please tell me what you think

[ghostrider812]

New at the craft. This is my first holster and my 3rd attempt try at knife sheaths. Actually 3 at once. Anyway I guess its time to get critiqued by the pros.

[DaveT]

Pretty nice work. I like the retention strap on the holster. Might have to steal that idea.

As for improvement, your stitching is decent but I'd use a smaller stitch length, at least a 6 per inch, maybe 7. Smaller stitches look nicer. Next the edges need some work. Trim an even distance from the stitch line. Edge bevel and slick the edges for a more finished look.

To finish the edges, rub with a canvas or denim rag soaked with saddle soap. I use several rags that I cut from scraps of "duck cloth" from the fabric store, and one canvas carpenter apron that gave up the ghost (ok, I left the blade out on a utility knife and cut a hole in it.) Then I rub yellow paste saddle soap into the rag until it is totally soaked. Glycerin bar or liquid soap works too. Stay away from the white paste as it can turn some leather purple. Lay out and let dry. After your project is finished, trim the edges and use an edge beveler to round the edges. If you want to dye the edges do it now. You can also use a sharpie marker to dye the edges. Now spritz the soaped rag with a spray bottle, just a bit, to activate the soap. Rub the edges. The moisture and the soap will really slick the edges quickly. Let the edges dry, then rub with wax, beeswax or paraffin. Rub with a dry bit of canvas (no soap). This will heat the wax and melt it into the leather a bit. Very nice seal on the edges and very smooth. BTW, this works on veg tan leather, latigo, bridle leather, and even some chrome tan.

After slicking, instead of wax you can use Gum Tragacanth, Super Sheen, edge dye/finish, or just about any finish to slick the edges. I just like the feel and finish the wax gives it.

Dave T.

[ghostrider812]

Pretty nice work. I like the retention strap on the holster. Might have to steal that idea.

As for improvement, your stitching is decent but I'd use a smaller stitch length, at least a 6 per inch, maybe 7. Smaller stitches look nicer. Next the edges need some work. Trim an even distance from the stitch line. Edge bevel and slick the edges for a more finished look.

To finish the edges, rub with a canvas or denim rag soaked with saddle soap. I use several rags that I cut from scraps of "duck cloth" from the fabric store, and one canvas carpenter apron that gave up the ghost (ok, I left the blade out on a utility knife and cut a hole in it.) Then I rub yellow paste saddle soap into the rag until it is totally soaked. Glycerin bar or liquid soap works too. Stay away from the white paste as it can turn some leather purple. Lay out and let dry. After your project is finished, trim the edges and use an edge beveler to round the edges. If you want to dye the edges do it now. You can also use a sharpie marker to dye the edges. Now spritz the soaped rag with a spray bottle, just a bit, to activate the soap. Rub the edges. The moisture and the soap will really slick the edges quickly. Let the edges dry, then rub with wax, beeswax or paraffin. Rub with a dry bit of canvas (no soap). This will heat the wax and melt it into the leather a bit. Very nice seal on the edges and very smooth. BTW, this works on veg tan leather, latigo, bridle leather, and even some chrome tan.

After slicking, instead of wax you can use Gum Tragacanth, Super Sheen, edge dye/finish, or just about any finish to slick the edges. I just like the feel and finish the wax gives it.

Dave T.

Thank You Dave, I really appreciate the guidance on the edge work. Thus far has been the hardest issue. I have yet to learn to sew. I bought an artisan 4000. I am a long way from mastering this. I also have yet to learn to hand stitch. I plan to hand stitch my next holster.