My Holster Timeline

[bigo5552000]

ok guys here is my third holster. it is for a full sized 1911 and is left handed. i had some issues with the sealer. i was using resolene and brushed it on and had all kinds of bubbles and stuff. should i us another method of applying the sealer?? would love some constructive critasim.

thanks

[Penden]

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

Oh, gosh! I responded to the wrong thread somehow and that is why my comments did not make any sense! I would still have preferred a dark brown thread, or white if you want contrast instead. I don't know why but personally I do not like black thread on brown dye.

Edited March 15, 2010 by Penden

[bigo5552000]

#4 tell me what you guys think. it is for a XD-9sc. comments please!!!

[dickf]

bigo,

Welcome to the forum, mate!

Regarding your XD SC holster:

The first thing that pops out at me is that it's going to get sloppy real fast. You have no stitch line around the perimeter of the pistol, and that's going to end up being a problem after some use. So, first things first, add a stitch line that follows the slide and around the trigger guard down to the muzzle. Make sure this line comes in close and follows the lines of the gun. Not only will it look better, but it will give that holster the long-term retention it needs to stay in service.

Another piece of advice: Don't rush this. These things aren't meant to be turned out in mass quantity by us leatherworkers - leave that to the guys with giant machines and many employees. Concentrate on quality and perfecting the little things. Your edges, for example. They could be smooth, but they are blotchy and don't hold the same color in any two spots. Get some dye and go around the edges to even the color, and do your best not to let any drift over on the holster body. Also, never leave a stitch line to dead-end somewhere. Try to connect them, and if you can't, let it dead-end in the middle of the side somewhere where there is no tension necessary.

I think you're off to a great start, but I also think you're in a hurry. Slow down, concentrate on the little things, and think things out before you start cutting. I think you'd be surprised at how much progress you'd make without the pedal to the metal.

[bigo5552000]

bigo,

Welcome to the forum, mate!

Regarding your XD SC holster:

The first thing that pops out at me is that it's going to get sloppy real fast. You have no stitch line around the perimeter of the pistol, and that's going to end up being a problem after some use. So, first things first, add a stitch line that follows the slide and around the trigger guard down to the muzzle. Make sure this line comes in close and follows the lines of the gun. Not only will it look better, but it will give that holster the long-term retention it needs to stay in service.

Another piece of advice: Don't rush this. These things aren't meant to be turned out in mass quantity by us leatherworkers - leave that to the guys with giant machines and many employees. Concentrate on quality and perfecting the little things. Your edges, for example. They could be smooth, but they are blotchy and don't hold the same color in any two spots. Get some dye and go around the edges to even the color, and do your best not to let any drift over on the holster body. Also, never leave a stitch line to dead-end somewhere. Try to connect them, and if you can't, let it dead-end in the middle of the side somewhere where there is no tension necessary.

I think you're off to a great start, but I also think you're in a hurry. Slow down, concentrate on the little things, and think things out before you start cutting. I think you'd be surprised at how much progress you'd make without the pedal to the metal.

thanks for all the advice!!!

[bigo5552000]

here is my latest holster! it is for a S&W 469!! can u please critique it!!! tell me what u think!!!

[LeatherCaptain]

I don't have a gentle heart...especially after a couple of scotch's, so i apologize up front...

I think you should buy a quality holster from a reputable maker. Look at it. Study it. Try and understand how the maker designed it and how the lines work. Where does the belt line run and how high/low does the holster ride. Check out the edges and the finish on the interior. This is not an easy process and you should keep up the good work. Persistance, in the end, is what separates a holster maker from someone looking to make a quick buck.

[Denster]

A few things I noticed. First I'll second what leathercaptain said. It looks like you intended the gun to go further into the holster but got your stitchline too close. I noted the pinched off muzzle of the holster. With large weapons like the 459 those cheap clips from Tandy just don't get it. Try for a smooth flow in the lines of the holster. The eye likes curves and those straight lines and square corners at the rear of the holster are not pretty. It looks like you are getting too much moisture in your leather when forming. That gives the leather surface that kind of wrinkly effect you are getting and also hurts your boning detail. If you are going to handstitch invest in a stitchmarking wheel, a good awl and matching harness needles for the thread you are using. Punched holes are for lacing not stitching. Spend some more time on your edges they are looking better however.

It looks like you are getting the idea and improving but do study others work and see where you need improvement. If you don't know how do accomplish something, ask a specific question, the folks here will be happy to answer. None of us, with the possible exception of Particle, did quality work from the get go. There is a learning curve. You can shorten it with the proper questions.