Black Avenger

[particle]

I'm still tweaking this pattern, but I think it's getting very close. This is the first time I've made a black holster. Never really thought I'd like black, but I sure do now. Next time, I'll be sure to wear gloves...

Herman Oak 8/9oz, Fiebing's Professional Black, Acrylic Resolene airbrushed finish, wrapped around a Dan Wesson Commander Bobtail 1911.

Please let me know if you see any room for improvement. Headed out to my garage to build another one!!

[Denster]

Near as I can see the basic design and execution is flawless. I noted the dye rub off at the top of the triggerguard and below the slide. Might want to touch it up. I hate dying holsters particularly black. I used to use Vinegaroon then went to HO drum dyed and haven't looked back.

[particle]

Thanks Denster! Once I get my workbench built in my garage (with storage space for hides below), I'll have to look at the drum dyed hides. Do they bone/tool as easily as a plain veg tan hide? Sounds like a good approach! I have the holster sitting in front of me - dye looks fine. I think what you're seeing is light reflections. The blue tint is sky light leaking in through my blinds, and the purplish light is from the compact fluorescent bulbs in my fan and desk lamps.

[WaG35]

Holy cow that is nice!!!!! How in the world do you get that kind of defenition in 8/9oz leather? What do you use for boning tools? Do you use a press? I hope you don't mind all the questions but wow that is very nice. Very well done.

[Denster]

Thanks Denster! Once I get my workbench built in my garage (with storage space for hides below), I'll have to look at the drum dyed hides. Do they bone/tool as easily as a plain veg tan hide? Sounds like a good approach! I have the holster sitting in front of me - dye looks fine. I think what you're seeing is light reflections. The blue tint is sky light leaking in through my blinds, and the purplish light is from the compact fluorescent bulbs in my fan and desk lamps.

Whoops! Sorry my bad those are all shaded areas. If those areas look like the rest of the holster then you hammered it. As to the drum dyed HO the only differences I've noted is that it is slightly harder to cut, I strop my head knife slightly more often and it takes a little longer for moisture absorbtion when I wet form it. I use a lot of 7/8 and with natural I give it a 2 second dip prior to forming with the black I give it 5 seconds. Bones and holds detail as well as natural HO and no rub off the color is struck through. Good stuff I like it a lot. I normally have a lot of 6/7 aand 7/8 on hand if you'd like to try before you buy let me know and I'll send you a piece.

[dickf]

Wow. You're really moving along quickly! Did this cut of 8-9oz HO harden up for you this time around?

[303brit]

Great work! Very nice 45 too.

[particle]

Holy cow that is nice!!!!! How in the world do you get that kind of defenition in 8/9oz leather? What do you use for boning tools? Do you use a press? I hope you don't mind all the questions but wow that is very nice. Very well done.

Thanks! Don't have a press, but every time I start shaping a holster I sure wish I did!! I just start with the knuckles, then progress to a few wooden tools that I got years ago in a pottery/sculpture class I took in junior college. There is a bunch of tools available at the local Hobby store in the clay modeling section. You don't need anything fancy and/or pretty - just something smooth and durable. And I use the basic bone folder tool too.

Wow. You're really moving along quickly! Did this cut of 8-9oz HO harden up for you this time around?

Thanks! Yes, it firmed up significantly!! I put the previous one back in the oven after a good soak to penetrate the finish, and it firmed up too.

Great work! Very nice 45 too.

Thanks! My wife knew I was drooling for one, and she surprised me with it for Christmas a year ago with her bonus.

[carljc72]

That is a good looking holster. I like the CBOB as well. That is amazing detail and boning for not using a press. Nice job.

Carl

[badasp118]

I LOVE it! Awesome job! Im jelous!!!

badasp118