tsunkasapa

It looks like a "Stripping" blade for grooming dogs. I suppose they could also be used on horses manes and tails.

Dusty Johnson has a set of book, video and patterns. The Stholman Encyclopedias of Saddle making is also an excellent resource. Complete Saddlemaking Course: Book, DVD & Patterns PLUS Saddle Savvy Book at 50% | eBay

I would try it on scrap. That's pretty ancient.

Folded like a TACO! At which time a lined holster is glued grain to grain.

How old? What weather/temp conditions has it been through?

I think you misinterpreted what he said. It is a lined holster. It has to be "folded", and since it is lined it is grain to grain.

Doesn't look all that bad. The Edge Kote does a pretty good job of camouflaging.

In wood shop we used good ol' Elmer's glue. As for "varnish", there are many things that come under that heading. Plastic excepted.

That is quite nice. Well done.

Indeed, I always make the holes after it is glued and clamped in the stitching horse. That is what your awl is for. And glovers needles will snag and catch where a harness needle slides through. 1; groove it 2; mark with the wheel 3; glue the edges together and hammer the GLUED JOINT to ensure full contact/adhesion of said joint 4: clamp in the horse and stab your holes as you sew. I usually stab as many as I can, depending on curve radius or straight.

I didn't pursue it that far as it didn't look like anything I had a use for.

It might be ok for cutting out patterns. Doesn't look heavy enough for leather.

Very nice.

No, you must stitch it together first. Then a QUICK dunk in and out of water. Let it sit for a few minutes while you wrap the pistol in saran wrap. Put it in the holster and begin forming with your fingers. Do not rub with any tool or you will get burnished areas. If you try to form it before stitching you will never get together as it will be stretched out of shape. I am going to try doing it in a Seal-A-Meal with my next one.

The first thing I saw was the huge holes for the stitching. Most everything else is fine, but that just makes it look like a Tandy kit. An awl and stitch marker will improve your work immensely. I would recommend 6 to the inch, but that is just my choice.

Nothing wrong with that.

Per Wikipedia; Latigo leather is cowhide leather that is combination tanned. First it is chrome tanned, then it is vegetable tanned.[1] Before modern combination tanning, latigo had been combination tanned with alum and gambier. Per the Buckle Guy; English Bridle leather is an authentic vegetable tanned cowhide/steerhide that is made from the highest quality English animals and products. It is dyed in drums in order to develop deep, consistent colors with waxes and tallows. After the dying process, the leather is then hot stuffed with pre determined amounts of spew on the grain and flesh, giving it the English feel. Upon completition the leather will be stiff, though with the proper care and an ample amount of break-in time it will become soft and supple with a lot of strength. Per Weaver Leather; Stuffed with heavy tallows, harness leather offers exceptional weight, thickness, ease of cutting and durability. Its self-explanatory name sometimes expands to include collar and saddlery leathers. All harness leathers are generally made from vegetable tanned cattlehides.

I work like mad under pressure. But no, I don't do ANYTHING for Christmas before November. I even turn the TV off when the ads come on.

It's not November yet.

I've had folks ask for things that are just beyond comprehension. "Can you make me a belt? I want it to pay down the National Debt, fight Climate Change, feed the hungry.....OH, and it should hold my pants up too." I just tell them my schedule is pretty backed up.

I wasn't aware that it generated ANY controversy. It is nothing I even think about.

The diamond awl cuts a diamond shaped hole that is less prone to tear out than a round hole. And they are VERY sharp. If your finger is in the way it goes right in.

Welcome from one BP buff to another. You can step your game up with minimal tools. A utility knife, I prefer the retractable blade but not a requirement. An actual diamond awl, a cheap pair of wing dividers, some harness needles and some waxed linen thread. If you are familiar with Crazy Crow, they have everything except the dividers and the utility knife. You can probably find those at a Dollar store. And some sort of straight edge. Those should get you on your way. Waxed Linen Cord - 3 Ply, 45 Yards | Crazy Crow Trading Post Harness Needles - Size #1 | Craft Needles | Crazy Crow Trading Post Leather Awl Haft | Craft Tools | Crazy Crow Trading Post Crazy Crow Trading Post: Diamond-Shaped Awl Blade - 1.5"

Very nice job.