Springfield Xd45 5" Tactical Avenger-Style Holster

[Big O]

Hi, guys (and gals)!

I am VERY new to holstermaking, or leatherworking for that matter. The following photos are of the 7th holster I've made.....and the FIRST since having found this forum and soaking up all manner of useful knowledge from the experts. I'm FINALLY just a little bit satisfied with one.

I'm very low-tech at this point. The only specialized tools I have are an adjustable stitching groover, a freehand groover, and some punches. I use a utility knife for cutting, a Dremel for sanding and drilling stitching holes, and a Sharpie marker for burnishing.

I'm considering getting a small drill press, a head knife, and a hardwood burnisher.

Please critique and advise. And thank you so much, everyone, for sharing your knowledge here.

[Reaper]

Very nice! I've yet to do an Avenger style and can only hope to get it close to what you've done here.

[Rayban]

Looks good and solid...only thing I would comment on is that the additional stitching you did on the belt slot/reinforcement layer seems a bit much. While it may be stronger, I don't believe it's needed.

If there's a Woodcraft store in your area, they sell small slabs of hardwood, Perfect for making your own edge slicker. I would recommend cocobolo.

[katsass]

Hi, guys (and gals)!

I am VERY new to holstermaking, or leatherworking for that matter. The following photos are of the 7th holster I've made.....and the FIRST since having found this forum and soaking up all manner of useful knowledge from the experts. I'm FINALLY just a little bit satisfied with one.

Hi BigO, Looks good. It seems that you have listened to some people that know what they are doing here on the forum, USED that combined knowlege (not too often observed ) and worked hard. As Rayban says, the stitching is a bit much for an unseen area, but if you like to stitch...........? Again, good work. Keep at it!! Mike

P.S. I made my burnishing/slicker tool from a piece of an old oak desk drawer many years ago, they get better with age and use, also, you might look into getting a good awl, your stitching holes show up as a little large.

Edited September 5, 2010 by katsass

[Big O]

Thanks!

I've considered an awl. Have never used one. I'll do a search on the "how". With the first holster I made, I used the Tandy 4-prong stitching punch. On 8-9 oz shoulder leather. Tough to pound in, tough to pull out. Actually broke the punch. Used the Dremel from that point on. Tried using the Tandy overstitch wheel to mark the hole locations. No joy: can't see the holes afterward (black leather). So, I've just been winging it, Might actually be easier with an awl. I don't know.

Of course, I'm ASSUMING that a properly sharpened awl would probably slice through the leather a lot easier than a pot metal, chisel-shaped punch. Can someone confirm this?

I like the LOOKS of stitching....preferably other peoples' at this point, because mine still is uneven and not neat at all. It's probably because of the holes being large and unevenly spaced. I like parallel/concentric lines. On the reinforcement piece, I figured that there'd have to be two lines of stitching right there at the front end of the belt tunnel mouth anyway (one on the outside edge and one to hold the "closed" edge of the tunnel mouth down). So, I got busy with the groovers and tried to make it as pretty as possible, along with being functional. Actually ended up with THREE lines of stitching in that one area. Maybe it's the grooving I like more so than the stitching. I've been doing my stitching while sitting in my living room recliner, kinda-sorta watching TV.

I like really solid-looking stitching. Always have appreciated it on holsters that I've bought. Two is one, one is none and all that.

I've always liked the "Avenger" style, though it didn't dawn on me until I saw it on this forum that this was its name. My first such holster was made by G. William Davis, God knows when. I bought it used back in the late 80's, and sold it (stupidly) about 5 years ago. I thought the design was sturdy and elegant. This latest holster of mine was inspired by Adams' design, with the oval tunnel mouth in the reinforcement piece wrapping around the front. I didn't want to wrap it all the way around the front, though, because I like molding, too. (Something the Davis holster lacked)

[steelhawk]

Welcome to the forum. I have made 2 avenger style holsters. I will eventually make another one, hopefully better this time.

Like you, I bought a 4 prong punch and only used it once, luckily on a test piece of leather. Now I mark with the overstitch wheel on dampened leather, and since I can't see the holes, I use an awl to make each hole visible. Then I drill with a dremel tool and 1/16 bit. I tried smaller holes, but it made lacing more difficult.

I just bought a drill press and next week will buy a belt sander. I am also making a burnishing tool using apple wood, but I can't get it fully round, so I will ask a co-worker who turns pens if he can finish it up for me.

