Spring Steel Holster Clip Scuffing Belt

[Bigpaws]

JohnOK,

Here's the process that I came up with....I'm sure there are other ways of accomplishing the same thing:

My leather preference is for kangaroo, but I've also used veg tan cow with good results.

Essentially, you're making a partially stitched sleeve which is finish stitched after you slip it over the two problem areas--the "U" turn in the clip, and the turned up tip of the clip.

Using the clip as a template more or less, you lay out your stitch lines and cut the two pieces, leaving as little edge margin as you find attractive/functional. It gets a little tricky at the tip portion, as the turned up part needs a little extra room to slide through.

Stitch just enough of the sleeve to get past the "U" portion of the clip, leaving enough thread on both ends to finish the back side after sliding over the clip.

Wet the leather enough to make it pretty flexible but not soggy. You need for it to stretch just a bit to accommodate the turned up tip (it should shrink down to fit as it dries and after you form it with the small dowel). Slip the sleeve over the clip and finish stitching both sides down the back portion of the clip. Use a small dowel to smooth everything out and conform to the clip contours.

I have done this both with and without adhesive....my preference is to glue the clip to the sleeve, but you have to work fast while the glue still acts as a lubricant and hasn't started to set yet. With no glue, I grease up the clip with saddle soap or Lexol glycerine cleaner to help reduce friction.

Hope this doesn't sound too scattered! If you have any questions, pm me and I will be glad to walk you through it.

Rick