Holster Help

[glockanator]

Good Evening-

a couple of days ago I bought Al Stohlmans holster book. I have picked the pattern that I would like to try for my first holster. I was wondering if there was any known material that acts similar to leather but is cheaper to use to work out the kinks. I would be really upset with my self if I ruined a large piece of leather trying to make a holster.

Thanks

[markush]

You can always use paper to mock up a holster to a certain degree. Other then that the belly cut is the cheapest cut of a hide...It's usually too stretchy and inconsistent in thickness to make a decent holster out of but i hear some people use it to work out the kinks in a new pattern before using a better cut of leather. Other then that you should be able to find decent holster quality leather in the $4.00-$7.00 a square foot range. A lot of places will sell you a single shoulder which is usually about 4-6 Sq Ft. of material.

Edited October 20, 2011 by markush

[TwinOaks]

You can also use corrugated box material (stop by walmart some morning) to help you work dealing with a thick medium.....maybe some linoluem scraps if you have a flooring place nearby.

Personally, I recommend using leather.

Even though you are just starting out, it makes more sense to learn on what you're going to be using. Besides, if you've got ~$40 tied up in a piece of hide.........you'll measure thrice before cutting. That's the upside to using somewhat expensive materials: You learn faster.

[glockanator]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Dwight]

Good Evening-

a couple of days ago I bought Al Stohlmans holster book. I have picked the pattern that I would like to try for my first holster. I was wondering if there was any known material that acts similar to leather but is cheaper to use to work out the kinks. I would be really upset with my self if I ruined a large piece of leather trying to make a holster.

Thanks

Two things:

1, the very best medium for producing patterns is the old manila file folder. Cheap, . . . rugged, . . . once "finalized" the patterns last indefinitely and if you screw one up, it is not a major investment to make another one.

2. go to JoAnn fabrics, . . . get one of their 40% off coupons first (good for 40% off retail price for one item), . . . go to the back of the store where their odds and ends are, their out dated stuff, . . . etc. You may find a bolt of vinyl like is used for seat upholstery. It is not a perfect substitute for leather, . . . but it is a world cheaper than leather, . . . makes good patterns, . . . can be sewn to see how the holster would "look" and "work". Even if you have to pay full price of $16 a yard, . . . that is usually a piece that is 36 by 45, which is almost 12 square feet, . . . makes the price about $1.33 per sq ft, . . . verses $5 to $8 a sq foot at the leather store.

I got me a piece some time back, . . . will be making a pair of vinyl chaps before I take the razor to my chap leather.

May God bless,

Dwight

[steelhawk]

I've used corrugated cardboard before and had some success, but it isn't as good as leather. I did a prototype the other day from a crummy part of the hide and it helped me work out the kinks a whole lot better. I was able to sew, wet form and try it out once dried. You can't do that with cardboard.