[Big O]

I just bought the drill press stand for the Dremel off of eBay.

I think I'll dig around and see if I can find the right chuck for a 1/16" bit. I've been using a 5/64 bit, because it's the smallest one that fits the smallest chuck I have handy. I'm just a little leery of going smaller, because it's already tough to pass the needles through in the double-stitched areas. But I DO own pliers....

I had been thinking of just getting a flexible light that I could direct right at the work area to see the markings, but the awl idea sounds like it has merit. I'm 46, and my eyesight is starting to go to crap.

This would actually be my fifth Avenger holster. (I really, really, REALLY like the design) I've also made your basic scabbard holster which was my first experiment in stitching first and molding second (and resulted in me having to tear out one line of stitching because it was way too tight), and an absolute abortion of an IWB holster (8-9oz leather is WAAAAAAY too thick for that - feels like sticking a brick under your belt).

Speaking of absolute abortions, here's my very FIRST holster:

And here's my sixth, which is the last one I made before finding this forum:

[katsass]

Thanks!

I've considered an awl. Have never used one. I'll do a search on the "how". With the first holster I made, I used the Tandy 4-prong stitching punch. On 8-9 oz shoulder leather. Tough to pound in, tough to pull out. Actually broke the punch. Used the Dremel from that point on. Tried using the Tandy overstitch wheel to mark the hole locations. No joy: can't see the holes afterward (black leather). So, I've just been winging it, Might actually be easier with an awl. I don't know.

Of course, I'm ASSUMING that a properly sharpened awl would probably slice through the leather a lot easier than a pot metal, chisel-shaped punch. Can someone confirm this?

I like the LOOKS of stitching....preferably other peoples' at this point, because mine still is uneven and not neat at all. It's probably because of the holes being large and unevenly spaced. I like parallel/concentric lines. On the reinforcement piece, I figured that there'd have to be two lines of stitching right there at the front end of the belt tunnel mouth anyway (one on the outside edge and one to hold the "closed" edge of the tunnel mouth down). So, I got busy with the groovers and tried to make it as pretty as possible, along with being functional. Actually ended up with THREE lines of stitching in that one area. Maybe it's the grooving I like more so than the stitching. I've been doing my stitching while sitting in my living room recliner, kinda-sorta watching TV.

I like really solid-looking stitching. Always have appreciated it on holsters that I've bought. Two is one, one is none and all that.

I've always liked the "Avenger" style, though it didn't dawn on me until I saw it on this forum that this was its name. My first such holster was made by G. William Davis, God knows when. I bought it used back in the late 80's, and sold it (stupidly) about 5 years ago. I thought the design was sturdy and elegant. This latest holster of mine was inspired by Adams' design, with the oval tunnel mouth in the reinforcement piece wrapping around the front. I didn't want to wrap it all the way around the front, though, because I like molding, too. (Something the Davis holster lacked)

Big O, First of all........an awl will make better stitching hole...period. Now, however, early on, before I became somewhat proficient using an awl, I did use a Dremel tool with a 1/16" bit. I found that it was slightly too large to stitch without the holes showing. I finally found a slightly smaller bit, drilled the holes and used a pair of smooth jawed pliers to stitch with. It worked well, even if it was a bit slow. Practice with the awl.......pretty soon you'll become proficient. Mike

P.S. I damn near 70 and I hate wearing glasses...BUT they help for leather work.

Edited September 6, 2010 by katsass

[Big O]

Thanks, Mike.

I'm actually looking for a suitable awl. At this point, I'm thinking of the Dremel press as a back-up for stitching holes, and a go-to for sanding and maybe burnishing. If this evolves into more than a hobby, I'm going to have to start looking at motors, pulleys and belts....

From what I've gathered on here, the ideal awl will have a short shaft that is four-sided, smooth and sharp on the edges as well as the point. I've had no great luck with this on eBay so far. Also with a small cross-section for this type of work. If there's a particular model that anyone could recommend, I'd appreciate it.

FWIW, I'm in complete AWE of your work!

[steelhawk]

Big O, First of all........an awl will make better stitching hole...period. Now, however, early on, before I became somewhat proficient using an awl, I did use a Dremel tool with a 1/16" bit. I found that it was slightly too large to stitch without the holes showing. I finally found a slightly smaller bit, drilled the holes and used a pair of smooth jawed pliers to stitch with. It worked well, even if it was a bit slow. Practice with the awl.......pretty soon you'll become proficient. Mike

P.S. I damn near 70 and I hate wearing glasses...BUT they help for leather work.

