Need stich advice

[3248tm]

I'm not sure that I want to try and use a over stich wheel again. Had some issues with the over stich putting down a good visible mark on a project the other day. It's probably my fault because I got things out of order to get the best results possible using a over stich wheel. Looking at getting a diamonid shape stitching iron. I'm working on gun holsters and want to know how many stiches per an inch you would recommend 

[Tugadude]

For most holsters you could probably go with 5 to 6 SPI.  I never use an overstitch wheel.  I find them unnecessary.  I suggest the Tandy Craftool diamond chisel as a good starter tool.  Make sure you use a Poundo Board or a similar to protect the chisel.  Keep the chisel straight and level to get the best result and to prevent bending tines.

[Tugadude]

These chisels work great and pair well with 1mm thread +/-.   Use the 2-prong to go around corners.  There are lots of sellers online that feature diamond chisels.  I haven't bought any but others have with varying degrees of success.

 

[zuludog]

I make sheaths from 3 to 3,5 mm veg tan leather; I suppose these are a similar sort of item & leather used to holsters

I use the Craftool Pro Line chisel as shown; 2 prong, 4 mm spacing, and I'm happy enough with it. Don't hammer into your cutting mat, it's not intended for that sort of use. I use a plastic kitchen chopping board, about 10 mm thick. You will also need some kind of soft faced hammer - plastic, wood, or hide

You can improve the chisel by polishing the prongs. Make a small file or wand by glueing some wet & dry paper, about 400 to 600 grit to a sliver of wood like a lollipop stick, then finish off on a strop. It also helps if you rub the prongs in beeswax  as you use the chisel

Even with a chisel you might find that you have to do a bit of work with an awl

Resist the temptation to waggle the chisel about as you remove it, try to do a straight pull. You can hold down the leather with a small block of wood to do this