Belt Straps instead of belt slots/loops

[K-Man]

Here's an example of our version of the holster cut out. This was cut out with clicker dies. There are three pieces - the front, the back, and the lay over piece.

Here's a picture of the leftover leather from the cutting out of the three pieces above:

The largest piece of "scrap" leather shown in the picture above is 4" at one measurement and 2" at the cross measurement. The rest of the pieces are inconsequential in size.

I'm sorry, I just don't buy into the theory that you save more leather by cutting the straps separately from the "body" of the holster. The prudent placement of the dies, or tracing of the pattern, shows that in this example IMO. YMMV.

Edited April 24, 2009 by K-Man

[TwinOaks]

Thanks for the layouts on how you do it. That's a pretty clear rebuttle of the idea that it takes more leather, huh?

[carljc72]

My first approach to this also utilized a T-nut loop attachment with screw through the snap for OWB and screw/trim washer for the IWB strap. Not happy with the results yet, but I think we are moving in the right direction. Just need some time to build the next iteration of the idea, then evaluate the results for fit, function, comfort, etc.

One thing for sure: making the straps as additional pieces, then attaching them to the holster body, is a lot easier when cutting the holster and there is far less wasted leather than there is when cutting the holster and straps as a single piece.

I agree completely. I have just started this year making a few holsters for myself and some friends. I am making a similar version for myself to try out. I want to see how it holds up for comfort and durability. I like the removable strap idea for a few reasons:

IWB/OWB

Belt size

Color combinations

Thank you to everyone on this site for all their knowledge that gets passed along. I could not imagine attempting this without this wealth of information.

Carl

[ps0303]

Speaking of the interchangeable IWB/OWB, the first holster I made was just that. Although it was my very first attempt it came out nice and wears IWB just as well as OWB. For the IWB retention I used metal holster clips with a leather spacer between it and the holster. I attached it with a tee nut that went trhu the belt loop slot I had cut. This allows for changing the depth and cant of the holster. The OWB needs a bit more work as I don't think I cut the slots large enough to fit a 1 1/2" belt.

Here is a picture of the holster without the clips.

Here the clips are attached. These are the metal clips. I did also make a set of clips out of Kydex and they fit great as well.

[ps0303]

Deleted post as I found what I was looking for.

Edited April 25, 2009 by ps0303