How Long Until Your Holsters Start Softening Up?

[Denster]

I wet my holsters with 7/8 and 8/9 OZ leather with about a 2-3 second dunk in warm water then let sink in prior to molding. With drum dyed leather I give it a 5 second dunk. Longer than that just puts too much moisture in the leather. I dry them at 130 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes then let them air dry overnight.

A lack of firmness suggests not a high enough temp. What are you using to measure the temperature?

Edited March 15, 2011 by Denster

[Haystacker]

Did I say something that I shouldn't have or asked a stupid question or is the joke just going way over my head? Sorry.

Hey Josh. Did you ever see the Muppets. How about the two old men in the balcony? They got those characters from Lobo and Katsass!

My last batch of leather is wicket and craig. I noticed it is different from HO. But it seems to stiffen up pretty good. I dip my holsters in finish. Although I'm not sure that would be your prob. Which part of the hide are you using? Sorry if this is a stupid question. Just thinking of the obvious first.

Jeff

[JoshDuvall]

Hey Josh. Did you ever see the Muppets. How about the two old men in the balcony? They got those characters from Lobo and Katsass!

My last batch of leather is wicket and craig. I noticed it is different from HO. But it seems to stiffen up pretty good. I dip my holsters in finish. Although I'm not sure that would be your prob. Which part of the hide are you using? Sorry if this is a stupid question. Just thinking of the obvious first.

Jeff

I tried the dipping thing and it helped to an extent. I tried baking at a little higher temp and that made a huge difference. But I think the majority of it was this hide. This hide is also a little more pale in color compared to what I usually get from wickett and Craig. But the higher temp made a huge difference. Also when I get a side in I start with the back and start working my way down toward the belly from there. Usually using the belly for attempts at new designs.