Frank

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.

Thanks Tim and CountryStyle. Most of my time spent on a project is from doing my edges. I really think that is what makes a custom item really pop. It's the first thing that I look at when I see someone's work. All of my edges are done by hand with canvas. All edges are burnished twice as well. I have a callous the size of Texas on my right thumb and fore finger.

Very nice rifle Chris. I have a model 92 with the large loop in .44. I also have the same style grips he had, for my original Great Western. I swap them out every once in a while for the good old walnut grips. A lot of people do not know that he used the original Great Westerns in the Shootist, not Colts. As a matter of fact, they were not just a pair, there were 3 of them! If you ever want photos of his stuff, PM me with your email address and I can send you good close-up photos from the museum. Frank

Thanks Chris. I'm a big fan here too. I studied that rig for a couple of years and went through a lot of patterns making it. I went down to the National Cowboy Heritage Museum to see one of his rigs. I took a lot of photos and just stared at the darn thing for more than an hour. I changed a few things just to make the belt a little nicer and stronger, but no one seems to think it detracts from the originality at all. Frank

Bill, I am very humbled when I hear such words from people. A great many of my customers have said words on the same lines as yours. I'm always humbled but I don't see it the same way as everyone else. I have seen very few holsters and belts made by large companies so I have nothing to compare my work to except the next job gets compared to the last. My heartfelt thanks for the sincere compliments. Chris, The outer layer is a 6.25" wide piece of 4-5 ounce suede and the inner layer is a 3" wide 4-5 ounce veg tan. I fold and glue the suede over the veg tan and it gives the belt enough meat that it doesn't roll the edge over while you are wearing it. I only use rubber cement when doing this, in case a I have a little issue with the suede stretching. Most of the time I cut the suede wider and glue the veg tan on one edge of the suede and then glue the back side and roll it over. This way, if the fold is a little off (not as tight) in one area, I won't run off the edge of the suede when it's folded. I just cut the excess off after stitching. I hope I explained that well enough. Frank

Thanks everyone. Yeah, it's a few more than 10 rounds Jon. Imagine if it was a 50 inch belt instead of a 36 inch belt!! With 45 rounds on there, it is definitely a brute of a belt. I saw one in an old photo and thought it would be neat to add to the website. Mototech7; I appreciate the compliments and glad that I could help at least inspire people a little bit. I just consider myself and "average" leather worker. The day we stop bettering ourselves, is the day we either die or are put into the history books. I hope neither is in my near future!! We have some of the best leather workers on this site. I won't mention any names but they have inspired me a lot. Frank

Thanks for the compliments, I really appreciate it.

I guess I read the thread wrong....typical me. Yes, only use Tan kote to thin antique since Tan Kote is not water based.

I just got these finished up. Another one of my Duke rigs, a 4.5" Arizona Ranger style cartridge Belt with antiqued hardware, and a old style half flap holster. Frank

If you Google the stuff you are looking for, the original specs with photos will show up. You can download them and re-size them to the specs. That is what I did for a few things.

Tan Kote is resin based and Bag Kote is water based. I prefer Bag Kote as a finish since you have a little more time to work with it before it gets tacky. Bag Kote can be thinned with water and I believe (don't quote me) that Tan Kote has to be thinned with alcohol??

Very nice scenery on that one. Too nice to use!

I always like the jockstrap styled holster. Nice rig.