Glock Thumb Break Holster

[dakotawolf]

I still consider myself a novice to leather work and holster making. But I am glad to say I'm improving. I'm improving to the point I feel confident in the design and construction/durability of my holsters. I think I'm finally confident enough to switch from Tandy leather to Hermann Oak (never tried it, but there seems to be a consensus that it's high quality - usually).

I made this holster from Tandy 7/8oz leather. I made it for a co-worker for $40. He seemed really happy with it.

I'm particularity proud of the thumb break on this one (3rd one I've done). This is the first one where I extended the main belt loop leather up to the top of the thumb break (see back of holster photo), and then sandwiched the metal stiffener between two pieces of leather. I recessed the snap, which really streamlined the look. I had to improvise a punch for the snap recess: a 3/8 copper pipe cap was 'sharpened' and then hammered through before I applied the extended belt loop piece.

I think the trailing belt loop could have been in towards the trigger a year more. I'm going to look for a little thicker thread. I used thick thread on the main belt loop and back side of the thumb break. I'm thinking something in between the two sizes I used would be better. The thin thread almost disappeared on the stitch line next to the gun.

Speaking of the stitch line, I brought it in a smidge between the front of the trigger guard and the muzzle on my pattern (for next time).

Any comments or suggestions for improvements are eagerly sought.

[doubleh]

As far as my opinion goes, and you know what is said about opinions, the difference between Herman's Oak and the Tandy stuff is like night and day. I do very little leather work anymore and just for myself. There is an old saying that if you are going to do something, do it right and to me that means using the best material for the job. Better quality leather will show up in your finished product.

[JLSleather]

Improvement is always good, and who doesn't like to feel good about their work. Just keep in mind because someone says Hermann Oak does not make it good leather. HO site lists 4 'grades' of leather, and I have purchased HO so rough I immediately sent it back. And, while I'm not a tandy 'fan', I can say that i still use their royal meadow sides (in the 3/4) - carves and colors very well.

[BHPshooter]

It looks to me like you're ready.

I have had pieces of Hermann Oak that were better than others, but the worst HO I've seen was still better than anything I've seen at Tandy's. I can say that Hermann Oak made a HUGE difference in the results I have seen in my own work.