My Holster Timeline

[bigo5552000]

Well this thread is going to be an ongoing thread that I update as much as possible to show the progression( hopefully) of my leather working skills. I started working leather about 3 days ago! I've been wanting to start making my own holsters for sometime now, but I am a full time Mechanical Engineering student and I have very little free time. But, i finally got around to getting my stuff! I thought that this thread would be interesting for everyone on here and keep me motivated to continue. I would really appreciate as may tips and as much constructive criticism as possible to further my skill an knowledge. Well lets get this show on the road and show ya'll what ive done so far starting with an IWB holster made for my XD-9sc. I have also started working on a small of the back holster for a S&W 2214. They are both made of 8-9oz leather and are unfinished. They still need to be stained, burnished, and ect. Ok ya'll tell me how I've done so far!

[bigo5552000]

I didnt want to put all these Pictures up here because i didnt want to make the first part so pic heavy. But, this link has all the Pictures(click me)!! start at the bottom and scroll up that shows the timeline! thanks!

Edited March 10, 2010 by bigo5552000

[bigo5552000]

no comments???

[Denster]

Not too bad for a first attempt. Just a few suggestions. First you might want to use different leather than bellies. Not really firm enough for holsters. Get Al Stohlman's book on hand stitching. Read hidepounders post (sticky) on edge finishing. Look up some of the past posts by Lobo, Particle, Boomstick, DickF, and see some of the holsters they have posted it will give you an idea of what to shoot for.

[bigo5552000]

cool thanks

[Penden]

cool thanks

I would use brown thread to go with that light color. Of course if you are using a sewing machine a lot of thread comes by the lb and can be harder to get in small quantities. In that case I would dye it a medium brown, cordovan, or black if the color is up to you.

[bigo5552000]

I would use brown thread to go with that light color. Of course if you are using a sewing machine a lot of thread comes by the lb and can be harder to get in small quantities. In that case I would dye it a medium brown, cordovan, or black if the color is up to you.

im going to dye the holster a dark color just havnt gotten that far yet!

[bigo5552000]

first two holsters dyed! i didnt burnish the edges i just wanted to practice dying on these two! how does the dye look?? i put it on with a dabber!

[MADMAX22]

Looks ok.

Did you clean the finished product before dying it? Clean it with some alcohol or some deglazer, let that dry then dye it. Also when you finish and buff it out then apply your oil, and then your finish coat this will alter the way the dye job looks a small bit. Doing the whole process will give ya a better idea of what the overall finished holster will look like.

[bigo5552000]

Looks ok.

Did you clean the finished product before dying it? Clean it with some alcohol or some deglazer, let that dry then dye it. Also when you finish and buff it out then apply your oil, and then your finish coat this will alter the way the dye job looks a small bit. Doing the whole process will give ya a better idea of what the overall finished holster will look like.

no i didnt. but i will next time.

for oil can i use neatsfoot oil??

and for the finish coat can i usr resolene??

thanks for the advice!