rybord

The coloring was asked for based on others I have done. It's for a FN in 357 Sig. The first time it did just kinda happen but now for the few that I make, that's what they want. Thanks, Ray

Here's a holster I just finished and wanted to share and would appreciate your opinnions. Thanks, Ray

Looks Good!!!!!! It's easy to become an addict. It's a great addiction though. Looks like you're well on your way. Ray

Here's a holster I made and I'm also making a matching single mag holder which I'll also post for opinnions and critiques. The mag holder will be the first for me. I'd appreciate any advice for improvement here. Thanks, Ray

Thanks, I appreciate you generous comments. For the longest time I've wanted to try leatherwork and finally after much reading here and of course the books too I did. I was into cuemaking but the turn around time for making a cue is just too long and unless you have a large stream of work in process there's very little to do. I'm glad I tried this and I really appreciate all the great people here. Thanks, Ray

Hey Tony, For my straight razors I used chromium oxide powder mixed with boot oil or neatsfoot oil to a paint consistency and spread it on either leather or balsa wood. I think what's important is that it absorbs in the leather without damage and blends well with the rouge you are using. I would mix a little and try it even if on a scrap piece of leather. Ray

Thanks Jeff, I appreciate your sharing your work and knowledge as I know everyone else does too. It's a well thought out design including the reinforced sweat guard. The holster just makes sense. Pure function and eye appeal. What is your finish process? Ray

That looks great!!!!! I like that you shortened the draw which I'm sure would make a 5:30 draw easier. I'm sure your customer will be very happy with it. Does the belt loop on the trigger side being closer help with the grip printing?

Looks really good for the first holster. The color looks like red hot metal in the center. Looks too hot to touch!!!!!!!

Thanks Lobo, I appreciate!!!! Ray

Looks great Carl!!!!!!! A couple of questions Did you scuff the leather under the shark skin? Where do you get the shark skin? Thanks, Ray

Thanks Art Ray

Have any ever considered using closed cell foam? Ray

I appreciate all the positive responses. On the edges what I've done is Sand then wet and burnish with some canvas. Dye let dry and sand with dremel. Dye let dry and hand sand up to 600 grit Dye let dry and hand burnish with Fiebings yellow soap liquid. I plan to use some beeswax next. I'm turning a rosewood dowel to burnish with and may be one to use with some canvas. I'm just learning and do appreciate any advice and words of wisdom. Thanks, Ray

Here's the latest for a Smith 45. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks, Ray

Thanks Lobo, I appreciate your generous compliments. I have the luxury of time that you don't since I'm doing just the one holster right now. When I see your Tom Threepersons Holster, I only wish that someday I could acheive that, but that's in the future. I appreciate everyone on this site and all the generous help offered and I know I'll always be looking for help here, but hopefully in time I'll feel like I can contribute. I look forward to that!!!!!!!! Thanks, Ray

First I sand with a spindle sander and then hand sand in one direction up to 2000 grit. I dye the holster and edges and work the edges with some canvas followed with a wood dowel with beeswax. Then of all things I used some cue wax and hand rubbed with a soft cloth. I'm going to get set up to do it as Hidepounder posted though.

A Few Pics of the edges.

Thanks Randy, It's Fiebings medium brown. Ray

Thanks for all the positive comments, I do appreciate them. The leather is 7/8 oz. I'll post pics of the edges tonight. Thanks, Ray

Here's my fourth holster and I'd appreciate your critriques and advice. I missed the stitch line around the trigger guard. I don't know what I was thinking, thinking that following the guard line was the correct way to do it, but now I better understand how the leather will form around the guard. On this gun the trigger guard is wider under the trigger than it is at the front and I failed to adjust for that as well not radiusing the stitch line at the forward corner of it. The bottom of the holster is about 2 1/2" below the bottom of the belt. It has a 15 degree forward cant with the belt slots canted inward with the thought that that they would help hold the gun since the trigger is at the top of the belt. The front belt slot has a 5 degree cant and the rear is 10. What are your thoughts about this design? Does it seem a little long? Thanks, Ray

Try shoepatcher@yahoo.com Ray

Beautiful Case!!!!!!! But what are you hiding in them tubes? Are you an AZ Billiards member. You should share it in the Cue Review or Cue Gallery sections in the forums. Link Below Ray Visit My Website

Thanks Tac, I appreciate your comments. I set the cant at 20 degrees and am pleased with the way it sits without any pressure points. I am of course going to experiment with different cants and designs. Ray

Thanks Boomstick, I appreciate your comments. I should have mentioned it was also the third leather project. I've spent alot of time here and reading books and for this one I pulled out the drafting table and especially the erasers and I didn't even wear through the manila folder. I'm pretty sure printer paper wouldn't have survived. Ray