Holster Tooling Patterns - Where to find and what do you like?

[Flinch Morningwood]

I have been making some holsters and have been having a time finding tooling patterns that I like...I have a copy of "Packing Iron" and that has some good examples...but more ideas always help.

I primariliy like Slim Jim Holsters and the tooling seems to be mostly (a) Flowers etc, (b) double lines, or (c) None.  Can anyone recommend some good sources on learning to carve the flowers? 

Also, what tooling patterns do you prefer on any type holsters or belts?

Pictures are always appreciated....

Thanks!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Tandy offers a good book by Al Stohlman called "How To Make Holsters". It is full of tooling patterns that can be modified to your liking. As to what I like, I tend to lean towards whatever is period correct for the holster I'm making. Packing Iron will give you a good feel for that. Click on the image below to go to the url.

[Doc Neeley]

In addition to what the Marshal said, I believe it's Tandy that has a number of tooling patters for various items, not necessarily holsters, but they can give you an idea on styles of tooling you could transfer to holsters.

Good luck. Doc

[Slowhand Bob]

Hide Crafters sells several instructional booklets and videos by Chan Geer on the art of Sheridan style carving as well as a plethora of related videos and books.  The Will Ghormley series of holster patterns always includes a couple of carving/stamping patterns you might like.  A great all around holster video is available from Wild Rose and it shows the simpler tooling techniques as well as some examples of floral carving.  We are blessed with some of the best tutoral help ever.  Used to be that without a tutor you were pretty much on your own but now there are patterns, videos, books and on-line lessons by some of the best leatherworkers around and better yet several of them will come to your aid if you ask specific questions right here.

[Buffalo]

I like something simple. On this one I just did border stamping like on my saddle.
I just made this new holster out of Wicket & Craig. I just oiled it before I took the picture.
http://i6.tinypic.com/1zqg50o.jpg
Buff