Frank

Nice job on the rig. Hopefully the belt can hold that monster in place! Any good caliber really should start with a number 4.

Great looking rig. You can definitely see the Lobo influence. I really like the horsehide for concealed carry leather.

Josh, Great looking saddle for #3. I need to get to work on #4 some day! The only thing I have to comment on is the tooling on the back of the cantle, on the curve; You might want to use a stop or some other tool where you ended your cuts. It leaves them wide open and they really look like they are unfinished. Other than that, you're doing a fine job. Frank

Another one of my theories behind selling a "second" especially when it comes to gun leather is that more than likely after the first day of use, you'd never be able to tell it was a "second." I'm tough on my own gun leather. After using it the first day, I guarantee it already has scratches and visible wear. You can't honestly tell me that someone would think you work is crap after someone else wore in the woods, on horseback, in shoots, etc. These kinds of things always happen to gun leather. If someone bought the holster you made from someone else, it is used and they'd more than likely never even know. Here is a photo of an HH Heiser Holster, The skirt is attached by a rivet, it's not actually a 1 piece holster. This is an original holster that was not repaired. Was this a second? Quite possibly. Did they want to save on leather by using the scraps for the skirts? Also a good possibility. Either way, most of us would consider that a "second", but Heiser sold it like that. I have seen several of these holsters, just like this one. The other thing is that each person has their own threshold of what constitutes a "second." Would what I consider a second, in fact be top quality for someone else? Definitely and vice versa.

Pretty neat stuff. If I saw this back in the 1800's, the first thing that would come to mind is a cowboy cobbling this together in a bunkhouse somewhere. And then sometime after, an Indian removing it from his body (probably after killing him) and adding their own touches to it.

Robert, I don't have trouble at all with the drum dyed leather as far as casing. The only thing to remember is that the dye makes the leather pretty tough. You have to keep your knives extra sharp and stropped really well. I do not care for their black drum dyed leather. I will use the oak tanned and either dye it with vinegroon or Fiebings oil dye. The black doesn't seem to cut worth a darn and bleeds extensively during the sealant process. As far as cutting through the dyed portion of the leather, it does happen with the swivel knife but I've never had it happen when stamping. Once you apply oil and a top coat (I use bag kote), the cut lines turn really dark and make them stand out nicely. I'm not sure if you can see that in my photos or not. Frank

Joel, All of the leather is Wickett & Craig skirting leather. I order directly from them. I use the russet, chestnut, brown, and oak. Frank

Great combo on the colors and the grips are pretty sweet too!

Nice one George. Very clean and eye pleasing to the max!

Thanks Josh, I appreciate it. Now one of these days I SHOULD start another saddle, if I have time.

Nice and clean holsters. The 1903 seems to be gaining in popularity. I have seen a lot of them popping up.

Thanks Robert. I figured you would like this one as well. This is my version of the old Main & Winchester style Slim Jim. I did this one to take to a show next month. Frank

They both look really good for a first attempt at that style. My only true recommendation would be to work on keeping your slots even when using a hole punch and a knife to cut them out. I'd try to edge and burnish them as well.

I have used them before when I get in a bind. Their prices are generally pretty good. I have one just a few miles from the house so I have no idea what they charge for shipping. I just call ahead and pick up what I need.

Thanks everyone. Eaglestroker; I'm not really sure I want to know what the holster and belt DO for you!! But, if your anything like me, I'm guessing you think simplicity is more appealing to the eye. Frank

These are just some of the things I finished over the past 2 weeks. A full rifle scabbard with yellow latigo keepers and straps, a Slim Jim holster, my rendition of a RT Frazier holster from Packing Iron, another rendition of a 2 piece 1851 Navy holster also from Packing Iron, an N Frame flap hunting holster, and a nice heavy waist belt for a friend.

That is one great piece of history. He was definitely one of my favorite lawmen. Listen to Chuck as far as cleaning and conditioning. He knows his stuff when it comes to museum gun leather.