Best Oblong Punch for Holsters

[WMages]

Looking to further tighten up details on leather holsters I build. I'm getting by currently with a round punch and a slightly too narrow oblong punch but would like to do this in one or two hammer blows. I normally build holsters matched with  either a 1/4" or 5 1/16" belt. Could someone direct me to a good quality punch that will make the slots the size I need in one pass? I've looked at Osborns but haven't been able to determine the width of the slot they cut. I expect to pay a premium price so long as the punch is great quality. Thanks.

 

[fredk]

There was discussion recently which included talk about large oval punches for holsters 

I can't remember where it was or by whom, but if I find it I'll post a link

edit; check this thread out

 

Edited September 8 by fredk

[bruce johnson]

Here are the dimensions of the new CS Osborne #151 bag/slot/oblong punches. 

[JLSleather]

osborne tools definitely not what they used to be.  not even close.

I'm gonna recommend you have your punch made to what you want at Tx Cust Dies.  Just let em know what you want - they'll fix it up.  Get them with a handle, for punching with a mallet, or without a handle, for use in a press.

 

[fredk]

At the size needed I'd go for one to use with a press

[wizard of tragacanth]

I agree with JLS. Custom order and get exactly what you want, no compromising.

I also second his recommendation for Texas Custom Dies. Good people and good service. 

[Dwight]

I don't have anything against any of the professional punch makers . . . 

But I'm a cheapskate . . . so I make my own.

So far . . . no one as asked me if their holster had holes made by one of the professionals . . . they just pay up and go on down the road . . . happy little customers.

Mine are made from good old EMT . . . better known as Electrical Metallic Tubing . . . or conduit for short.

Probably took me 2 hours to make all of them . . . punches and round end strap cutters.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Stetson912]

It has been mentioned, but tx custom dies has one that a lot of holster makers like. It's on my list of goodies to get. I have an osborn, but sadly it isnt very good quality and is also a bit narrow. For a 1.5" wide .25 thick belt, a 5/16 x 1.75 oblong punch is about perfect. I hand cut mine to this. I believe tx cust dies is about these dimensions also. 

[RockyAussie]

On 9/15/2025 at 10:11 AM, Dwight said:

I don't have anything against any of the professional punch makers . . . 

But I'm a cheapskate . . . so I make my own.

So far . . . no one as asked me if their holster had holes made by one of the professionals . . . they just pay up and go on down the road . . . happy little customers.

Mine are made from good old EMT . . . better known as Electrical Metallic Tubing . . . or conduit for short.

Probably took me 2 hours to make all of them . . . punches and round end strap cutters.

May God bless,

Dwight

I have in the past made several different size punches like this myself. I do find a bolt slightly smaller than the hole and wrap some tape around it to keep it firmly held in place for being hit with a mallet or hammer but loose enough to remove and get out the waste occasionally. I generally make up a mild metal shape about the same as the inside hole of the punch I am making and after a bit of shaping use it to refine the end shape of the punch. I make quite a few from stainless tube which works pretty well.