Shoulder or Bends for Holsters

[caressofsteel]

I want to get started making holsters. Talking to a maker, he said he only uses the Bends and actually throws the shoulder away. While I think this was hyperbole, it got me doing research. Another maker has on his website that only shoulders are suitable for Holsters.

What do you all use? What are the tradeoffs?

[WolfteverGunleather]

@caressofsteel I don't claim to be an expert, but I'll share my opinion based on my experience having made many holsters and other products, and having worked at a vegetable tannery for several years many years ago.

I normally buy backs only since the bellies are worthless to me. When I receive a back, I'll measure 60" from the butt toward the head and make a cut across the back from backbone to belly edge, dividing the back into a bend and a shoulder. Then I make a perfectly straight cut along the backbone of the bend, giving me a straight edge for stripping out belts. The bend area is preferred for belts due to being denser and less stretchy than the shoulder. Then I'll use the shoulder area first for holsters and sheaths. The bend area works fine for holsters and sheaths, but I prefer to save it for belts and large pieces if I'm doing a project that requires it. If I do use the bend area for something other than belts, I'll cut lower (closer to the belly edge) to preserve my straight edge at the backbone for belts.

That approach works for me. I'm sure there are plenty of other opinions out there.

Best of luck on your holster making!

[Dwight]

I generally buy both double shoulders and sides.

Shoulders are for holsters, . . . has worked the best for me for 15 or so years.

But to each his own.

May God bless,

Dwight