mine. I suppose some customers would see extra stitching as "more secure". Similar to how they look at double stitching. Personally, I think it is a waste. As Lobo stated, cement the area well during construction, stitch it well and the holster will hold up just fine.

Wow, lots of questions. If you would I'd suggest a search first. I know we've covered these topics several times and there is a lot of info. There are a lot of makers here and nearly everyone does their process slightly different from each other. IWB weight - what works for you. I prefer 6-7oz I order a side of Herman Oak and work from it. Dye and finish are my final steps.

Oh geez! haha I read that wrong 'cause I read too fast. Thought it said $15 plus shipping! My bad!

I'll take the 1.5"

I haven't tried WC. I have/am using HO for holsters and belts. It's a little tough to cut curves (very firm) but it finishes very well. Straight cuts are pretty easy with the strap cutter.

Which is why we are going to live forever!

The details matter. The smallest cuts, bevels, edges, folds, stitches - everything. I guess someone would call it a perfectionist mentality. I say the results are a reflection of me . If I look at something and I say "I could have done that better" then....well...not impressed. I like to see the attempt to put the very best foot forward. Growing up, in sports and life, doing 'my best' included executing the good plans. Having a good plan isn't enough, you have to execute that plan. Give 110%. As I said, details matter.

Exactly what I was thinking. "Well that ain't gonna help very much!"

I guess it's easy for me, no store front. But my husband is the shop terror, he likes to run in and grab my things to open whatever plastic package he has in hand...... .......

There is a variety of finishing products you can use without going to an acrylic sealer. A wax-based product would work well. I don't have the names off the top of my head as I use Resolene for the gear I make now. Do a search; Sno Seal, Aussie, and those similar items may be exactly what you're looking for. Someone who uses them can point you in a more specific direction than I can. Good luck and great work on the purse!

Did you seal it? If not, you'll want to do that.

Nice work

Randy, I'm right there with you on feelings towards Ebay & PayPal Fees. As far as shipping goes I get as close to flat rate as possible and that is paid by the buyer and that is listed up front as I prep/box items before hand. A kitchen scale goes a long way

No idea. I use screw studs.

These are 8-32 size threads.

Link to the thread I referred to in my post: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=6258

Look in the For Sale section, Rawhide Leather has/had a supply of black T-Nuts. I've bought a set and good man to deal with. I also keep a supply from McMasterCarr. Those have a smaller diameter footprint which work great in tighter areas. The "TNuts" from DOT Fasterners Direct are the square type without prongs. I have a supply of those as well but I don't use them much. Look like these: I don't have a comparison photo to show you though, we're still living on the road.

If you're looking for the retention screw, Jeff's post is right on. I've used that method, works perfect. If you're looking for a hook mechanism to secure the gun in the holster the user presses upon draw (like a Blackhawk Serpa or Galco CarryLok)...good question.

It's like one of those illusion pictures You gotta look at the smooth part, not the dark part. One thing I might do is add an edge groove to the letters or to just thte outside belt edge/straight edge. That might make them stand out a little more as well as closeoff the top and bottoms of the letters. I have no idea how that would look, photoshop it first lol

ok, try this: http://www.angelusshoepolish.com/cat3.html If it were me, I'd just try calling direct there and see what they say

I include a use/care sheet with my items. It isn't extensive, I wrote it myself. Probably most important wen including a sheet of your own is that you actually try the methods you suggest in order to assure they are beneficial

That looks pretty neat actually. Good work

If I had a customer use the words that you just did he'd be dropped in a heartbeat. First off, I don't deal with folks who make racial implications. I've been the target at various times throughout my life and I have no tolerance for that ignorance. At this point, I don't hold guns for customers. I do intend that it will be a part of my business. I expect to have a reasonable time limit for myself on that. I know I don't like being without mine. And it would only be for a project I was sure would be doable and comfortable for me to build within my normal build times. I've only had one order that I ended up not wanting to do. It was all to the customer's spec and while it was exactly what was ordered, it wasn't at all what I would have voluntarily built. I never felt right about that order. I lost money on that order. It took way too long. The customer was communicative and friendly, as was I but I learned a valuable lesson from it: Say no. If I feel uncomfortable about anything I build in regards to function and quality I will say no. I'll be gracious and up front as to why when explaining to the customer, but I won't put out another item that I feel isn't up to my standards. I do charge more for 'non-patterned' items. Since it does take more time for me to start a holster completely from scratch in the design phase. As for all payments, I don't start work until I have received payment in full. If I do have a couple days before I start an order, I tell the customer I start on this ___ date, and payment must be received by then. I've never had a problem with customers making their payment. I've made every deadline I've set except one. And that was the above order. When telling the customer when they can expect to receive their order I overestimate by a couple days. Normally it was "within 2 weeks". And that was the case, often orders would arrive to the customer a day or two early which was a "bonus". Now I knew the holsters would be there early, but the customer didn't. That's where the benefit of overestimating the turn around time comes in. Anyhow, if you don't feel comfortable about taking a particular order, don't. Be up front, be honest. You don't burn any bridges but you don't get yourself into a hole either.