second and third projects (holster and sheath)

[Holden A. Grudge]

Here, along with my first holster, are pictures of my last two projects

The knife sheath was the second I have done and the loop holster the third.  I am getting a little better with each project.  I didn't like the way the first holster was so thin so I doubled the leather up for the next one.  Let me know what you think

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

  Holden, you're coming right along, I can see you dove right in, you'll fine as you go along that each thing you do will be better than the one before, your first projects are some of the funnest to do, I would suggest you get as many books as you can, and the Bible for holsters is "Packing Iron " this book will show what was used and give some good ideas of how they were designed and made, I might suggest to that when you make your seam line, and after cementing it, that you sand the edge to 90 degrees, to square it up and make it flat, and at the same time make both sides even so that one side or the other doesn't stand out, this will make your stitch line easier to find or put in, in the back and keep it all uniform, then after edge beveling you can smooth out the seam line and burnish the seam line edge, and give it a nice smooth finish. this is something we all had to learn when we first started out, I remember even when I thought I had it right, WC would point out where it could be improved on, so all and all, you're doing great, just keep at it, and learn all you can. And ask questions when in doubt.

              tEN wOLVES   

[Skeeter Lewis]

Nice work, Holden. Addictive, isn't it?

Don't worry about thin leather. Way back they used thinner leather than is usual nowadays.

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[santee]

Makin' some good stuff, there. You're stamping is great.

[Slowhand Bob]

Looks like you started out fully loaded pard.  That looks just as good or better than many holster I make every day.  You have well captured the old cowboy look and the knife and them Navies should feel right at home in their new leather.  Ten Wolves was right on the mark with starting a leather workers library and I would include as many videos and web links to information and pictures as I could find.  Skills are great but imagination creates art and there are more than a couple here who really impress me.  One could do worse with their time than doing some research through the back posts on this site. 

[Holden A. Grudge]

Thanks for the encouragement and kind words. 

The best part of this hobby is that I can see my improvements. 

My first holster (the crossdraw pictures) you can really tell my stitch line is kinda jacked up.  I think I finally have that fixed.  I very well know what you mean Ten Wolves about the edge.  I think I overcorrected on the second holster.  The fist one had the stitched so close to the edge that on the second I left a lot more and by the time I sanded it down (plus given the fact that it had 4 layers stitched together) the seem started to separate when burnishing. 

I am going to work on improving my edges as they haven't gotten to a point where I am happy with them yet. 

And next I want to make a rig that isn't as "distressed", maybe in black.

I have got a good start on my leatherwork digital library straight from this site.  Going to order a copy of Packing Iron now, and decide what my next project will be.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

  Your doing fine Holden, the learning process was a fun and exciting time for me, and I know it will be for you too, this is a craft that you never learn it all, I'm constantly learning new things all the time, you're on the right track, and like I said earlier, the more you do the better you will get, and with that you will notice your mistakes and correct them with your next piece. Keep it up pard.

          tEN wOLVES 

[Wolf Tracker]

Holden   Those are some nice pieces, keep it up.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Good work, HA. Very nice looking pieces. Lookin' good.