How can you tell if it's quality made or not?

[SFT]

I need some tips and opinions on how to tell if a gun rig is quality made or not.

What do the edges look like?  If chicago screws are used, where at, and where should the holes for the screws be punched in the holsters?  On hand made pieces how colorfast is the dye, how even should the dye be, etc? 

When it comes to wet molding something, can it be done only once, twice, etc?

[Slowhand Bob]

Ask around about the maker, many times he has spent a lifetime building his reputation.  A search back through many of the old post you can find here will render many photos of beautiful well made holsters for you to study.  Also note that some of the most beautiful of the new rigs are actually artificially aged by the makers.  Usually the edges will appear rounded and very slick, even glossy, but this in its self does not always relate to quality.  The edges should 'just look right' for the holster they are on.  I use Chicago screws on modern western holster designs, comp. rigs etc, but be sure to use blue Loctite with them.  If the dye isnt colorfast you can ruin expensive clothes, so demand it.  The level of uniformity in the dye job can be affected by several things but with a good leather worker it is actually what you prefer dead flat color or some degree of motteling.  Personally, I actually like it to look almost like wood grain.  My opinion on wet molding is very similar to that on moving house trailers, done right, one time is far and away best but yes it can be done several times with some degredation to the leather each time.  If the holsters are needing to be reformed for the same firearms on multiple occasions then its time to go back to thet quality issue again.   

[SFT]

I appreciate the info very much Slowhand Bob, and this helps to confirm my thoughts on the second set of leather items I just received, 5 weeks after I returned the first botched attempt.  Maybe next time I'll learn, but's it's been a lengthy and costly lesson this time around.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Good summation, Bob. Reputation is probably the best indicator of the quality. I have a pair of suspenders that bled onto one of my best shirts so, yeah, demand colorfast dye.

[Pawnee Bill]

  As to Dyes.
Russett leather is best "dyed" only with oil of one kind or an other and the Black best done with iron dye.
They are not really dyd but cause color change by chemical reaction in the leather so there is really nothing to rub off in the first place.
Cheers
Pawnee Bill