A Couple Holsters And Intro

[chiefjason]

Well, instead of just showing up in some random thread I though I would post my own to start. I've always loved guns and had an interest in leather but never really tried to pursue it. Started carrying a few years ago. Got my wife carrying too. When she purchased a new carry gun I figured I would look into making my own holsters. Started off with leather/kydex hybrids. Easy enough to figure out. Once I had the leather in my hand I knew it was only a matter of time before I tried my hand at an all leather holster. I've managed to sell a few hybrids here and there and one leather holster. Everyone seems pleased, so that's good.

Anyway, my first all leather holster for my G19. I've been wearing it for a month or so and really like it. I have some improvements I will make in the next one. Starting with not sewing the bottom closed. And you can see where I got impatient with the finish on the straps. I want to make the straps a part of the holster instead of snapped on. Hoping for less twist. But it suits what I needed it for, easy on and off.

Although the removable snaps did allow me to go IWB with it.

And my first beltslide. I love the finish, which was basically a total disaster to start with. I made the mistake of using some oil during wet molding. Then when I went to dye it the dye would not take. And since I was going for all black that was not going to work. It was headed for the junk bin or I was going to give it to my wife. Then my neighbor was telling me about some holster work he used to do and it gave me an idea. So I stripped off what I could, buffed off some spots with steel wool, and buffed what was left with a buffing wheel on the bench grinder. Here is the end result.

I've got another belt slide in the works. Been trying out the vinegroon process. It has made some things better and others more difficult. More lessons learned for the next one. I do want to say thanks for the wealth of knowledge on here. I have been reading a lot the last few weeks here. Great stuff. I hope to contribute some as I can. Thanks from Longview, NC.

[Josh Ashman]

Welcome to the forum. For some of your first holsters you're off to a great start, thanks for sharing.

Josh