Leathersmiths.....show us yer stuff, (#1) THIS THREAD IS NOW CLOSED

[santee]

Came out great!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Santee, I add some iron to my coffee, while it is cooking and I leave it in. After cooking for three or so hours, when cool I pour the whole thing into a container grounds and all, without the iron you will get a much lighter color, which is what some like or prefer, for me I like the darker color, and the adding of iron gives that to me, when I cook the coffee, I cook it in a 20 QT. pot , filled about 3/4 full of water, after I bring it to a boil , I put the lid on and turn it down to a simmer, I know there are other ways of doing this, but this is how I do mine, and I'm happy with the results, give it a try with the iron.

How much coffee and how much iron? I may have to make some of this stuff. If it doesn't dye things the way I want, I can always drink it.

JD, that two-tone belt is perfect!. You really did a fine job on the whole thing. We don't have an icon for thumbs-up, but I'd use one here.

There.

[JD Alan]

Thanks guys for your kind comments. I used this rig today, and it worked out pretty well. The next holsters will be a tad smaller in diameter. What I didn't take into account was the leather stretching with use. Now the guns are dropping down a little too far for my preference. It's not enough to stop using them, but I will take the next ones in a little, and make the body a little slimmer.     

[Gun Butcher]

OK, I needed something to do today so I finished up a little knife that was almost a throwaway and made a sheath to go with it.
Knife is only 8" overall.
Gotta keep yer hands busy I reckon.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That's cool, GB. I like the way the sheath wraps around the handle. Nice touch.

[Gun Butcher]

  Thanks Marshall, the sheath is only made of 5-6 Oz stock. More of a try it kind of thing with the wetmolding around the handle.
Gonna see how it works and maybe use it on a larger sheath with heavier leather.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

  Very nice GB, like Will said cool design, is there a belt loop on this one or do you just place it between your belt and pants? great way to keep yourself busy, and this turned out great

                   tEN wOLVES 

[Gun Butcher]

  Thanks TW, it does have a belt loop. Just a real simple slip on loop. Dyed it with my pecan dye and forgot to shake it up real good before dipping the sheath, so you probably noticed the spots
The jar now has a large "Shake well " sign on it now.

[KidTerico]

GB thats very different,, I like it. Great job. KT

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

How much coffee and how much iron? I may have to make some of this stuff. If it doesn't dye things the way I want, I can always drink it.

   Will, I use  a one pound can of the DARK ROAST coffee, and about two heaping tablespoons of broken or crush iron, or you could use a dozen or so iron nails, I pour this into a 20 qt. pot filled 3/4 of the way up with water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, and simmer for about three or so hours, let cool over night, and then pour into a plastic container of your choice, but one deep enough to submerge your leather in. the dye my last rig was done in , I made a year ago, so it doesn't go to waste. when dying I leave my leather in the dye, submerged for 24 hours, then pull my leather out and rinse off with fresh water, if you're doing a belt place the belt on your bench straight or curved as you want it, when dried it will hold its shape pretty well, same with your holster, but you want to mold the holster to your gun at this time, let dry 24 hours, then condition with Lexoil conditioner, and after an hour , you can start oiling with either EVOO, or Neatsfoot oil, you will find you can vary the depth or darkness of the leather by the amount of coats of oil you apply, when you get it the way you want, let it dry over night, if it still looks the way you like it, you can either use Skidmores leather cream or use another sealer finish or nothing at all, that's open to you, or make it darker by applying more oil.

                         tEN wOLVES 

  JD, that's great that your new rig worked out for you today, there are always a few miner changes you want to make after wearing one all day, that makes a good test.

  GB, I guess these old eyes missed that loop, it really is a nice design, and that knife is a doozy


                   tEN 

 

[Gun Butcher]

Thanks Kid, I guess I am still trying to see what i can do with this leather working. Mostly the dyeing But I'm learning thanks to all of you.

TW, you didn't miss it, I did.....no pic of the back.

[Arizona Cattleman]

Cool knife and sheath GB, for a test it's a keeper.

AC

[Arizona Cattleman]

Anothjer carving attempt.  A wallet kit from Tandy.  I know I should be designing my own, just learning how.

AC

[KidTerico]

AC you do some VERY NICE leather work. Thanks for showing. KT

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

  AC, beautiful carving pard, you have good hands.

       tEN wOLVES 

[Arizona Cattleman]

Thanks TW and KT, that means alot to me.  Man I enjoy this thing called Leather.

AC

[JD Alan]

GB what a Sweet knife & sheath! That really looks cool. Great design & stamping on the sheath.

AC, good lookin man. Ya know what they say about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. Well, what's wrong with learning the basics by copying what others have done as training, then launching off on your own?

Both of you Pards did real nice work, very artistic indeed. 

[Boothill Bob]

AC, beautiful carving

[cowboywc]

GB
That's a good lookin little knife. I like the sheath, I've made a few that way but not for any large ones.

AC
Good job of carving.
WC

[Ned Buckshot]

Here's a shotgun slide I finished earlier this week. Nothing special but my design works very well.

Ned