First Three Holster

[TISCo]

Please tell me what you think of my first three attempts at holster making. All three were cut for a Kahr PM9 at a 40 degree cant. However, on the first one, the stitch lines were too tight there was no way I was going to get that gun in there. This one became a true practice piece: through it away (disappointment); added an extra stitch line (wife's idea to fit it to a smaller gun to practice the rest of the process); wet formed twice. The second turned out much better and was worn continuously for a couple of weeks before taking the pics. The third is my take on a DM Bullard Bodyguard holster, and was made to find out how the angle of the belt slots affect the holster's performance. I think this one is the best looking, but I have not worn it yet so I do not know how it carries. As far as finishing goes, I have learned that an airbrush is a beautiful thing.

BTW

Particle, if you're reading this, your video is what really pushed me to give holster making a shot. You truly do make it look easy, and I would like to see more.

[TISCo]

Here are the last two pics. Next time I will size them a little smaller. This forum stuff is all new to me.

[mattsh]

Looks pretty good for your first holsters.

The stitches space look good. The design looks good, I like the curvy lines they really help a holster look good. The color of the third holster appeals to me most I really like it. The color and finish of the holsters looks good. I like the simplified boning of the gun, not too much and not too little, as long as it is enough to make retention good.

A couple of critiquing points: stitching around the trigger guard might need to be a little closer, my opinion is that you might find that particular area starting to get loose after a while since there is such a distance of unstitched leather that could stretch; the stitching looks to be done by hand (possibly saddle stitched?) and the thread in the pics looks like it is not a waxed thread, if you are going to stitch by hand it would probably be best to use waxed thread; the edges look pretty good, might round the edges a little more to help it look a little more "finished"; the leather you used, is it gum-backed? if not it would be a good idea to get that type of finish on your leather, this will also help it look more "finished".

Just my .02, others might have different views than mine. Since you looked at Particle's video, hopefully he will chime in.

All in all a very nice job for your first holsters.

[TISCo]

Thanks Mattsh.

All three were stained with the same stain, but the third one was airbrushed on the front and that is how they will all be done from now on. I'm not sure why the airbruch made such a drastic change in color, but I like it. Your are right about the stitching being too far away from the trigger guard. I have already moved the stitches closer in my pattern. I think I remember the stitch I am using reffered to as a saddle stitch (one thread with a needle on each end), and the thread is waxed Nyltex (brown on #1&2 and white on #3)from Springfield Leather. As for the edges, I need a lot of practice. I have one question. What is gum-backed leather? I am new to leather and that is a term that I have not heard yet.

[mattsh]

The gum backed leather is a finish on the flesh side which is the inside of your holster. They apply a "gum" product of some sort, not sure technically what it is, but they apply it and buff/sand the flesh side so that it is nearly perfectly smooth. Most times any of the tanneries will have it on their grade A shoulders, but you have to ask to make sure. If you tell them what you want and tell them that you are making holsters they will help you find what you need. I used to get my leather from Zack White and lately I have got it from Springfield Leather. Basically the gum back will get rid of the scraggly "fleshy" look on the inside of your holsters.