CaptQuirk

I have done 7-10 holsters in the last year. It is about 50/50 between belt clip and either snap down or sewn loop. 1 of those had slots, curved slots no less. And I used curved slots, not because they looked pretty, but so the guy could adjust the angle of draw on his small of back holster. I can't tell you how much time I spent on those slots, but it was too much. But, the slot punches are about $40-$130. That is my leather budget. So, for the time being, when I have a straight slot to do, I'll punch 2 holes, and use my knife and straight edge to do them. But yeah, it would be nice to just whack a punch and be done!

That is kinda cool, I've never seen that before.

That looks great! I'm curious about the lacing on the backsides, what is that for?

I spent a lot more than 30 minutes on a pair of slots, and yeah, it would be easier to just do it with a punch the size you want. If you have the money, get it, Texas dies, will make it the size you want. I personally don't do enough holsters with them to buy the punch yet.

If you are on Facebook, you might want to try them yourself. I've had the number for a couple weeks now, and can never remember to call. 423-619-6695

I'm glad you caught that, I didn't realize you were In Czechoslovakia... and to be honest, not even folks who speak English natively catch my attempt at wit. You have a better command of the language than a lot who were born here! I will, also add, that is an amazing amount of detail, for me to even notice the hobble... or hoof cuffs

@TinkerTailor- That last part was a neat tip. As far as the globs on the shaft, I really don't think about it. I just scrape it along the inside edge when I wipe the brush to get rid of the excess. Just like when I tip the dye jar on my sponge, I now do it AWAY from the leather I'm working on, in case it spills out. Things you learn to do and not to do.

@malabar- I think that after punching, sanding and burnishing, the slot should open up a bit more. If not, maybe burnish and sand a little more aggressively? You can always remove more, but you can't put it back. I have a small pile of holsters to prove that last point.

I knew that, I was just being facecious...faseci.. I was being a smartarse

Was the horse bad? It looks like its wearing hand... hoof cuffs?

Why do you cut it? I've been using it full strength with a brush as a resist. It works ok, if I am patient enough to apply a few coats... and wait overnight. When I'm not patient enough, it doesn't work so good. I found that out with some interesting results.

@Widget- My Mom's family was from Wilmington, I remember going through Nwark as a kid! Back on topic, I just use the brush that comes in the can of contact cement. The only tip I have, is to wipe the excess globs off the brush, and brush from the center out past the edges. This helps keep the brush from hitting the edge with glue, less clean up before burnishing the edge.

I just got a response from Texas Custom Dies. A curved 1 3/4" slot punch is $125 plus shipping. Weaver has an Osborne 1 1/2" curved for $43. I'm sure it isn't the same quality, but it is either one punch and no leather, or a cheap punch and leather with free shipping for the same price. I can work with cheap

That looks as good as anything in the reproduction catalogues... and extra bonus kudos for doing it with the period styled tools. That is above and beyond.

Nice! Did you burn the image in?

@alpha2- I tend to shoot for 3/16" for my stitching, so I mark the line in a little more, so that I still have that 3/16" worth after sanding and shaping the edges. But like I said, you are doing a great job.

A really nice job for a second attempt. I can't wait to see what else you do. The stitching looks like it might be a little close to the edge, but that isn't likely to be an issue. So, good job, and keep it up!

@tnhomestead- I used the hole punch and my pocket knife with a straight edge for straight slots. It does ok,, but a real punch would be nice.

@HBAR- I agree 100% with you about the time saving and quality of results. I couldn't tell you how much time I put into those two slots, and they were far from being what I wanted. As for the curved slots, I used them on a small of back holster, so that the guy could have a little adjustment on the position. I don't do a whole lot of holsters with belt slots, but just one was enough to know it sucks doing them by hand. Straight slots aren't too bad though.

@MADMAX22- Being serious, I have used a lot of the chicago screws from Weavers, most of them being bought in the 6 pack packages from the hardware store, some recently bought from Weavers directly. Never had any issues with them not working as expected.

As a person who just attempted to do curved belt slots by hand, I agree 100%. Was that $80 each, or for the pair?

Females can often be temperamental,, Did you try some soft music and conversation first? :).

@rickybobby- How much was that belt slot punch, and was it straight or curved?

I have a system that really limits the amount of dust- I do everything by hand. No expensive or fancy machines to make thing quick and easy for me, no sir. The only dust I create is when I fart... Oops! Did I say that out loud?