A holster built inside out - i.e. flesh side out . . . ?

[bedbugbilly]

I'm looking at making a new holster for one of my '51 Nvies and I'd like to do something a little "different".  I'm thinking a Slim Jim with a toe plug but making it very plain and with the flesh side out.  I've got a section of hide that is pretty "fuzzy" on the flesh side and I think I'll probably dip dye it a medium brown and just use an oil finish on it.

A couple of questions though . . .

I've looked in Packing Iron and I don't remember seeing one done this way.in there (unless I'm missing it).  Has anyone ever seen one (an original)  constructed this way?  I'm thinking about my old Civil Wa brogans made with the flesh side out and they look pretty "aged" after the use I've given them.  We all know how messy BP can be so I don't think it would be too long and the holster would looked used and aged.

I'm hoping the dip dying won't smooth out the fuzziness of the flesh side - any suggestions on how to rough it up if it does?  The piece I've set aside for this little project is around 10 oz.

Tbis obvioulsy will be a very plain holster which is what I'm going to try for - plain and simple yet functional.  I'm probably going to upt it on a Civil War Cavalry belt that has been stripped down of saber hangers, etc. so it will certainly be a "mismatched" outfit - something that I think was probably pretty common.

Any thoughts / suggestions appreciated.  Does this have any possibilities or will it just look like a holster "built ackwars" that's worn by a cowpoke who is a little "backwad"?  Thanks.   

[hoehandle]

These ain't the style your talking about, but they are are "inside out".  One is fuzzier than the other. I didn't dye 'em, although I thought about it. I'll sure be watchin' for yours when you're done!

[Freedom]

The syle is called "Rough Out".... This look is quite popular on wade style, western saddle orders..

The entire side can/is sanded with sand paper or those square sanding sponges, in order to get the "fuzzies" nice and even. But it is a just a cosmetic thing (or to remove big veins etc.) because it will get dirty and the high spots will rub smooth in no-time.  Not sure about your dye idea...but it will sure pull in a LOT of dye if you dip it. Dye may not smooth out the fuzzies.....but "use" sure will


NICE bear print holster Hoehandle!!...I love that two-tone look.

[hoehandle]

Thanks Freedom, you're right about sanding them, I should have added that I did sand these down to get a more uniform texture.  The one on the left was using 220 grit and the right one was 400 grit.......just experimenting ya' see.

[bedbugbilly]

Thanks fellas for your advice/suggestions. 

hoehandle - great looking holsters!  That would be what i'm talking about!  I'm going to cut the holster out and I'll try the dye on a scrap piece to see how it works out before doing the actual holster.  Now if I can just remember that I'm doing it in reverse and not screw up on it! 

Thanks for your thoughts . . . greatly appreciated.

[knucklehead]

i made a rough out holster once by mistake.
i was making a inside the waist holster for my dad's bond arms derringer.
was going great till i went to glue it together for sewing and thats when i saw i made a left hand holster.
dad is right hand. i didnt tool it so decided to glue it rough side out and finish it.
i dip dyed it black.

i think the dip dye process caused some of the rough stuff the smooth up a little.

he still uses it today and likes it rough out. he says it grabs hold of his pants and stays put better.
i think he likes it cause i made it for him....

[Slowhand Bob]

It actually has some advantages also.  In effect you will have a smooth lined holster for the cost and effort of a non lined model+++.  It is already decorated with a very rustic old time look, even is the actual style isnt old time!  A bit of suede fringe looks natural on these.  For modern iwb style holsters the rougher texture helps to hold them in place.  AND last but not least a lot of nice fokes will come over and introduce themselves before informing you that the style is not awfulthentic.   

[Cliff Fendley]

Flesh side out works good on IWB and pocket holsters. That's the only time I would want one though.

[Tornado]

Flesh side out works good on IWB and pocket holsters. That's the only time I would want one though.

My pocket holser for my little 380 is like this.  Although it has worn pretty smooth now.

[Chuck 100 yd]

I bet that would be hard to keep clean. Great if you like the lived in look.