Decided To Try Exotics For The First Time

[doug1221]

Ok I decided to make a full carry set and think I may have lost my mind. Decided to do my first full-size IWB holster, first belt, and first mag pouch. Then decided hey wouldn't it be cool to do a shark trim on it, sadly no local sources had shark and I didn't want to wait for shipping so I picked up a cobra skin. Now on top of all the other firsts this will be my first inlay too. Not sure what I was thinking but I guess wish me luck, I will be sure to post pics on here after I finish it in a couple days (hopefully). If anyone has any words of wisdom or tips feel free to fire away. Or if you just feel like posting a "what are you thinking"? lol

[JoelR]

What are you thinking???

Seriously. FWIW, when I do a new design for a customer, I almost always do a proof before making the actual holster - especially when exotics are involved. May take a little more time this way, but it ensures that the templates were designed correctly and shows me any areas that need addressed in the final product. Of course, it helps to have a sewing machine to do this since you can quickly stitch up the POD. Some times the PODs are good enough that they can be sold by themselves (marked appropriately), other times they end up in the scrap pile.

Edited June 22, 2011 by JoelR

[doug1221]

Wish I had a sewing machine lol. I don't usually end up constructing proof before hand, usually just very slowly put everything together and cut everything a little bigger than I need. Like my grandpa always said when doing construction, "cut it too big, you can always take some off but you can't put it back on". Thinking I will use some construction paper in place of the snake skin until I get everything perfect. Luckily the cobra was only like $30, so not a huge loss if I really screw up. Thanks for the tip though I may definitely have to remember that for when I start looking at more expensive materials.

[DCKNIVES]

If it helps I have a photo tutorial on my website for doing inlays, listed under"Knife Info".Cobra is real easy to work with,so you should have few problems.Feel free to contact me if you have any issues.Dave

[doug1221]

Thanks Dave that was a big help. I have gotten lots of tips on how to do them but it's nice to see it laid out in pictures for some of us more simple minded folk lol.