The perfect oval punch.

[bsshog40]

What I'm really wanting is one good oval punch that I can use on all pancake sheaths and holsters for the belt holes. Can anyone recommend an all around good size and a quality punch? 

Thanks!

[RWentz]

1 3/4" is a good size as for the punch try master tool, or c.s. osborn brands. I bought my osborn punch through weaver supply.

[bsshog40]

29 minutes ago, RWentz said:

1 3/4" is a good size as for the punch try master tool, or c.s. osborn brands. I bought my osborn punch through weaver supply.

That's the size I like mine at also. The quality ones are a little rich for my wallet right now. Lol I'll have to save up for one. 

[wizard of tragacanth]

Did you find a punch? If not, here is my recommendation.

Most belts are 1 3/4" wide, so add a little and make your punch 1 13/16". Most belts will fit 1/4" slot but give it an extra 1/16", so 5/16" wide is good.

So, final answer is, minimum... 1 13/16" by 5/16". BTW, I use a 4lb. hammer for this punch.

You are in Texas, so I would recommend Texas Custom Dies... good people. 

http://www.usacuttingdie.com

This is the style that I have. If you have a clicker, that's different.

 

Edited Saturday at 07:47 PM by wizard of tragacanth

[bsshog40]

17 hours ago, wizard of tragacanth said:

Did you find a punch? If not, here is my recommendation.

Most belts are 1 3/4" wide, so add a little and make your punch 1 13/16". Most belts will fit 1/4" slot but give it an extra 1/16", so 5/16" wide is good.

So, final answer is, minimum... 1 13/16" by 5/16". BTW, I use a 4lb. hammer for this punch.

You are in Texas, so I would recommend Texas Custom Dies... good people. 

http://www.usacuttingdie.com

This is the style that I have. If you have a clicker, that's different.

 

Ya, I just bought one of those iron sets off amazon for now. I found one size in there I like. They're pretty sharp. Can't complain about them right now. I'm sure if I get to using it more, I'll have to start sharpening.  

[bruce johnson]

Size - far and away I sell more 1-3/4 inch to makers than any other size for pancakes. The standard 1-1/2 inch belt and the cant of the slots. The guys who wear a 1-3/4" duty or heavy concealed carry belt - then we go to 2". Some makers have patterns with less or more cant and they call for 1-5/8 inch or 1-7/8 inch punches. The big thing is for the belt to fill the slot and no up-and-down play.   

[wizard of tragacanth]

In regard to my last post, two up ( I wish these posts had numbers for reference) I must have been suffering from old-timers disease. I meant to say that most CCW/casual belts are 1.5" wide, so the slot should be a little wider, like a minimum of 1/8" wider, so 1 5/8" for a vertical slot. Listen to Bruce Johnson. He said it right. Sorry.

[LeatherLegion]

Tandy sells this one on their website 

Japanese Heavy Duty Holster Slot Punch

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

On 6/16/2025 at 7:00 PM, bsshog40 said:

What I'm really wanting is one good oval punch that I can use on all pancake sheaths and holsters for the belt holes. Can anyone recommend an all around good size and a quality punch? 

Thanks!

I know you ended up buying something since the original post. But for future reference. Weaver make a 1¾" trace punch which is perfect for holster slots. They're spendy, $205. I make a ton of holsters. I should really consider investing in one myself, but I'm a cheapa** 😆

[bsshog40]

19 hours ago, DoubleKCustomLeathercraft said:

I know you ended up buying something since the original post. But for future reference. Weaver make a 1¾" trace punch which is perfect for holster slots. They're spendy, $205. I make a ton of holsters. I should really consider investing in one myself, but I'm a cheapa** 😆

Me too! Lol I just don't make enough holsters or sheaths to warrant the price. It would be different if I made them to sell on a regular basis.