Here's a few new ones I just finished

[Rock76]

That's an interesting idea. I'll have to give that one a try down the road. Thanks for the suggestion, Jeff.

-Adam

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Are you doing any work with exotics yet? That first holster is just crying for some black shark or elephant as an accent (it will look good, and it will wear better, too). Let me know if you want to give it a try and I'll send you a piece to play with.

Edited September 21, 2009 by BOOMSTICKHolsters

[Rock76]

Are you doing any work with exotics yet? That first holster is just crying for some black shark or elephant as an accent (it will look good, and it will wear better, too).

I actually thought the same thing about the first holster. I've been REALLY itching to start doing some exotic trim,

but I've been holding off because I read somewhere that sometimes it's pretty common to have to do some significant skiving (especially ostrich) to even out the skin before glueing and sewing it to the backing leather. Is that pretty accurate? I'm not really set up to do any major skiving, and wasn't sure if the small hand version would do the job.

Let me know if you want to give it a try and I'll send you a piece to play with

What a generous offer! PM sent

-Adam

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

I actually thought the same thing about the first holster. I've been REALLY itching to start doing some exotic trim,

but I've been holding off because I read somewhere that sometimes it's pretty common to have to do some significant skiving (especially ostrich) to even out the skin before glueing and sewing it to the backing leather. Is that pretty accurate? I'm not really set up to do any major skiving, and wasn't sure if the small hand version would do the job.

Some skins require skiving, but most of the ones I use don't. I suppose it depends on the weight of the hide and where you get it. It is a MAJOR pain in the butt to skive exotics if you don't have access to a mechanical skiver. I usually just sand the pieces to get the results I want. In many cases, I don't find it necessary to back the accents with cowhide, but that will depend on your construction and finishing process so you may decide it is necessary after some experimentation. I have reinforced the accents with sheet metal in the past for holsters that needed to have a strong opening yet remain very thin, so you might consider that as an alternative, but realize that you will have a LOT more time in the holster by time you are finished with it.

[Rock76]

Thanks for the tips, and the heads up on the skiving issue. I'm looking forward to some experimenting.

-Adam