Hello from Houston

[Silvyr]

First and foremost Thank Yall for the add about a week ago, you've got alot of useful info and alot of helpful people here. I can't wait to make some stuff and post it for you to see.

Newbie here I've done a little leather working here and there, but I'm still very new to alot I just know some basics is all. I started playing around with leather say jr. high and high school, and I had made some knife sheathes in my teens when I helped forge knives with my father. (I had never thought to take pictures of my work, but honestly it was pretty bad waxed tandy thread and huge chisel holes and uneven dye jobs with basket weave stamping LOL...at least the stiching was good).

But I stopped and moved onto other hobbies such as making chainmaille, and becoming addicted to computer games and table tops like D&D. I even made myself some belt pouches (I used an awl and didn't mark stich lines that time, it was tight stiching but all over the place) when I worked at renfaire for 2 years. (2 years was enough horrible pay and long hours on commission ugh..) So I've always done crafting and those kinda hobbies.

So recently a few months back an old timer I knew was moving into a smaller house and downsizing and getting rid of things. I Picked up a Ruger Redhawk from him and it had a camo cloth holder for the gun. My mind goes Hmm big gun I live in Texas, I need to make this a worthy Leather Holster for it. So I proceed to spend weeks looking at designs and researching leather working again. Yeah I got bit with the leather bug again, so instead of being rational I just decided why not just let this consume my whole life haha....

So I've been reading, watching all kinds of videos about leatherworking, I've even considered getting the leather masterclass stuff online. I work nights so I have alot of free time during the morning before I collapse midday sleep and repeat the cycle. Computer games are fun for a while but unfulfilling, I'd really like to start making things again and if i can get good enough at this maybe a side hustle for money. 

I had read good reviews about Kevin Lee tools so I took the plunge and bought 2 sets of pricking irons 3.38 mm and 3.85mm, and his copy Brass clicking knife_Brass Clicker knife blades_China Handmade Leather Tools Manufacturer (kevinleathertools.com) of the Vergez Blanchard L'Indispensable . I'd read reviews that the lindispensable was a nice knife but the blade was crap and alot of people replaced it with a D2 Chartermade knife.

Anyways his knife has a nice weight and balance to it, and its sharp as hell cuts through my 6oz+ leather like butter. The pricking irons are very nicely polished and punch through easy and leave small slits, I'm considering getting some 3.0mm and 2.7mm so I've got an entire set. I've currently gotta clean a bigger spot to do this on, and I'm waiting on my black friday leather sales to come in the mail I'll update yall when it arrives.

[PastorBob]

Sounds like you got bit bad by the leather bug.  Can't wait to see the Ruger holster.