What is your niche?

[Slowhand Bob]

It could be said that we do not like to be pidgin holed but when I watch a persons web site or pictures of their favorite works, it will often seem that most leather workers tend to have a favorite style or type of product.  Some seem to do mostly Historically accurate leather while others seem to prefer the mechanics of designing speed rigs, two extremes with a lot of ground between them.  Most of you guys do tend to also add a good bit of artistic bent to your work so tell us what do you seem to enjoy making the most?   A couple of great examples would be to tour the Wild Rose web site and then do the same at the Short Tom site and see the difference between what the two shops offer.
http://www.wrtcleather.com/
http://www.customgunleather.com/site/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

I have not been spending much time at the shop lately but when I am out there I usually enjoy the design work more than anything else.  It would seem that what I was most recently making would be considered low price competition gun leather. 

[Dalton Masterson]

I refer the historically accurate rigs myself, and generally in a natural finish of different tinted oils and sunshine.

I have yet to build a true speed rig, although I have been asked. I usually refer those customers to this site or to other makers I know build those things.

I also enjoy antiquing my gear, and like that old used look that vintage leather has.

DM

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

Have only done 6 holsters so it is hard to judge based on that.  On the other hand, I know where my interests are both past and present, so using that as a measure:

My niche is:  The year is 1870, you walk into my shop and you can choose between a few different designs.  So I would say historical new items. 

Sure that will change with time and knowledge.  Yet I have resisted getting into those new fangled cartridge guns and still shoot a round ball revolver, so maybe little change if any.

[Slowhand Bob]

My personal leather choice would be very plain Slim Jims, but then my most common persona is that of a post Civil War Comanchero. 

[santee]

Rigs that look like they have seen some use. A little distressing goes a long way to making a character.

[Ned Buckshot]

When I was active I used the phrase "New Artifacts of the Old West"

Ned

[outrider]

I prefer traditional designs however I have made many conceled carry holsters including the "Askins Avenger" style and of course the 1942 M3 Tanker Holster.  Recently I did a pair of show chaps, and I am now branching into doing tank bibs for motorcycles...anything to make a buck

[Jayhawker]

I end up making stuff that looks like it was made out of a busted saddle fender 

[GunClick Rick]

When I was active I used the phrase "New Artifacts of the Old West"

Ned

Dang Ned that's what i used to tell "em"!!!! Got me a dance with an old hide many a time!!!! You Ole hide chaser you ~~

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I lean toward historical accuracy. I'll stray some at times, but historic leather is my main interest. My goal is to make things that look like the old items did when they were new.

[cowboywc]

Howdy All
I make what the customer wants.
WC

[Irish Dave]

Over the years, I've done a bit of this and that  -- all the way from hippie belts and bags to recreating WWII GI leather gear. Don't do any of that any more, but obviously I'm not trying to make a living at it.

For several years, I have focused exclusively on traditionally and historically styled Old West gunleather -- holsters, occasional belts and a surprising number of shoulder holster rigs. I have concentrated on creating a certain "look" or style within that framework that I hope will make my work easily identifiable down the road -- should anyone be interested 50 years from now.

Decoratively, I focus on creating unique-yet-period appropriate border stamping/embossing patterns and techniques and rediscovering such styles as used at that time. I have great appreciation for the artistry of leather carving, but have never had an interest in doing it myself.

There. That's probably more information than anyone wants to know.  

[Kid Terico]

Still trying to find mine. KT

[Slowhand Bob]

Why Kid, you rascal you, we all know what your favorite niche is becoming.  There is a move underway to rename you the Exotic Inlay Kid and your work is really beautiful! 

Dave, I am just amazed at al the talent you guys display and wish that I had just a tiny bit of your artistic abilities.  Every chance I get I point people in this direction and hopefully as they see you guys talent this will become their favorite shopping and educational source for leather.   

[GunClick Rick]

HEY KT~~~ i gotta niche right in the middle of my back ,can reach it?



yea that's good thanks~~ 

[Kid Terico]

Thanks a heap Bob means a lot and Clicker your a Hoot. KT

[Irish Dave]

 

Very much obliged, Bob. Your words are very kind.
There are many great leather artisans sharing here on this board. I'm just proud to be able to contribute from time to time.

[JD Alan]

I've been ponderin this question ever since Slowhand posted it, and I still haven't figured mine out. I can answer what it's not a whole lot easier than what it is. I'm still too far into the learning curve for this one. Kid Terico cracks me up, (I should be so talented!) but I like WC's answer the best. Anyone who's seen his work up close & personal has been blessed.

[rickk]

What's my niche ?

I happen to live not far from 3 all girl colleges.

Like WC says, I make what the customer wants.

There is more money in "other stuff" besides holsters ;-)

Cowboys are nice, but college girls are more interesting customers as well.

Rick

[Rossmaker]

I definately stick with traditional as far as styling, not into the speed rigs at all. I enjoy the rustic look as well as the polished rigs though.