Started my holsters tonight, and making progress!

[ogreshooter]

The edges have been burnished.

JD, I did use a stitch groover, but am still learning the tools. The more I use them, the more comfortable I get with them.


First holster, not too bad. I only have a dremel tool at my new house (all my power tools are next county over, don't have room for them here). Fortunately, my neighbor and co-worker has a belt sander and jig saw (or whatever the bench mounted saw with skinny blades is called. Not a band saw, can not remember name of it though).

Anyhow, I stray from the point. Next holster is going to have a 30 degree cant and will be all hand stitched with black nylon thread.

Now, with this holster, it is high speed-low drag, easy for the re-holster and is secure enough to run the 30 feet max I run on stages.

Will keep you updated as I work on the next holster. I have that template done now and will be cutting it out tomorrow.

Thanks for the support and guidance.

HW

[Slowhand Bob]

Everyone will see things differently and often times it will simply be a matter of artistic taste.  Though not a leather working rule, I would prefer to make minor changes to the leading edge of the skirt.  Top and bottom has 90* curves that I would soften/round and then let them lead into a tiny bit of swell along the edge, rather than using a straight line.  I did note that you laid the lines out with almost perfection as the leading line of the skirt is true to the line formed by the holsters fold. (seen by following the stitch row)

You can do a beautiful edge using that Dremel tool also, providing it is the variable speed model.  It can work very well on leather using a sanding drum  ******caution******* it can get away from you fast and is better to only use around tight curves at low speeds until you get the hang of it.  You can also use the smallest felt bobs to dress up edges at the end.  I mix equal parts parrafin to bees wax and then add a small touch of neetsfoot oil in to make an edge dressing, these are cast in candy size muffin trays.  Rub the cake against the edge of the leather, in one direction only, and then run the Dremel mounted bob up to about 3000rpm and touch it to the wax cake to load.  Using a very light touch you can go around the edges running the Dremel at slightly under 2000rpm to get the finished edges to just melt together.  A nice touch is that the heated wax will add a very rich darkening to the edge also.  Used with an extra dose of restraint, the Dremel can be one of your handiest shop tools after a bit of practice.   

[JD Alan]

Orgeshooter, it's really tough to evaluate a holster based on a picture, but once again great job.

[ogreshooter]

Is amazing how much a person learns as he moves along the path of holster making.

I started holster #2 today. This is going to be a cross draw with 30* cant.  I am adding a little stitching to the holster itself. Perhaps some don't like it, but I dig it.

Much like #1, this is going to have a natural leather look (undyed). Difference this time is I am set on stitch color and material.

Here is the start.



So far I have cleaner lines. Little better starting point. Not sure if it is going to stay, but the skirt (is that the right name for the flap along the back??) is wider than the front. I am pretty sure I am going to cut it off (make it level with the front, I mean).

Anyhow, thank you everyone for the help and confidence building you have provided!

HW

[Kid Terico]

Ogreshooter looking good, nice design. KT

[Slowhand Bob]

WOW, that is looking good and I really love the sewn design patterns you use, reminds me of the one Will used on his Schofield holsters for Yuma.  The skirt is a matter of personal taste, some like them wide and showy while others like them trimmed close and almost invisible.

[ogreshooter]

Will's holster for 3:10 to Yuma is exactly where I got the idea. I have had a few of the shooters in my club really like the first holster I did and they all recommend I stick to stitching the pattern. Maybe one day when I get creative and have no need to go outside (we got 9" of snow last night, that could be this weekend) I will try my hand at carving, stamping and other designs.

In truth, I have had a lot of fun, and I may continue as a hobby, but no way I would do this for a living. Guys like KT, Will and others that are in this for a living do this so much better than me, I could never presume to enter their market! Plus, working Law Enforcement is way too much fun to let go!!

HW

[Kid Terico]

Ogreshotter sorry to correct you. I,m 68 years old and this my hobby. I started about 5 years ago in my garage. Learned all by my self. I was a manager of Pepsi Cola until I retired so If I can learn anyone can. Keep it up you do great work. I do it for fun and dont sell my rigs. I have given a lot of my rigs to our Pards here on Cas. Keep having fun and keep showing your work. Its great to see. KT

[Holden A. Grudge]

Ogreshooter,

I love the stitched design.  It looks really good.  I am just now starting my second ever holster and yours look really good.  I am inly doing this as a hobby myself been found that I have been bitten and just keep wanting to make something else.  Every time I learn a new technique I just have to try it.  It can be addictive.

-Holden

[ogreshooter]

Really making progress on holster #2. All stitched, lined, glued. Need to clean and sand the edges, burnish the edges, make the strap, few odds and ends, wet mold. All that jazz.



No, I am not at work. No, I am not getting paid to do one job while making holsters for myself. Just want to clear that up.

Yes, I do have the single greatest job in the world.

[Slowhand Bob]

Ogreshooter, It is my understanding that John Bianchi started out making holsters in his garage while working as a cop.  KT, the wife wants to know if you have the coupons for a lifetime supply of Pepsi? 

[Kid Terico]

Slowhand MUMS the word. KT 

[santee]

ogreshooter, look how much you improved on your second holster. Congrats! The stitch design is great.

[ogreshooter]

Well folks, holster #2 is done. Stabbed myself twice while stitching. I am sure no one else has ever done that! 

This one turned out far better than #1, but I still love them both.


Side by side (and not the shotgun!)


Next step is the belt. Going to be 3" wide, double 7 oz leather. Going to do shotshell loops instead of bullet loops. I have thought about adding some bullet loops for the day when I have to load on the line, but unsure at this time. My local club does that once a year, and I can always throw on my old belt if need be.

On my old belt (which is for a 34" waist. I have it snugged up a bit, but DAMMIT!!! I am wearing it. Far cry from my 44's I was wearing in January!

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

    Great start ogreshooter, you're off and running now, both your holster look good, especially sense your new to this, you would never know they were your first, we'll be looking for more of your work in the future, Thanks for sharing with us.

          Regards

          tEN wOLVES