Are you referring to the traditional way of using the awl, like Al Stolhman, or do you put the awl in a drill press and punch instead of drilling holes?

[katsass]

Are you referring to the traditional way of using the awl, like Al Stolhman, or do you put the awl in a drill press and punch instead of drilling holes?

steelhawk........well, OK, let's say I do it the traditional way. I'm left handed, do not use a stitching pony, and have worked out my own method......I guess you'd say. But I do not use a drill press or anything of the sort. Just my grubby old mitt. Mike

Big O.........First, thanks for the kind words. My awl is an old Osborne, with an 1 1/4 inch diamond (shaped) blade. Mine has a pretty round haft with one flat side. I keep it sharp, hit it with a little bee's wax now and then, and.......... go slow.

As I have aged (notice I didn't say 'matured') I find that too damned many people want to do too damn many things too damned quickly. If a customer commission's a piece from you, he wants your best, and if that takes a few days longer than someone else would take......so be it. If he can't wait, he doesn't understand or appreciate quality hand work and doesn't deserve the piece anyway. I also find that there are days that I 'need' to get on a project, but as soon as I pick up a tool it becomes evident that I shouldn't touch the work.......I'll go play with the African Violets, go fishing, shoot a round or two of trap.......or something, just NOT work on leather right then. In the past I have tried to ignore this feeling and been sorry. Not anymore. Only once has a customer canceled his order on me. I finished the holster (for a 1911 Colt) and put it up for sale. It sold in two days. That man has tried to get me to build him custom holsters for different guns for almost three years now, It'll never happen. He sees most of my work at the local gun club (I think some show him their new holster for the fun of it) and every time I come up with something a bit different, he wants one. Again...it ain't gonna happen. I work leather because I like it, the feel and smell of it; the way I can form it into a long lasting useful piece of equipment. I don't make production items. Each holster is a custom piece made to and for the the customer's needs and desires. My customers seem happy with the end product. OK...I'm off the soapbox, see what happens when you get an old man off and running? JMO.....Mike

Edited September 6, 2010 by katsass

[Rayban]

Thanks, Mike.

I'm actually looking for a suitable awl. At this point, I'm thinking of the Dremel press as a back-up for stitching holes, and a go-to for sanding and maybe burnishing. If this evolves into more than a hobby, I'm going to have to start looking at motors, pulleys and belts....

From what I've gathered on here, the ideal awl will have a short shaft that is four-sided, smooth and sharp on the edges as well as the point. I've had no great luck with this on eBay so far. Also with a small cross-section for this type of work. If there's a particular model that anyone could recommend, I'd appreciate it.

FWIW, I'm in complete AWE of your work!

Anymore, if I have to go through three or more layers of leather, I take the work to the drill press for 3/64" holes. These act as a pilot hole for the awl (Bob Douglas "medium" size) , which actually reams out to a bigger stitch hole.

That's my way, and I'm sticking to it....

[gregintenn]

I'm ASSUMING that a properly sharpened awl would probably slice through the leather a lot easier than a pot metal, chisel-shaped punch. Can someone confirm this?

I tried making holes with a fid l I got at Tandy. It worked for a while, but I often had to sharpen it. I went back and got a diamond shaped awl, and it works great. I haven't sharpened it, and have used it a lot. I mark my holse with a overstitch wheel. If you bear down on it and run it back and forth, it will make visible marks. Then I punch each hole with a rubber hammer and a diamond shaped awl while the holster lays on a pine board. This works well for me, and if you turn all the diamonds the same way, it is quite attractive.

I burnish with Gum Traganth and a deer antler.

Edited September 7, 2010 by gregintenn

[Dwight]

If you want to do this whole sewing thing a whole lot easier, . . . look up a thread I authored, . . . Sewing with a drill press.

At first it looks a bit klunky, . . . but it'll make quick work of a holster, . . . dog collar, . . . small things we sew, . . . if you don't have a machine.

Now back to our regular programming: nice holster Big O, . . .

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited September 7, 2010 by Dwight

[TexasJack]

A sharp awl will go through leather pretty easily - nearly as fast as your drill bit. (It can also go through a wayward finger pretty fast!)

Thing about an awl is that you are not removing any leather, just making a slot. The leather closes up and keeps the stitching in tight.

