How To Cut Rawhide?

[AzShooter]

I recently purchased some Rawhide from Tandy Leather.  They had it on sale and I want to try to use it inside my holsters so that I can mold them to the gun and the leather will keep it's shape for a long time.

I know of another holster maker that makes fast draw holsters lined with Rawhide and the speed is unbelievable.

I tried a scissors but it's very difficult to cut.  

Should I soak it in water before attempting to cut it?

Also once I put it between two other layers of 8 ounce leather and it's wet will Barge Cement hold it there until I form in in a vacuum bag?

[tsunkasapa]

I use tin snips/sheet metal shears for rawhide. As to the Barge Cement, no idea.

[AzShooter]

Thanks for your reply.

 

[Dwight]

I made a sheath for a fellow once . . . lined it with rawhide . . . put it together with weldwood contact cement . . . that was several years ago . . . have not heard any negative comments since.

He made the knife . . . I put the fold in the back . . . so he could pull it out without cutting the stitches . . . he was big time tickled with it.

Did a matching bag for his rolling block 47-70 . . . with the attached EGA (EGA had 2400 beads in it) . . . 

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited May 11, 2022 by Dwight

[AzShooter]

Very nice work and thanks for the information.

Steven