My first holster

[Shorts]

Great job on the holster. Blows my first one out of the water as well. The boning is exceptional for a first run. Glad to hear it was initiated properly

[Tac]

Looks are great, but function is the key. Sounds like yours functioned exactly as it should. Thats what it's all about. If you are mentoring under Jeff in this craft, you have a sound and accomplished artisan to learn from. My "real job" is that of a full time Police Sergeant and the Range Master for my department. I spend alot of time abusing gear in training. To me a holster is supposed to work, not be an fashion accesory or a piece of art (Although some I have seen from artisans on this site can fill these rolls as well). It bothers me when I hear some of my troops complain that they don't want to use their normal carry gear in training out of fear that it will get dinged or scratched up. I have long been a proponant of the adage that you should fight the way you train and train the way you will fight... that includes using the gear you will have when the fight comes. I am glad to hear that there are craftsman out there who actually USE the gear that they make. This perspective will make you a better craftsman and improve your product.

-Tac

P.S. Nice thing about making your own gear is that you can make yourself a new holster for "show" and wear the one that you abuse during training.... Besides, it gives you an excuse to make another holster.

[Jared]

I'm sorry I never posted any new pictures after the shoot. I took the holster home.. got out a paper towel.. ran some water over it and rubbed off all the damage I thought I had done. There were two tiny scratches.. and my fobes mag holder nearly died.. had abrasive gashes in it.. and really showed some wear. I never thought either of my holsters would hold up so well.. the shark had no marks.. and the sunburst only had the two tiny marks. I'm in agreement that if you have these you shouldn't avoid using them.. but after seeing the wear and the abuse.. it will take a lot to mess up a good leather holster. If rolling in the rocks, and sliding on the rocks, laying directly on the holster while you shrimp your way along doesn't do anything more than a 1/8th inch minor scratch.. its the best thing I've ever done for my training.

[dbarleather]

Jared,

Beautiful holster! I have to ask, what type of leather is the holster laying on in the photo?

Elephant?

Daryl

Edited July 24, 2009 by dbarleather

[Jared]

Yes its elephant.