Brooks125

Tactical lights are one of the few no-go's for me. The round Streamlight variety are just not conducive, in my opinion. The flat lights that match the width of the gun are fine, but still not ideal. The width makes it hard to mold the leather, and keep it's shape over a large area, and holstering is tough. You lose the "funnel" effect of the profile. I liken it to trying to push a beer can into a coozie, with no side support' I'm not saying it's impossible, but I've had no luck on that front. That being said, if you figure it out, by all means, let us know. I've turned down many orders for that very thing. I refer them to a Kydex maker.

It there a trick to cleaning the leather residue left on a cocobolo burnisher? I have several of the Dremel burnishers and some have residue from too much heat and too dry leather. I like the smooth surface and don't want to sand them off. Surely there is a proper method. Thanks in advance

I just the hides in from exoticleathersbyray.com They look good, but kind of oddly shaped, with the "ankles" trimmed to a roughly straight hide. Good yield for what is there. It seems like they have plenty of selection. I may use them from now on. The price was great , too. Five hides for under $100 (as a bundle). Thanks for the reference!

Thanks, I'll look them up!

IS something going on with Ostrich legs? I'm looking for a dark brown, which is usually easy to find. Springfield has been my go-to for OL, but they seem to be out of about half of their available colors. Rocky Mountain appears to be completely out and anyone else starts around $50-80 per hide, still with no luck on color. I've liked OLs and I refer to them as the poor-mans-exotic since they look nice, but don't break the bank. Any explanation or other suppliers would be appreciated. (I just hope there isn't another ship stuck in a canal somewhere.)

A few months ago, I ordered a couple mold guns from KnifeKits. They have been a good supplier, not only for mold guns, but fasteners and small tools. I have over 100 molds form them. They have always been quick on shipping and consistent on price. The last order, from Mid-March took over a month to arrive. When I called, they said that USPS opened a new facility and I was "literally about the 400th" call asking for an update. They suggested I call to inquire with USPS and then I discovered it was up to them to call (which I suggested from the start). They guns eventually came, but I have been reticent to roll the dice on a bad turnaround time again. Has anyone ordered from them recently and has the shipping been quick (especially if you are in the north. I'm in OH.)

It's been a while. 2018 was the last I could find mention of the thread from a few years ago. If you are so inclined, post a picture of your shop, with: ONE photo and, ONE thing you Like, One thing you Don't Like about it. Like: It's small and everything is in reach. It narrows the search for tools ... sometimes. Don't like: It's small, and I'm running out of room, especially for Mold Guns

I thought I would give you all an update. The rig was delivered ... and the customer loves it! I must say, sending out an order like this is sometimes akin to sending your kid off to college. You put a lot of work and emotional capital into them, and then send them off and wish them the best. He did ask for a shorter version of the trouser belt, as he's on the 2nd to last hole (long distance sizing is always a challenge), which means I'll have a nice piece for the gun show table!

The local schools are on Spring Break this week and my wife and I went to the Cleveland Museum of Art for a day trip. We found this little gem along the way. I can only imagine the tools and practices used to make this. ... and talk about deep lines and relief! What are the odds any of our stuff will be under glass 600-700 years from now?

No steel is allowed on US Quick Draw Assoc holsters. It's all rawhide. 277 thread off the machine. I did hand stitch the welt, same thread. I always make my own patterns, which also allowed for the slight rear rake on these. Thanks!

I went through an entire side of rawhide to get this right. It's all about timing. Wet enough to mold, dry enough to cement. Once you start, clear your calendar because you have to work it until it starts drying, because it has to be set when you're done.

New item time! A couple months ago, I received a request for a "Fist Full of Dollars - walk and draw rig." The customer specified a few adjustments from the Man With No Name: - It needed to be a double rig - He wanted to use it for quick-draw - It had to fit a pair of 4.62" Ruger Vaqueros The QD requirement meant it all had to be rawhide lined, which is a departure for me, and it needed bullet deflectors. This is probably the 4th version I came up with for the order .. I could not be happier. AND the power of the internet means he found me from Washington State (I'm in Ohio!) I'm kinda jazzed about this one!

... as a bonus, I used the rounds produced from the 2" punch to make these "coins". Since I have use of the stamp, I made about 50 or so. Any idea what use they might have, other than they just look cool? I suggested some type of "challenge coins" for the club, but I dunno. (That bridle is fun to cut and stamp!)