[Rayban]

A sharp awl will go through leather pretty easily - nearly as fast as your drill bit. (It can also go through a wayward finger pretty fast!)

Thing about an awl is that you are not removing any leather, just making a slot. The leather closes up and keeps the stitching in tight.

I believe my Bob Douglas awl is about as sharp as they come.....but going through 4-5 layers of 9oz. is a bit of a struggle for me.

And because of that struggle, the back side didn't always look so pretty.

I find that with using a 3/64" drill bit, the leather removed is a few particles of dust at best........and the hole isn't big enough for the second needle/thread to come back through! So that's why I call the 3/64 hole, my "pilot", I still use the awl to ream out the hole to a bigger size and for the diamond shape that I want.

I've also done another experiment.......I've reamed out a line of holes with the awl, then left the work alone for the night. next day I found that the holes had closed up enough that the awl would not fit through....had to re-ream them. So the holes still close up around the stitching.

In theory, you're right about drilling removing leather....but I say, "so what?"...it's insignificant.

[Big O]

I've got a Seiwa size 1 awl on the way.

Also just got some more waxed nylon thread - 240 yards instead of just 25. BUT.....it looks to be TWICE the diameter of the stuff I was using before.....

Thanks for the explanation, TexasJack. I'll watch out for the digits.

[NoahL]

That holster looks very nice!

Regarding stitching, although I certainly don't have the experience of most of the people who have already weighed in, I chuck one of my harness needles in my drill press to make my holes--no leather removal, very precisely sized, and they close up tight. That said, I don't put both needles through at once *gasp!*. I know, I'm a blasphemer, but I pull one needle through and then the other needle through and pull them tight together. It's a little slower than putting both through at once, but it keeps the holes as small as possible and I have found no difference in effectiveness or evenness of my stitching by doing it this way and it works for me, so I'll keep doing it. Just an option

Edited September 8, 2010 by NoahL

[katsass]

That holster looks very nice!

Regarding stitching, although I certainly don't have the experience of most of the people who have already weighed in, I chuck one of my harness needles in my drill press to make my holes--no leather removal, very precisely sized, and they close up tight. That said, I don't put both needles through at once *gasp!*. I know, I'm a blasphemer, but I pull one needle through and then the other needle through and pull them tight together. It's a little slower than putting both through at once, but it keeps the holes as small as possible and I have found no difference in effectiveness or evenness of my stitching by doing it this way and it works for me, so I'll keep doing it. Just an option

FWIW Noah, That's the way I was taught, and that's how I've done it for well over 30 years now. I addition, I always go thru the same side first. Mike

[Rayban]

FWIW Noah, That's the way I was taught, and that's how I've done it for well over 30 years now. I addition, I always go thru the same side first. Mike

Kat, I think Noah thinks I meant putting both needles in the hole at the same time.....which of course I didn't......front needle thru first, pull thread all the way thru, then the back needle.....

[NoahL]

Kat, I think Noah thinks I meant putting both needles in the hole at the same time.....which of course I didn't......front needle thru first, pull thread all the way thru, then the back needle.....

I did--that's the way I've seen it in tutorials, so I assumed that was what you meant. I never did see the point in doing that since it just meant the hole needed to be larger.

I also go through the same side first, katsass

[Big O]

front needle thru first, pull thread all the way thru, then the back needle.....

That's exactly how I've been doing it. And, once the second one is done, pull both threads as tight as they will go.

[katsass]

That's exactly how I've been doing it. And, once the second one is done, pull both threads as tight as they will go.

One last thing BigO, I stay away from nylon thread of any sort.........use only waxed linen, and re-apply wax as I go. The reason is this: (I may be dating myself, and there may actually be no current reason for my prejudice against nylon, BUT) Quite a while ago a well known commercial holster maker came out with a holster with a sew-in sight track, which necessitated a welt being sew in on both the front and back of the holster. For stitching, the outfit used a nylon mono filament thread. I was a LEO at the time, and our range people did a demonstration in weapon retention. They used a little (maybe 100 pounds or so) clerk....not an officer.........who just grabbed the butt of a K frame Smith&Wesson wheel gun and yanked.....HARD on it. The holster opened up just like tearing out a postage stamp. It DIDN'T happen with any other holster we tried it with that used linen thread........albeit none of the others were the exact design as the first. I may just be stubborn or hard headed, but I use linen. Mike