want to make my first holster

[vicstrick73]

Hello, I purchased my first single action pistol (Ruger Bisley Vaquero 44 mag) recently and now I want to make a holster for it. I have zero leatherworking knowledge but I am very handy when it comes to making and fixing things. Generally, if I can read about how to do something, or watch someone do it once, I can figure the rest out. Does anyone have any suggestions for books or other instructional type material that would help me on my venture? I have looked online but some of the books just sounded like a waste of money. I would also like to get some recommendations on the best (and actually needed) tools to keep handy for a simple holster project. I don't want anything fancy. I am a very functional person and all I want is a rugged, fuctional holster. Thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer.

Vic

[Major 2]

Chuck Barrow's  DVD at Wild Rose for skills and Packing Iron by Richard Rattenbury for ideas

[Dalton Masterson]

How to make Holsters by Al Stohlman is probably the best beginning (and experienced refresher) book I think. Has great patterns, and tells everything on how to make them.

The basic 7 stamp pack from Tandy or elsewhere is a great starter set. Add a rawhide mallet, a sharp utility knife, thread, needles, and leather and you will be set.
DM

[santee]

Everything they said!
This forum is tons (I mean TONS) of help, too. Do a search on a problem or stumbling block and I would be willing to bet someone else got it answered here.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Major 2 and Dalton summed up the shortest way to your first holster. I also did my first one by following the instructions in Stohlman's How To Make Holsters. It's easy and you'll have a good understanding of the basics.

[Ace Lungger]

100% I agree with them, I would say that 75% or more people have started leather work with Al  Stohlmans book on how to make holsters! And Chuck burrows DvD set is a great tool also, and then after you have those to tools, you have the very best tool in the world right here! I am a Rookie, but the Pards on here are the very best people you will ever find If it wasn't for these pards, i would still be trying to figure what side is up!!

if you have a question or a problem, there will be people on here that will help you out! Now as far as me, I can't help you much, i could help with a few little things, but that is about all! This art workhas got into my blood so much that shooting doesn't excite
me like sitting down at the work bench and get after it Regrets, i wished I would of started 20 years ago, and made a move out of Kansas!    V73, get Al's book and get after it!!

ACE

[Slowhand Bob]

The number of books available for the holster maker are somewhat limited but there are now several videos out and all are fair to excellent that I have seen.  Right off the bat I would say a beginner would be smart if he invested more, early on, in education than in tools.  I have some tools that are twenty years old and like fishing lures, looked better to me than to the jobs at hand.  Ask for advice before investing in your tools, always, and it will save you money and clutter.

There are also some great patterns available that will shortcut your first hurdles at holster making.  Many of these same patterns will include a great deal of general 'how-to' information as well.  Look at the ones offered by Ghormley and Jean Simmons(SP?) for lots of good designs and some good insights on the 'how-to'.

Perhaps we need a good topic with posters experience on building good leather working librarys for the beginning western leathercrafter.  Kind of a book and video review from different users viewpoints.