A few years back I started buying knife blanks and making custom handles for them. Well I needed knife sheaths so I ordered a pre-made sheath , it was horrible

So I went online to Tandy leather and ordered some leather and a few tools and started making sheaths for my knives. It went well and was enjoyable, so I thought, hey, why not holsters?

So I gave it a whirl and it was a little more work than the sheaths it too was rewarding and fun.

One of the cool things I discovered is by molding the holster to the gun it eliminates the need for retention straps, the gun literally snaps in place.

I am wondering if we have any other leather workers here, if so I would love to see some of their work.

Here are a few pic's of my work so far, It is not my intention to compete with the pro's, just an amateurs attempt and an enjoyable past time.

Not bad Sir, what is that logo you are stamping on them?

Thanks T LEE,
The logo is a wolf/dog track.

Well done, sir.

what do you do to get the stiching in?

I like that dark one with the Hi Power. That is very nice.

Thanks guys.

The stitching is a bit tedious. First I cut a groove with a tool designed for that purpose. Then I run a ponce wheel down the groove and that leaves little divots where each hole goes.
Then with a drill press and tiny drill bit I drill each stitching hole.
Then I use two harness needles and wax coated nylon thread and use a harness stitch.

Takes several hours to complete each holster, so probably isn't for everyone?

Looks like a good way to pass the time. I'd say you're doing a fine job. Certainly better than I could do. No patience.

Cool.

A power stitcher would be nice to have. Pricey, but nice.

Nice work!

You should pick up a speedy stitcher. I have one to fix tie down straps and other heavy fabric sewing. It works great and is cheap.


speedy stitcher


Absolutely great work by the way.

Nice stuff! Which came first, the 1911 or the HiPower?

Thanks again guys. That speedy stitcher looks pretty handy, I will give one a try .

Rufus, the 1911 came first.

i figured the drill, but didn't know about the groove tool or a ponce wheel, or what a harness needle is. Obvious i need some research.
nice looking holsters. Been tempted to do this many times.

Try using a finishing nail rather than a drill bit. It leaves a cleaner hole.

Very good work, irfubar. I've been tinkering with my holster for quite a while now but have never been satisfied with the result. Your OP made me do some searching for better techniques and tools and I now realize what I've been doing wrong.

Many thanks on the info and the work you posted.

Very nice!!

I use an awl designed for hand stitching, no round hole. It's blade is a diamond in cross-section. Like fubar, I use a groover to keep it equidistant from the edge, and a rowel to keep the holes same distance, then punch the holes and start stitching. It's a bitch punching the holes without a stitching horse, which I've been planning on building for awhile now.

Damn nice looking holsters!

Will you make me a holster?




Dave

Yes I will. Will cost you a beer though.

I bought a Ruger bear car years ago and there were no holsters available for it so I did the same and just made one...from Tandy also...
Made a neat little cross draw on an angle so it doesn't bind you when getting in and out of the truck....its not pretty but works great...
I Cary it on the lawnmower somtimes with snakeshot ....the wife hates snakes....