Mike 257 Report post Posted March 31, 2014 Hello everyone I have been reading just about everything I could on this forum . I want to make holsters and Im ready to get started. I want to start out with a few simple tools but Im getting a bit frustrated on where to buy . I am almost finished making my stitch pony. I purchased John James saddle needles in size 00 today. Im waiting to hear back from Bearman because I want to order his Stinger Awl, I want to buy a Douglas blade for the Awl but don't know where to buy one, Im reading that you buy the douglas Awl blade from Sheridan but I do not see them listed and there is no way to order from there web sight. I dont know what size or type of thread to use for holster sewing . I want to buy an over stitch wheel but not sure what size to buy . Can someone please help me out I have been reading for day and still dont seem to have a cut and dry answer on what to buy and where . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted March 31, 2014 You need to contact www.SheridanLeather.com for your awl blade. They are at the top of the page in the banner adds. You may need to refresh a couple of times to see the add or you can go to their website. Personally i would call rather than order online. Stitch wheel i would get a 5 or 6 either one of them will work for holsters. You can get them at Tandy, Zach White or Springfield Leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike 257 Report post Posted March 31, 2014 Thank You , I will call Sheridan tomorrow for my blade and I will also purchase a number 5 stitch wheel Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverbullet Report post Posted March 31, 2014 Something's you have to figure when you decide the color of thread the snaps or buttons even the leather dyes and such. Most everyone uses a spool of white waxed thread this can be a flat or braided style most of the companies carry these ck eBay even. When I sew with an awl I use a thread to coincide with the sizes of needle and awl. Buy yourself a grooving tool it helps a lot . Then practice look into the patterns that are on his sight download them tutorials are ther too. Gary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mccottie Report post Posted April 1, 2014 Order the Douglas awl blade, they are AWSOME. I have 2, regular and slim. Do yourself a favor and skip Tandy tools. I have replaced most Tandy tools with Osborne, Gomph, Douglas, Dixon etc. Sheridan has a tab in top right "Tools" with a drop down "Vintage Tools" where you should be able to pick out a pricking wheel ( #5 on my holsters ) you will be better off skipping the cheap china tools Tandy sells. Good luck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike 257 Report post Posted April 2, 2014 (edited) Ok so im having an Awl made by Bearman, I ordered a Douglas blade for it. I purchased a Gomph #5 overstitch wheel and Gomph #2 edger from Bruce Johnson. I ordered one basket weave stamp from Clay Miller. Im thinking im going to use a braided waxed thread but i dont know what sizes are used for holsters. Edited April 2, 2014 by Mike 257 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike 257 Report post Posted April 2, 2014 Im hoping to eventually be able to produce holsters that are good enough to sell. I want to learn everything by hand before I buy a $3,000 sewing machine. Not to mention i want to make sure im going to like this before i invest a ton. I would like to buy a Bear Man maul and a really nice swivel knife but im going to hold off and concentrate on hand sewing. I will play with the basket weave stamp untill i learn how to use it, then I might try my hand at swivel knife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites