SouthernCross

What is the recommended procedure for staining and finishing basketweave stamping for colors other than black? Should I: stamp, stain, use antique highlight paste, then spray on a finish? Or should I: stamp, block with something like Resolene or Super Sheen, then use an antique paste, etc?

That makes sense. Thanks.

Thanks, guys. Also, what grade leather should I be asking for? I'm thinking that there's probably no need to go top grade...maybe B grade will be sufficient?

Outstanding! I'm in eastern NC myself. Used to work at FRC East at Cherry Point. PM sent.

Did someone mention Camp Lejeune and devil-dogs? Ingle, are you stationed at Lejeune? Beautiful work, BTW.

I'm planning to purchase my first piece of Hermann Oak leather from Springfield. What part of the cow should I be looking for if I want to make holsters with it? Also, any recommendations as to the weight that I should use? I've been using 8-9 oz. from a piece of the South American hide that I purchased last year and like the thickness. Should I order the same weight in Hermann Oak or a lesser or greater weight?

Does anyone other than Tandy (with their Keen edge beveler) make an edge beveler that makes a nice rounded edge?

Thanks, guys. Since we're talking Osborne tools - what size, and specific model, edger would best serve me for general work, mainly holsters where I'm edging both single and double-thickness 7-9 oz leathers?

No. Ihadn't noticed the KW logo before, either. I usually say "Roger" or "Roger that", which then leads folks to ask if I am prior military, which I am. But I never talked on a radio. LOL Roger that, chief.

10-4. Thanks.

Matt, the cheap ones or the more expensive ones from Tandy?

I need to get a punch to make belt slots for my holsters. Are the C.S. Osborne punches of adequate quality?

Thanks for the reply. I'm in Wilson. What kind of holsters do you specialize in?

Nice. Thanks for that info. And, interestingly, Toledo Sewing Machine company is located just west of Port Clinton, OH where I attend the national rifle matches in July/August of each year. Looks like I'd better start saving up and pick a CB3200 up on my trip up there next year.

I'd like to jump in on this discussion. What are some recommended machines for making holsters and belts? I've read through Wiz's posts, but I know there's been some new machines since then. Let's use about $1,700 as a max budget.

Thanks for sharing, Ray.

Thanks malabar. Looks like a good excuse for me to go buy me a 1911. ;-)

Looks like I'll be working on holsters for J-frame snubbies then. Most of my other favorite guns are older and not very popular with today's crowd, though - such as Sig P232, S&W 3913, etc..

"If" it had a grip safety, that is.

I'd the BHP just had a grip safety.....

I've had much better results with all colors since I started spraying it on. I just use a cheap Paasche airbrush that I picked up years ago. I usually mix the Fiebings about 50/50 with denatured alcohol and spray until I get the color I'm looking for.

How do you dye - dip or spray?

I already have a hammerless J-frame 642, so maybe I'll start with that. I also have a Single Six that I've made a shoulder holster for - maybe I can fancy it up a bit and capitalize on that. There are SO many guns and SO many combinations of holsters available that it would almost seem like one would have to specialize in a limited few or else go broke buying blue guns and trying to accommodate all the possible combinations.

So, if I want to get really good at holster making, well, I've got to start making holsters. I want to start by making some holsters and trying to sell them on a couple of gun forums that I'm a member of. What gun(s) do you guys build the most holsters for? If I've got to buy a blue gun or two I may as well get some of the most popular ones....probably no need to get something obscure and obsolete. I'm thinking 1911, Glock 19 or 26, and S&W J-frame snubby. Also, what style holster is your most popular? I personally like avenger-style holsters, but I believe I'm in the minority and most folks want IWB holsters these days. That's just my perception, though. What do you guys sell the most of.

That looks really nice. I like the flatter backed holsters, personally.