My First Holster: Better Than I Expected!

[woodandsteel]

Well, I've been lurking around here for a little while and finally took a stab at making a holster. I used what I've learned from reading here (and particularly the video Particle has on his website http://www.adamsleatherworks.com . It's a great how-to primer!). Though it could definitely finished better, and I'm open to any critique, opinions and advice, I'm pleased with how it turned out.

As is my usual modus operandi, I wanted to have it right away and couldn't wait a week or two to make it to the nearest Tandy store, so I used off-the-shelf supplies from Hobby Lobby ( a craft store with a very minimal leathercraft section). I bought an 81/2x11 inch piece of tooling leather. It wasn't very heavy, I'm guessing it was 7-8oz thickness? Since this was my first leather project, and since the holster would be worn inside the pants, (and since I was in a hurry) I decided not to dye it. I cut the loops/reinforcement piece before I realized I wanted to have the loops smooth on the outside, but there wasn't enough leather to redo it. I used a sharp pick tool/awl from Lowe's to punch the stitch holes and then saddle stitched it with waxed thread, using two needles. When trying to wet form it, I got it too wet and it stretched too much, so I baked it in the oven at 170 for a while, then let it air dry overnight, and used a hairdryer in the morning. I hand burnished the edges with a shop rag, water and candle wax. I couldn't find neatsfoot oil anywhere yesterday, and everything is closed today (and I wanted to have the holster ready to use at the range today!), so I used melted candle wax to seal and burnish the outside, and left the inside alone for now.

Could I use wax on the inside as well? Will it react with my stainless finish? What would you recommend?

All in, I probably spent $30 on supplies and tools for the project and about 6 hours. Not terribly bad for my first project.

[dirtclod]

I think you did a fine job for your first holster. You will see progress on ever one you make from now on i bet. You can use vegtable oil, corn oil or olive oil to give it some color if you want. Your stiching will look better to when you have a awl to punch the holes.

[jazzdude1200]

What a great job on your first try, keep up the good work!!!!!

[Mactechbri]

Nice job dude. Especially with your need for instant gratification, just go out get things and make it style.

I like it.

Make my first pocket holster look weak. ( http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=26184 ) I don't have any dye or things to make the leather look better than it does.

I have been accumulating tools over the last month or so, and reading books and this website.

Getting ready to make a guitar strap and try stamping.

Im told if we beginners stick to it we'll end up making some really good looking stuff int he future. (But like you, I want to make good looking stuff now  DAMINT!)

Brian

[woodandsteel]

Thanks! Looks like we're into some of the same stuff: Holsters, guitar straps and tooling!

Nice job dude. Especially with your need for instant gratification, just go out get things and make it style.

I like it.

Make my first pocket holster look weak. ( http://leatherworker...showtopic=26184 ) I don't have any dye or things to make the leather look better than it does.

I have been accumulating tools over the last month or so, and reading books and this website.

Getting ready to make a guitar strap and try stamping.

Im told if we beginners stick to it we'll end up making some really good looking stuff int he future. (But like you, I want to make good looking stuff now DAMINT!)

Brian

[Mactechbri]

Hell yeah. 

 If your gonna get some more/other tools to start out with( like me) go to http://stleather.com/ . Their tools are less expensive than tandy or other places on the web I have found. For what I was going to spend @ tandy for three tools (~60 bucks) I got the same thing for about thirty bucks. Allowed me to get some other stuff, still went over budget though. I would email them your order, I had a hard time with the Asian guys accent.

Brian