Progress

[dbusarow]

About 6 weeks ago I posted my first attempt at making a holster. Thanks to all for your comments, they help a beginner out more than you can know.

Since then I've made a few more and I think my craftsmanship is coming along. I thought I'd show a series of pics in chronological order.

First pic is my first and second holsters. Second one was intended for a 1911 but I really messed up the stitch lines. Luckily a Beretta 92G with Brigadier slide is big enough to take up most of the slop. Plus it's a range/competition gun so staying tight isn't all that important.

After that debacle I went back and did a couple more western style holsters for my wife, the one for her Beretta 85 is her new favorite. She has a thing for butterflys. I just whacked them with a stamp.

Then I tried another pancake for myself. This one for a G19 and it has replaced my old holster for EDC. Wearing it as I type. I messed up the finish by putting super sheen on it and I've been trying to mellow that out ever since. But it is a CCW holster so nobody but me sees it. And it works great, tucks in nice and tight.

Next I thought I'd experiment with carving. I have a long ways to go here but it still came out pretty nice. I'm going to try to establish the Texas custom of BBQ guns up here.

Oh, and I love the open trigger guard, can't wait to wear this one to a range!

And finally the one I just finished a couple of days ago, a 1911 pancake. I still need to find something I like for a top coat, I'm looking to get a bit of a "glow" without the gloss. I have some Bag-Kote on order. Vinagaroon with one coat of oil and then saddle soap for now.

I also did the last one with the flesh side out in back. I like the look, going to see how it works with tan next.

Well, let me have it. All comments welcome!

Thanks,

Dan

[MADMAX22]

Very good job on those holsters. I like that CCW one for your glock, and the 1911 both look really good.

How do you like that vinagaroon? You do anything to get rid of the smell on it?

Ive just tried using vinagaroon with a coat or two of oil and then snow-seal, it doesnt make a really glossy finish just a mellow nice finish and from some of the comparisons that were done I guess snowseal is really good for water repellent and such. Just not sure how long itll last.

[dbusarow]

Very good job on those holsters. I like that CCW one for your glock, and the 1911 both look really good.

Thank you very much!

How do you like that vinagaroon? You do anything to get rid of the smell on it?

I like it a lot. Except the smell I rinse it really well in luke warm water as soon as I take it out of the vinagaroon. Molding is the next step so getting it good and wet is the idea anyway. Right out of the stuff my wife complains about the smell but it seems to go away pretty quick. She sits a foot away from the G19 rig every night and hasn't said a word.

Ive just tried using vinagaroon with a coat or two of oil and then snow-seal, it doesnt make a really glossy finish just a mellow nice finish and from some of the comparisons that were done I guess snowseal is really good for water repellent and such. Just not sure how long itll last.

Sounds like what I'm after, I'll give it a try.

Thanks again.

Dan

[BruceGibson]

I like 'em all! Well done, Dan!

[Tac]

Dan, you have the "gift" brother..... please keep up the fantastic work and share your photo's often! I like all of them, ans love the pancake for the Thunder ranch 1911... I'll bet Clint would approve.... as well as Ed Brown. Your progress from first to last is a time-warp compared to mine.... There is some talent there.

[Rayban]

Very impressive Dan...looks likefirst class quality to me.

[rickybobby]

Dan,

Nice job on all of them, You have been officially bitten by the "leather bug" !! Just tell your wife now that all additional money in the house fund will go to leather tools and supplies!!!

Keep posting! Your work looks great!!

Get a few "standard" holster patterns perfected and you have yourself a little "bizness" That will help pay for your new "HABIT"

Take care, Rick J.

[Rhome]

Very, very nice holsters. and I like your choices in firearms also !

[DCKNIVES]

Very nicely done.You definately are showing some skills.Stick with it.Dave

Edited November 29, 2008 by DCKNIVES

[dbusarow]

Wow. Thank you all. I really wasn't expecting so much praise. I'll take it though

BruceGibson, I've had a picture of the G19 holster on your home page sitting on my desk for inspiration for a couple of weeks now. The color on that one is my current goal. Vinagaroon makes black easy, but tan/brown is eluding me. I'm practicing on scrap, I'll get it yet.

I think I've gotten a bit of inspiration here and there from each of you looking at the work you've posted.

LW is an amazing resource.

Thanks,

Dan