Threepersons project continues to grow

[Lee]

The Tom Threepersons holster style (that I have posted about over the past several months) seems to have taken on a life of its own. I'm now receiving an average of 5 new orders every week for this style, including plain holsters and holsters carved in the original pattern. I recently started receiving requests for this style in basketweave finish as well, so I dug through my stuff and found my basketweave tools (haven't used those since the 1980's). After a couple of practice pieces I turned out the holster shown in one of the photos (Threepersons-style with snap-strap, 6" S&W K-22).

Doing basket stamping must be like riding a bicycle, something you never quite forget how to do. Back in the 1970's and 1980's I did basketweave on about half of everything that I produced. It was very popular, especially with law enforcement personnel.

Had a customer in Texas interested in a carved Threepersons-style holster for his Colt Single Action Army 4.75", with the kicker that he wanted to match the finish to an old carved cartridge belt that he owns. Photos showed a piece estimated at about 50 years old with what appeared to be nothing more than neatsfoot oil for finish. Attached photo shows the result, which the customer is very happy with (original open top style, carved in the original pattern by a very talented gentleman who does these for me).

Had an e-mail from a gentleman who wanted a very simple belt slide holster, something that I haven't produced for quite some time. He wanted one for his Glock with belt loops done in an enclosed manner to ride flatter on the belt (photo attached). I like the result and will probably be adding this style to my regular product line. These are very simple designs, fast and easy to make, use very little leather and produce almost no waste).

August set a new record for my little shop with 131 pieces produced, including 103 holsters and the rest being belts, pouches, etc. Shipped products to 37 states and 3 foreign countries. Customers placing second and third orders now comprise about 20% of my work, so I am very pleased with that. And I'm getting e-mails from folks asking for products they've seen others using at the range or club, so referals are very good.

Added another retail gun shop stocking my regular production items (and taking orders for specialty work), bringing that side of the business to 4 outlets.

Grandchild #9 was born last month, a sound and healthy boy.

I guess I'm rambling a bit here. Started out talking about one thing, ended up with a lot of other stuff thrown in. Anyway, life is good for an old retired cop making holsters in southern Colorado. I hope you are all doing well also.

Lobo you have inspired me. A friend and coworker asked me to modify a knife sheath and just for practice I made him a new sheath. He has a Redhawk just like mine so I can use it for a model and I decided too make a Threepersons holster for him to try and polish up some of my old skills that I haven't used in the last 20 yrs. I'll take some pictures and maybe I'll learn how to post them I would like some feed back. I had to take 4 aspirins for the stitching on the sheath we will see how many it takes to loosen up my arthritic fingers for the holster. Lee