Western Holster

[LederRudi]

I dabbled in making my own design and this is what I came up with.

I made several mistakes but the overall Impression of the holster isn't half bad.

I opted for the natural look: UV-tan and oil, nothing else.

One of the mistakes: I think now that the edges painted with brown edge kote are contradictory to this look.

Critique and comments as always welcome.

[Dwight]

Personally, . . . I like it, . . . there are some folks here and elsewhere who have the idea that only "THIS" rendition of a western holster is authentic.

Bah, . . . humbug, . . . there were so many guys out there making rigs back then, . . . and everyone had "his" way of doing it. I like your way, . . . even the brown edging.

I personally prefer a more squared look for the flap, . . . but that is like one guy likes redheads, . . . the other likes blondes. Personal choice, . . . that's all.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Toney]

Very nice

[JMcC]

I think it looks great. The only suggestion I would make is the shading seems a bit light on the bottom flower. I personally like the brown edging but if you are making it for yourself, you know what you like better than I. Overall a nice job sir!

[stu925]

I think Dwight said everything that needs to be said on this one. I like the brown with the natural give a nice contrast. Nice work.

Stu

[LederRudi]

Thank you for the nice comments, gentlemen!
I’m glad you liked the holster!
The next one will be (even) better, since…
…I’ve learned in the meantime about the benefits of the use of jeweler’s rouge and – look at that – the swivel knife doesn’t have to catch every half inch!
…I’ll be using a smaller edge beveler in order to prevent the edge slicker from producing a T-shaped edge profile.
…I’ll be using a paddle-shaped modelling tool instead of wool daubers for the application of edge paint.
…I have some ideas about producing a smoother flow of the stemwork (3 concentric circles for smoother ins and outs and more consistent thickness).
The next holster however will have to wait because my wife has already started to frown upon my holstermaking and has already made it clear that she favors handbags.

[Red Cent]

Looks good.

Suggestion. Get a stitching groover and run a "ditch" around close to the edge. Using the edge coat sparingly, the stuff will get to the ditch and disperse making for a very even edge.

[LederRudi]

Thanks for your comment and your advice, Red!

I'll keep it in mind.

[Josh Ashman]

Looking good sir!

[LederRudi]

Thanks for the compliment, Josh!

[Wild Bill46]

Looks great to me !

I'm of the same school as most of the others, in that the natural looks very nice with brown edges.

Tooling has a nice flow to it too !

I do have a question not a complaint What was used for backgrounding ? -------- Wild Bill46

[LederRudi]

Thank you for the kind words, Wild Bill.

For backgrounding I used Barry King's bargrounders which aren't easy to use (alignment, moisture content) but I thought I'd give it a try and in case of failure I'd flatten out the imprints with a Tandy tool.

I'm actuallally satisfied with the outcome, although I need more practice of course and probably stronger glasses.

[Wild Bill46]

Thanks Rudi, I apppreciate that, Barry it is .