KeithL

I actually thought they were different names for the same thing. Do pricking irons have diamond shaped points as well? Now I'm wondering if there is an advantage to using one over the other.

I am looking for diamond holes. I use waxed cotton (linen actually I think). Budget, well I'm looking for for good bang for my buck. I've seen them all the way from $15 to $100. I doubt the $15 ones are good, but some China stuff is getting better.

Any recommendations about which pricking chisel(s) to buy? I primarily sew holsters and heavy leather. Six to eight stitches per inch is a what I am looking for. Thank you, Keith

Hi, does anyone know where you can get the springs that mount in a holster to retain the firearm? I don't mean a belt clip, but a spring to hold the firearm in the holster. You mostly see them used in vertical shoulder holsters like Bianchi X-15, or old western style skeleton holsters. I can try to find a picture of the type of holster I mean if that would clarify. Thanks, Keith

That's a Berns-Martin Lightning or something very similar. Used to be popular for small revovlers. I have never seen a big gun carried that way. Something like a 8 3/8" N- frame - unless you were really tall - would put the grip so low you must have bend over to reach it. I'd like to see one, but not wear it.

Are there any drive punches you recommend? Springfield has a few with interchangeable punches, those seem to be a good idea.

Hi, I had bad luck with a rotary punch. The revolving part was made from cheap pot metal and broke after very little use. Do you have any recommendations about a good punch that is not very expensive? Thanks, Keith

Could I be added too? Thanks.

How does one make a flat backed holster? Do you mold the front prior to construction like a molded bag or case? Is the front cut oversized? Thanks, Keith

Hi, I'm new to this, but I want to make hoilsters. Primarily, I want to make them for concealed carry, not so much cowboy styles. I know I want 6-8 ounce weight depending on whether I am going to make an IWB, a pocket or OWB. OWB would be on the heavier side and the other two styles on the light side of the range I stated. My question is I see that retailers sell leather from different parts of the cow, shoulders sides etc.. What kind do I want? Thanks, Keith

That's what I mean. I would like to learn more about burnishing or boing edges, wet molding, staining, finishing and all those things that makea rough project into a finished and refined product.

Hello. I'm new to this craft. I have read The Art of Handsewing and I have How to Make Holster, both by Al Stohlman. Are there any other books you would recommend about holsters and accesories like mag and knife pouches? I'm looking for something that would get into a little more detail, particularily into finishing and detailing. Thanks ahead of time. Keith