Finishing rough-out ...

[Oregon Bill]

After making a dozen or more holsters, I very intelligently cut out a pattern I made years ago for a Ruger Bearcat -- backwards. This is just a trail rig, so I decided to use it. It is molded and  saddle-stitched now, and time to finish it. I have had uneven results with Feibings dyes on the rough side. Should I go ahead and try to dye the thing, or just rub in plenty of beeswax-based leather conditioner and to heck with it? How do you pros finish rough-out leather?

[Pawnee Bill]

After making a dozen or more holsters, I very intelligently cut out a pattern I made years ago for a Ruger Bearcat -- backwards. This is just a trail rig, so I decided to use it. It is molded and  saddle-stitched now, and time to finish it. I have had uneven results with Feibings dyes on the rough side. Should I go ahead and try to dye the thing, or just rub in plenty of beeswax-based leather conditioner and to heck with it? How do you pros finish rough-out leather?

The process is called waxing and boning. It is basicly the same as a spit shine.
The way I do it.
Light shoe polish and let it melt in the can apply to leather with a cotton ball when the fuzz is filled beguin rubbing in unmelted shoe polish with water and cotton ball. Use distelled water as tap water will cause an unsightly mold to form. Keep this up untill the desired sheen appears it can go fron a dull bumpy surface all the way to a patten leather look.
Cheers
Pawnee Bill

[Oregon Bill]

Bill: I tip my Boss o' the Plains to you sir.
Bill

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I've never finished rough-out leather. I would be tempted to just make it and leave it rough. A very slight bit of oil on the leather would give it some protection. That in itself is a good look. Also, it would be more scratch resistant. Easier, too.

[Slowhand Bob]

I like to leave the Ruff-out ruff!  The poor mans way to get the benefits of a lined holster without the extra cost and the holster looks unique to boot.

[Oregon Bill]

What kinda oil would you use?