Buscadero Belt and Holster help

[PAMuzzleshooter]

I am making my first Buscadero Belt and Holster. I have never used one before.

While looking at examples in Packing Iron (pages 196/197).  I noticed the back skirt is much wider than the slot in the lower loop, how do you put this through the slot?  Do you fold and force it?

Appreciate any advice.

Photo below example of wider skirt from Packing Iron

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Got it.  Fold it and push it thru the slot.  Just caught a video.

[Capt Quirk]

I wouldn't fold it, as they can make an unsightly crease. I roll the skirt, trying to leave as few wrinkles as possible.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Thanks Capt.  That's what I meant to say.  Roll the skirt's wide part a little and pull the slit open a little to slip it through.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Sounds like you got it. Please post a photo when you're finished with it.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

We'll see.  Plans may have changed today.  Supposed to be surprise gift for a friend of my brother.  Took the pattern for my brother to see, now he's not sure if it the kind of rig his friend was looking for.

Taking pattern to our gun club tomorrow for his friend to see.

Will know more tomorrow.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

It's great that you are going to make a custom rig for your brother's friend. Hopefully you can share the project with us.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

OK.  My brother's friend would not let my brother buy it for him, so he paid for it himself.  And he ordered another holster for a crossdraw. 
The holster pictured will be for the strong hand in the drop loop.
It will be oiled and dyed to a medium brown.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That's mighty fine looking. Nice clean border on it, too. Looks good. I look forward to seeing photos of it finished.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Thanks Will ... Holster, strap and billets are oiled in the picture.  Belt not yet oiled, and will be lined. I am planning on making a bullet loop strip instead of cutting thru belt.  Belt, billets, loop strip will be hand stitched unless I can find a sewing machine in my area.  More than likely 3 - 5 hours of hand sewing.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Yeah, but the stitching time is worth it. It should look good.

[Capt Quirk]

Yeah, but the stitching time is worth it. It should look good.

Yeah... My poor old hands aren't as enthusiastic, especially when it comes to slings and belts. Holsters ain't so bad.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Capt...Agree hands, knees that lock up and sciatic back slow things up a bit.  5 hours stitching can turn into 5 days.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Pards,  it takes me 5 to 7 times longer to sew than if my hands were good, I started in leatherwork just for getting my dexterity back in my left hand after an accident, couldn't write my name for seven years, but I could do leather work at my own pace, after time a lot of my dexterity came back, but still sewing is harder now and I'm older too, but it's still all good, there isn't anyone hanging over my shoulder or pushing me, so it's more of a pleasure than work..
Your holster looks great and we would like to see it finished, thanks for sharing, and hang in there..
tEN wOLVES

[PAMuzzleshooter]

OK.  Here's what I got so far.  Dyed leather and pieces.

I took split pics so you can see what I done did.

Edge of belt and holster loops have not been burnished yet, belt loop needs attached, holster needs sewed and finished.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

more pics

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That's coming right along. The color is nice. Are you going to put Skidmore's or some other finish on it?

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Hey Will,
Thanks.  I am having some dye rub off.  I used Fiebing's Pro Dye.  I am wiping with white cloths to get most of the dye removed.  I plan on using resolene as the finish. 

Have not heard of Skidmore, can you give me more info?

Also, guy does not want a lined belt, so that will save me a lot of stitching.  If that changes, I can always stitch a liner later.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Skidmore's is a leather preservative. It replenishes the natural oils that get pulled out in the dying process. I use it for the finish coat on my projects. It's good to help preserve old leather, too. It works good on wood, as well. I really like it.

Here's a recent thread that talks about it.

It's available from ebay, Amazon, leather suppliers, etc.

[PAMuzzleshooter]

Thanks