Brooks125

I don't know how much this topic has been covered, but here's my experience. I began setting up at a local, very-well-run gun show, just over 3 years ago. Business was very slow the first few months, but has picked up briskly over time. I think a few things come into play with this method of getting holsters and gun/knife/western gear to customers. 1. Consistency. I know I've gained customers because they know they will see me at every show. Obviously, that doesn't happen overnight, but it comes sooner than you might think. As much as possible, be at the same table/location every time. 2. Take very good care of the customers you get. I had one gentleman who, every time I saw him for about 15 months, would hand me money and order another holster. He had very specific design parameters, which I was careful to follow. He missed two shows in a row, and I actually called to check on him. He was on an extended trip, and is still a customer (and now friend) to this day. 3. If you're doing custom work, people understand you hit snags. Explain the hold up, make it right and deliver a good product, even if they have to wait. Communicate! 4. Learn the culture you're working in. If you're making holsters ... learn about guns. if you're making knife sheaths ... learn the knife culture. Western work ... study period designs or SASS trends etc. 5. Sometimes .... say no. Decide what you will and will NOT do, and what can and CANNOT do. Don't make crappy or dangerous products just because some Yahoo thinks it would be cool. 6. Build relationships!!!!! With other vendors, regular attendees, security officers and the organizers. You don't have to be a suck up, but easily 1/3 to 1/2 of my business is referrals to people asking "Who has leather gear?" One other vendor loves vintage stuff. He sends me people looking for new stuff, I send him people looking for old stuff. I give him some of my older table stock on occasion as a "finder's fee" and he's ordered holsters for himself. Gun shows are a mixed bag, but can be a great outlet for keeping work moving, both directly and by word of mouth.

I got a bench top drill press from HF and a friend of mine works in a facility with CNC operators, one of which owed him a favor and made a burnishing tool. Actually he made 2 because it only takes one more push of a button once you've made one. I gave him the design I wanted and they took it from there. I have an extra I'll most likely never need. I'm told it's the highest quality aluminum money can buy.

... and FredK are the winners on this one! I know it's been awhile but ... I set a groover to the midline of the strap and used the divider to mark the holes. I was amazed how well they came out. It was quicker too! Simple solution to the problem. Thanks!

You know you're going to have to keep us posted, right?

The 500 and 460 are popular, but not enough for the mold gun makers. A few shows ago I received several requests for holsters for them, but confided I would probably need the actual gun to do the holster. Even Bunkhouse Tools was a no-go. They're usually good for the larger frames and vintage Western guns. By all means, let us know if you find someone.

I think that's what I'm looking for and I'll give that a shot. Thanks!

It is. I basically laminate the exotics to the veg tanned from the original cut outs, and all my holsters are suede lined. I'm wondering if a longer saturation before molding would be better or worse...or if the loss of detail on the boning is just to be expected.

What is the secret, if any, to wet molding exotics? I have done a few with snake skin, frog and now ostrich legs. I understand most exotics are essentially waterproof, but is there a way to "encourage" moldability to get the deep, incised lines you get with cowhide, or at least closer to it? Here's an example of my last ostrich leg. The interior is pretty spot on and it functions great. It's a nice holster, but I would like more front detail.

I haven't seen an expanded list posted, but thought I would put my 2 cents worth in on suppliers for different mold guns. http://knifekits.com and https://www.holstersmith.com/vcom/index.php (I think the same company) are a pretty good first stop for most common modern guns. - About $50/ea, pretty consistently http://www.bluegunstore.com/ has some of the off-the-beaten-path molds and have a few independent suppliers (pocket guns are easier to find), sometimes they are cheaper and have free shipping at times shop.bunkhousetools.com They have a lot of the vintage, magnum and single action guns in stock. ("Large Magnum" is a Python) They charge for shipping up front, and if it's cheaper, they automatically refund the difference. https://duncansoutdoor.com/duncans-customs/ They are a great source for aluminum dummies, but have a limited supply. Order by phone as long as the guy in that department is in. Feel free to add to the list ... it may save us all some time and money!

I would have guessed Weaver, got a 3" from them in the past. In that vein, you're probably going to be looking for equestrian tack to get that. Good Luck.

A friend of mine is asking if I could cover a side plate for his son's Ducati Scrambler. The original covers are aluminum and can be attached/detached by a tab and grommets, and secured by an allen screw in the middle. The design is convex, thankfully, but I'm wondering what's the best way to attack this. I'm a holster guy, so I need some guidance on type of leather and how to bond or secure it to the plates. He's also wanting it in a russet brown finish, but I'm guessing I'll use something already tanned to that finish. The photo isn't the actual plate, but it's the same size/shape - in aluminum. Thanks in advance. (Always fun to get out of the comfort zone!)