Weekend Holster project.

[Show]

Had nothing to do this weekend and had some old leather in the attic. I learned alot from this first one, what to do and what not to do. Still have some finishing touches to put on this one but figured I'd post some pics while I take a break. The next one should be better. I dont think the pros have anything to worry about, but i had fun making it.

[Erik88]

very very nice!

[kb4ns]

That's pretty neat lookin'!

[DWARREN123]

Nice weekend project!

[Guest BEARMAN]

Very nice work, Show...I'm really digging the artwork. Did you do all that free hand?

[Show]

Number 2 is coming out pretty well. Just need to mold it to the gun and do some final touches. Applied some of my lessons learned from the first one. Still not perfect but decent. Needed one to match my boots.

Bearman, I make a template then transfered it. Then cut it all in with a swivel knife and beveled it.

Edited January 23, 2011 by Show

[gregintenn]

I love it! Looks like you're doing good work there. That's a good way to kill time in this fine weather we've been having.

[Show]

Thanks.

Here is the 2nd one finished. I"m taking a break, stitching is the worst, followed closely by punching all of the holes with an awl. Maybe next weekend I'll do one to match my running shoes.

[kb4ns]

I like your stitching. I've never tried my hand at anything kind of leather work, but from others I've seen, it seems like the stitching is the hardest part. Yours looks excellent!

[JPS]

Good job! I really like the artwork on the first one! How did you do that again, you transferred from a template?

[Show]

Good job! I really like the artwork on the first one! How did you do that again, you transferred from a template?

Years ago, I used to make motorcycle seats, which is why I had the left over leather. Here is the quick answer. Basically I would take a design that somebody sent or something I drew to their liking. First, you run the leather very quickly under hot water, just enough to get it damp, this is called casing the leather. Then I just taped down my artwork over the wet leather. Next you take an old ball point pen that ran out of ink (or buy an actual stylus) and trace over the design. When you pull the paper away, you will have a nice impression of your art in the leather. Next you cut on the lines with a swivel knife, and then use a beveler to to press down the negative spaces which makes your design pop out. That is the jist of it, more to it, but that is the basic idea.

Here are a couple of examples:

[JPS]

How deep do you cut? I want to try this!

[creeky]

That artwork is AWESOME!! Really nice work man.

[JPS]

You inspired me.. This is one of my favorite Ed Hardy designs - now I just have to put it on a holster.

[Tncobra]

I'll take one holster and one solo seat, thank you.

[dou44]

wish i could do that kind of work the look great

[shaftbass]

Damn dude.

[Show]

You inspired me.. This is one of my favorite Ed Hardy designs - now I just have to put it on a holster.

Cool, Keep after it man. If nobody picks up this stuff then there will eventually be nobody that knows how to do it. Then all of the stuff will be made with machines. I dig handcrafted stuff.

To the rest of you guys, thanks for the comments.

Edited January 27, 2011 by Show

[Show]

One more done, and one about 50%. I will stop post whoring now.

Edited January 27, 2011 by Show

[Guest ArmyVeteran37214]

[BigK]

I've been picking up a few things here and there, since I couldn't afford to buy it all at once. Now I think I have everything I need to get started on leather work, but I realized I don't know a good way to get the initial shape I need for different handguns.

Did you get the pattern right by trial and error (leather ain't cheap) or did you take an old holster that you liked apart (even more expensive) or what?

[Show]

I've been picking up a few things here and there, since I couldn't afford to buy it all at once. Now I think I have everything I need to get started on leather work, but I realized I don't know a good way to get the initial shape I need for different handguns.

Did you get the pattern right by trial and error (leather ain't cheap) or did you take an old holster that you liked apart (even more expensive) or what?

I got lucky the first time. I just traced my pistol on paper and went from there. When I went to glue the two pieces together, I made the glue stop about 3/4" around the gun. After it is dried I cleaned up the edges with the fine stone on my bench grinder. Then use an edge beveler around the edges. When you are ready to stitch, i ran the stitch groover about 3/4" again from the outline of the gun. Hope that made sense. They make a pointed wheel that you can run inside the stitch groove to mark the holes. I didnt want to pay for one so I just mark two lines on a piece of paper and work my way around marking where the holes will be with an awl. Hope that helps.

[Guest tenn]

I don't usually like leather holsters, but I have to admit that I like yours. Especially with the sombrero!

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

wow... you do good work.

[Guest yzfMrLee]

Those look great! Good job.