Pictorial Carving and Crossdraw Cant. What did I get myself into?

[SLP]

I love a good challenge, but c'mon. Ok, I guess I asked for it. I'm about to start on my third custom holster. It's for an old friend from military school. He said he really liked my holsters and wanted to buy one. He's sure he can drum up some business for me by showing off to his buddies in the bayou, although I'm so slow at this holster thing that I can't take any more orders. So I'm finally ready to get started and start talking to him about what he's looking for. Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag 7.5 inch barrel western holster. I now have the Bunkhouse Tools model. "I don't want oak leave though" he says. "I want a bear, standing up, growling, with some mountains in the background." And so ensues the onslaught of questions for the admirable and obliging gentlemen of my go to forum.

1. Pictorial Carving - Wow. That stuff is crazy! Ok, I've never done any animals before, but I think I have the bear down...sort of. Just worked from a photo I found online to make a quick test carving, but what about mountains? Where there are mountains, there are usually trees. Mr. Stohlman says I need a bunch of tools that haven't been sold for years. Does anyone have any suggestions on ideas to get me started. I don't really want to spend $100-$200 on figure carving tools, just yet. Any tutorials or tips would be greatly appreciated.

2. Cant Degree - That gun is massive! I suggested a crossdraw holster, again with my big mouth, but I really wouldn't want to give him a holster that he had to do stretches and yoga in order to be able to maneuver the gun out on his strong side. How much of a cant is really necessary to provide a comfortable crossdraw for a long revolver? Also, the gun is so long that every degree will cause the holster to stick further and further out to the rear. Can I get away with zero cant? That would be great. If he ever studies yoga, he could move it to his strong side.

There's more, but I guess I can leave it at that for now. Thanks guys. Here is a picture of my practice "bear."

Edited June 29, 2016 by SLP