My First Holster (Or Anything Else, For That Matter)

[Chris Rathbone]

Hey guys,

This is my first attempt at making anything from leather. It's an IWB for my wifes Walther PK380. I would like to get in to making holsters and belts as a hobby and possibly make a little cash too. I learned not to stitch while I am tired. Ive got a couple areas that aren't very uniform. I also need to work on my boning skills too, but practice will make perfect.

My next project will be a nice OWB for my 1911.

[Toney]

Very nice

[Chris Rathbone]

Thanks Toney

[Quillleather]

Not bad at all for a first try? Id say keep at it. May have a natural here.

[Chris Rathbone]

Thank you Quilleather,

I don't know about being a "natural". I'm just good at picking up on things. If I see and understand how something is put together, I can usually pick it up pretty easy. I followed a post on another forum to get a basic idea and see how it was done:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_5_23/135164_How_To_Make_A_Holster___DIY____Start_to_Finish___111_pics__Enjoy___.html

When it came time to form it I got really scared I had stitched it too tight. I had to remove the piece of wood for the front sight channel because the gun wouldn't fit in the holster. Once I removed it, the trigger guard just barely slid in. I had to be really careful not to pull the stitches thru the wet leather. The front sight rubs just a little bit inside the holster, but I'm ok with it.

[stu925]

I'm sure I'm not the only one around here that's going to tell you that your first holster is a whole lot better than my first one. Nice work. The stitching is what I struggled with most when I started out and I still have issues from time to time when I'm stitching particularly thick pieces. Keep at it and it will all come together.

Stu

[snubbyfan]

Looks like you did your research. Me, I was trial and error.

Looks good but that stitch line is a little distracting.

It's still way better than my first attempt, or second, or third.

[Martyn]

Wow, well done, that's tons better than my first. Your wet forming looks really good. You've got a few dropped stitches which are putting a wobble in your stitching line, but aside from that, really good.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Martyn

[Bair Hide]

My first holsters were heavily function over aesthetics. Took me some time to get into finer detail...looks like you got one hell of a running start!

[Chris Rathbone]

I ended up selling the 1911 I just bought so could buy some more equipment and business license's to get started trying my hand at making a little money. I've already got some people lined up waiting for theirs. Feet first, here I come. lol

[Wild Bill46]

You'll be alright just plant those feet solidly ! As Stu, and others have pointed out,

myself included, your better now than my first attempts too.

Natural ? Well you decide ! ------ Wild Bill46