First Mexican loop

[Treed]

"It's not necessary to actually cut slots to make the loops. I made a cardboard mockup and tried it with just cuts, not slots, and it works fine."

The problem with the cuts is that it works until the holster is hung up on something. The sharp cuts will then tear straight across the skirt from where the cut stops. The slots are rounded where they stop and add extra strength to this area. Learn this first hand from building horse tack.

Bobby

 

[Clintock]

@dikman go to heritage firearms and check out some of their holsters. I definitely wouldn't pay that much for an unfinished product but back to the main of it. They have Mexican loop with just slits cut. It'll give you an idea of how it will look. IMHO it doesn't look very good. Can't finish the edge through and through with just a slit. I can respect wanting the look to match the time period. 

Defintiely will check out the moccasin brown. I like dark brown goods. Hides a lot of detail in finished product but.. 

Youre right about never know how it's gonna look till you put it together. Cardboard doesn't bend like leather nor stretch like leather. Design looked pretty good on poster board but it changed once put together with leather. Look forward to seeing what design you have. 

[dikman]

Bobby, I take your point re- the slits and can see what you mean. In my case it won't matter because it can only be used at the range so little chance of it catching on something. I had, however, already thought of that potential issue and am considering punching small holes at the ends of the slits which hopefully should help relieve stresses at that point.

Clintock, I had a look at the site. I'm assuming that their holsters are mass-produced to provide a relatively inexpensive product, and as such might suit some people who just want a basic holster, but they look "clunky" to me. The three-loop, in particular, just look wrong, the straps are too thick and too close together and in places are a sloppy fit. But then I'm known to be picky! As for the edges of the slits, one site I came across said to insert a steel ruler (or similar) into the slit to lift the strap up which will allow access to the edge. It should be possible to finish the edges, but may require a bit of "creative thinking" to do so. Guess I'll find out, and if it doesn't work then I'll simply turn the slits into slots! My template just needs a bit of minor tweaking, but I've learned not to rush and to give it plenty of thought to try and figure out what I've missed....

Edited June 24, 2017 by dikman

[dikman]

I've just re-read Jim Simmons (sticky) tutorial, and he uses a slot, rather than a slit, to make the loops. Looks like I may have the wrong idea about how it's done, so shall defer to more experienced makers. I will, however, make the slots fairly narrow, I think, in the interests of aesthetics.

[Clintock]

@dikman let me know how the finished product turns out. I think I cut the slots a 1/4". Next one I make will have a liner and will not be Mexican loop if I can help it. I like the loop with a Chicago screw holding to the skirt with the  leg tie holding the holster to the skirt. Makes for a flatter skirt. But really anything to do leather, wood, brick, etc is all personal preferences. Some may like something that looks completely shotty calling it a masterpiece. Picasso for example. Not saying he couldn't paint, just not my cup o tea

[dikman]

Yeah, Picasso doesn't do much for me, I much prefer a nice landscape myself.

The loop, using screws or snap studs, is certainly easier as you don't have to worry about stuffing the holster down through those loops, and visually it has a flatter, smoother profile. Or you can make it as a strap with a buckle on front, which looks quite nice. But I'm determined to make a Mexican loop, in part so that I can say I've made one. It will take a while, as I have a couple of tons of firewood to sort and stack and need to make a pair of leather suspenders first for my new Cowboy pants .

[Clintock]

They got that stuff now that is piped in and burns real good. No need to even have an axe. Saves a ton of work. 

[plinkercases]

Nice go at it.

My comments would be agreeing that the swell on the main seam be in-between the loops to lock in as with the original Cheyenne design  and when I do slits/cuts I will use a small round pouch at the end to solve the problem described with slits/cuts and not need to do slots. I like the clean look with no beading on the edges but can always go either way on that as long as all edges are treated the same. I think the colour is interesting.

Congratulations on the orders!!

[Clintock]

Appreciate it. The more I look at it the more I don't like it. I reckon the "ruffled" edges and skirt are the two main things. I see the validity of the loops being in the wrong spot. May just change those for the ones going out. And I'll prolly sew a stop on the main belt loop to help keep the holster from riding up. 

Tge color may be coming from cheaper leather. Not too impressed with it. Won't call the supplier out but he's in new york

[dikman]

I used British Tan on the second holster I made, it came out redder than yours!