New holster attempts

[Peterk]

Hello all, after making my first holster a couple of weeks ago and getting some great feedbacks and directions on method and tools, I've made three more for your review and critique... Finally finished using up the cheap leather from Tandy; can't wait to try better leather from Zack White (still learning so don't want to use Hermann Oak leather just yet. ). Please let me know what you think and constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated! Thanks much!

P225/P6 - My second holster attempt.

Kimber 1911 - My third attempt.

Makarov - My fourth. Still to be dyed, edge burnished, finish applied, and inside burnished. First attempt with snaps.

[abn]

These look absolutely professional grade to my eyes. Congratulations!

I love the color -- how do you achieve that light oiled brown shade? Maybe through dip-dyeing?

Great job, -Alex

[Peterk]

These look absolutely professional grade to my eyes. Congratulations!

I love the color -- how do you achieve that light oiled brown shade? Maybe through dip-dyeing?

Great job, -Alex

By "light oiled brown shade", do you mean the current color of the Makarov holster? That holster is not finished yet actually, and so far only has a thin coat of Neatsfoot Oil applied by hand-rubbing. I started applying the neatsfoot oil after checking out a custom maker's website and wanted to experiment. Once dried, it actually gives a dyed holster a nice and darker sheen, and then I apply satin sheen on top of that.

[Lobo]

Beautiful work there. Stitching appears about flawless. Edges look great.

Best regards,

Lobo Gun Leather, serious equipment for serious business.

[MADMAX22]

I agree with the others very good job. Very nice

[Tac]

Well done! Keep up the good work. I like the finish on the 1911 holster almost as much as the P225 holster!

[ArtS]

Really nice job! Very clean and professional. You can go straight to the Herman Oak or Wicket & Craig leather in my opinion.

Art

[WaG35]

Nicely done Peter. I don't think you could have picked any other color for the Kimber/Sig. It goes great with the wood grips. What color is it? The only thing I could see at all is the belt slots.(which I am currently struggling with also)they look oval rather than oblong if that makes any sense. It could be the angle though. I would wear any of them with a smile. Great job!!!- Tony

[Peterk]

Nicely done Peter. I don't think you could have picked any other color for the Kimber/Sig. It goes great with the wood grips. What color is it? The only thing I could see at all is the belt slots.(which I am currently struggling with also)they look oval rather than oblong if that makes any sense. It could be the angle though. I would wear any of them with a smile. Great job!!!- Tony

You are correct about the slots. I don't have the funds to purchase the Osborne oblong punch I wanted so I had to use the round punch/hobby knife method of cutting the slots and the double thickness of 8oz leather is not easy to cut through whilst keeping a straight line. They turned out useable but not to my standards at all so an oblong punch is definitely planned in my future purchases.

The only dye I have right now is the Eco-Flo Bison Brown I got from Tandy. I apply it using airbrush and have not experienced the rub off problem I've read on this forum with regards to water-based dyes. On the P225 holster, I started rubbing the high points while the dye was not completely dry, to create a bit of "antigued" finish. The 1911 holster I just applied dye, let dry completely, burnish edges, apply neatsfoot oil and let dry, then airbrush Satin Sheen. I wanted to try out some car wax from Meguiar's and see what it would do to it so I did, and it made the leather feel really good and knocks down the sheen for a flatter finish; may try that again.

I'm out of leather so I need to order more... Let's see who is having a sale...

[dbusarow]

Great work PeterK. Beautiful color.

Dan