Slim Jim

[Smokey Dave]

I've been working on this one for a couple days, and finished it up this morning. I am in the process of making a new rig for my 1860 Army pistols. This is the first piece for that rig.

Slim Jim style holsters are my favorite. So that's what I decided to go with. Pretty minimalistic as far as decoration and no lining in these. I did make it from heavy 9-10 oz leather. It's hell for stout.







I flared the opening, so the pistol will go in and out easily. No need for hammer thongs or straps. The pistol fits nice and snug, it ain't going anywhere.





I'm also a fan of toe plugs. So I included one on this holster.





I also added a little bit of detail to the belt loop. Just for a touch of class.




That's it for now. On to the next part of the project.

[1961MJS]

Hi

That looks VERY good, nice work.

Later

[Major 2]

very nice

[Smokey Dave]

Thank you much fellas.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Beautiful, Dave! That's some fine work. I like the simple design on it. That works good with the black.

[Cliff Fendley]

Nice work and authentic looking, hammer ties seem to be a modern invention anyway. I don't think I've ever seen on old original photo that they were present.

[Rube Burrows]

Very nice looking. I have not tackled a toe plug yet but plan too soon.

[Smokey Dave]

Thanks gents.

[Cliff Fendley]

I too am a big fan of toe plugs.

[Coffinmaker]

  Hey Hey Smokey   

Atz a really NICE Slim Jim.  I'm a fan of That style holster and especially with the Toe Plug.  Nice Job!!

[Smokey Dave]

Thank you kindly fellas!

The toe plug takes a little planning to execute. But it's worth it for sure. It just gives the holster a nice finished look.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Looks great Smokey, well done pard...and thanks for the look see...

tEN wOLVES 

[Navy Six]

Slim Jims are my favorite as well and that particular style you just made is my first choice. Nothing like nice leather!

[Smokey Dave]

Thank you all again for the Kindly words. It's much appreciated.

I'm working on several pieces for this new rig. I'll be posting them all in a bit.

[Major 2]

A month back I hand stitched a web belt with leather billets. I hoped I get away with it if'n'  I just sewed a few inches each sitting.
I thought I had managed it , but I have suffered pain in my hands in the last few weeks , the right hand the worst ,particularly in the palm between the first finger joint and second....
It is a dull ache and I can't complete a fist , also the left thumb joint at the palm.....

I had contemplated, making a holster for my new to me Mauser C96, sadly my hands hurt bad enough that if I tried I'd suffer weeks.

I may get bronc'y & headstrong and give hand sewing a go again one day, but it won't be soon...
meanwhile I commissioned a holster for C96 out of England.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Smokey, Now that looks real nice.  I too like the Slim Jims.  I lean towards the Colt 1851 Navies, what revolver you got in there?
Did you dye leather and what finish did you use?
Again, very nice.

[Smokey Dave]

A month back I hand stitched a web belt with leather billets. I hoped I get away with it if'n'  I just sewed a few inches each sitting.
I thought I had managed it , but I have suffered pain in my hands in the last few weeks , the right hand the worst ,particularly in the palm between the first finger joint and second....
It is a dull ache and I can't complete a fist , also the left thumb joint at the palm.....

I had contemplated, making a holster for my new to me Mauser C96, sadly my hands hurt bad enough that if I tried I'd suffer weeks.

I may get bronc'y & headstrong and give hand sewing a go again one day, but it won't be soon...
meanwhile I commissioned a holster for C96 out of England.

Major 2, I completely sympathize with you on the hand pain. I have arthritis, and it doesn't take long for my hands to hurt pretty bad when I stitch. Doing a holster isn't too bad, but stitching up an entire belt takes me several days. I have to stop and give my hands a break.

Smokey, Now that looks real nice.  I too like the Slim Jims.  I lean towards the Colt 1851 Navies, what revolver you got in there?
Did you dye leather and what finish did you use?
Again, very nice.

Thanks for Kindly words PAMuzzleshooter.

The pistol is an 1860 Army. I tend towards the .44's and the longer handle. It fits my big hands better. As for the dye and finish, I used homemade vinegaroon to dye the leather black. Then a soak in baking soda and water to neutralize. Once it's dry I rub it down good with neetsfoot oil then stitch it up. After it's complete, I use a Fiebings product called Leather Luster to finish it off. Then just buff it with a rag.

[Johnny McCrae]

Smokey,
That Slim Jim is beautiful. The design is great and the workmanship is first class.

Speaking of  arthritis, my Leather working and shooting CAS matches have come to a halt. I seemed to have developed some arthritis in my trigger and fore finger. I may have to teach myself to do everything with my left hand.

[Smokey Dave]

Smokey,
That Slim Jim is beautiful. The design is great and the workmanship is first class.

Speaking of  arthritis, my Leather working and shooting CAS matches have come to a halt. I seemed to have developed some arthritis in my trigger and fore finger. I may have to teach myself to do everything with my left hand.

Thank you Sir. Appreciate it.

The arthritis problems really suck. It seems there are a bunch of us that suffer from it. There's probably enough if us to start some kind of club!

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

arthritis, is something we all have to live with, if not now then in the future, it's just part of life, the important thing to remember, is to keep moving, the more we more the less the pain, otherwise we turn into concrete...

tEN wOLVES