My first holster done!

Started by chakotay, May 27, 2014, 11:20:46 PM

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chakotay

Wo-hoo! I have my very first piece of leatherwork out of the way! It was quite the learning experience for sure. Thanks to everyone here on the board from whom so much information and tips I've gleaned.  Here are some of my random observations:

1. I only had one major deviation in my plans: I hadn't intended on lining this holster (my first was supposed to be easy, right?) and as such made no accommodations for it in my pattern. However, once I set all those spots I couldn't help but think that with time and wear the prongs would eventually come in contact with the gun, wreaking all sorts of havoc. So I skived down another piece of my 9 oz. leather as thin as I could and glued flesh sides together.

2. This made the holster almost 12 oz. and now too thick to get my seam together. So I had to add a welt. This turned out to be doubly useful, as I used the welt to form a little retainer on the trigger guard. The gun kinda 'snaps' into the holster. I figure the welt could be filed down to adjust this retention. (btw: This may be totally common practice but I thought myself very clever ;)

3. It takes an extremely sharp awl to get through 3/4" of leather, and needles break easier than I expected!

4. I assembled the entire holster then dipped it into the dye. I used Eco-Flo waterstain. I guess I diluted it too much, as there wasn't much of a color change. No biggie.  I then jammed the Saran-wrapped gun into the holster and let it dry overnight. This thing is stiff as cardboard. I swear I could drive nails with it.

5. I love the worn, aged look on holsters, so I used Eco-Flo Antiquing Gel. Now, I've seen Tandy's how-to video and liked the effect . . . but, well . . . it didn't really work that way for me; it just acted like a dye. Again, no biggie. I actually like the way it came out . . .








Massive


St8LineLeatherSmith

Very good work especially for your first holster
No matter where ya go there ya are
Society Of Remington Revolver Shooters (SCORRS)
Brother Artisan Master At Large Of TEH BROTHERHOOD OF TEH SUBLYME  & HOLEY ORDER OF TEH SOOT, (SHOTS)
The St8 Line Leathersmith
ChattownLeatherheads

Johnny McCrae

Beautiful work especially for your first Holster.

I like the way you adjusted your methods and kept the project moving along.

We look forward to seeing your future projects.
You need to learn to like all the little everday things like a sip of good whiskey, a soft bed, a glass of buttermilk,  and a feisty old gentleman like myself

Camano Ridge

That turned out great. Can't wait to see the belt to go with it.

chakotay

Quote from: Camano Ridge on May 28, 2014, 09:12:56 AM
That turned out great. Can't wait to see the belt to go with it.

Awe man! Now I've gotta make a belt!? Geez . . .
I suppose I could cut a strip from the single shoulder I have (if it's long enough. Can you securely splice two strips together to form a belt?)

Red Cent

Excellent work for your first holster. If this is a beginner project, you have set the bar quite high for future projects. Great work.
Life is too short to argue with stupid people and drink cheap booze
McLeansville, NC by way of WV
SASS29170L

Camano Ridge

Chakotay, if that is all you have to work with yes you can. Cut the two ends on a bias (opposing angles) butt them together and trim till you have a fit you like. Glue the two pieces together, then rivet or stitch. I like to use saddle stitching in an xpattern but you could use two lines of stitching or what ever you want. Both the stitching or rivets can be made to look like part of the design.

Here is a picture of a belt I lengthened for some one. It has been in use for two years and works fine.


Ten Wolves Fiveshooter

 chakotay, for a first or last holster you did a fantastic job here, it looks great and the fit is right on, well done pard, and thanks for sharing with us... ::) :o 8) :D

tEN wOLVES  ;D
NRA, SASS# 69595, NCOWS#3123 Leather Shop, RATTS# 369, SCORRS, BROW, ROWSS #40   Shoot Straight, Have Fun, That's What It's All About

Marshal Will Wingam

That's a very profesional looking holster, Chakotay. You have a good feel for leather and your changes made it an outstanding project. Love the finish. Thumbs-up for this one.

SCORRS     SASS     BHR     STORM #446

GunClick Rick

Bunch a ole scudders!

Forty Rod

Attaboy, Chak.  You done real good.
People like me are the reason people like you have the right to bitch about people like me.

Sir Charles deMouton-Black

Chakotay;  Are you sure that's your first! Looks like pretty darn good work to me. 8) 8)
NCOWS #1154, SCORRS, STORM, BROW, 1860 Henry, Dirty Rat 502, CHINOOK COUNTRY
THE SUBLYME & HOLY ORDER OF THE SOOT (SHOTS)
Those who are no longer ignorant of History may relive it,
without the Blood, Sweat, and Tears.
With apologies to George Santayana & W. S. Churchill

"As Mark Twain once put it, "History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."

santee

Historian at Old Tucson
SASS #2171
STORM #371
RATS #431
True West Maniac #1261

chakotay

Thanks guys! I'm really stoked about honing my leather skills now. Here's the belt I made for it Saturday evening (this went MUCH faster than the holster thanks to lessons learned)...


Camano Ridge

Now you have a nice rig complete with belt. However I am no longer buying the first and second piece of leatherwork thing. If you have never done leather work before I am thinking you must have a holster elf in your shop.  :)

chakotay

Thanks Camano Ridge! I promise this is the first holster and belt I've made. I studied videos and read through this forum at each and every step in the process for guidance; from buying the leather and tools I'd need, to sewing, dyeing, and assembly. It took me a week of research simply to decide which route I'd go for making my stitching holes; overstitch wheel and awl, or chisels (I ended up using both). I guess it's part of my meticulous nature.

Sir Charles deMouton-Black

Quote from: chakotay on June 01, 2014, 11:34:59 PM
Thanks Camano Ridge! I promise this is the first holster and belt I've made. I studied videos and read through this forum at each and every step in the process for guidance; from buying the leather and tools I'd need, to sewing, dyeing, and assembly. It took me a week of research simply to decide which route I'd go for making my stitching holes; overstitch wheel and awl, or chisels (I ended up using both). I guess it's part of my meticulous nature.

Whatever works! ;)  And it sure looks like it worked for you 8)
NCOWS #1154, SCORRS, STORM, BROW, 1860 Henry, Dirty Rat 502, CHINOOK COUNTRY
THE SUBLYME & HOLY ORDER OF THE SOOT (SHOTS)
Those who are no longer ignorant of History may relive it,
without the Blood, Sweat, and Tears.
With apologies to George Santayana & W. S. Churchill

"As Mark Twain once put it, "History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme."

David Carrico

Really nice! A lot better than my first holster!

Trueno

Quote from: chakotay on June 01, 2014, 09:41:22 PM





Excellent, that's gonna look even more fantastic with 20-30 years of age added to it.

:)
Tell the truth, it's easier to remember.

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