Question for the holster makers

[Trekbike]

I've got a IWB holster for a J Frame and I need to do some slight trimming around the grip/back of the trigger guard area to get a little better initial "grip" on the handle prior to the draw. I only need to trim around an 1/8" or so in a very small section.

My question is, what do you guys use on the edges of the holster to make it so smooth and seal it/make it hard? The holster in question is tan and the edges are a very dark brown color. If I cut on it I'd like to make the edge of the leather look like the original smooth edge or at least close. Is this possible? Any suggestions/tips would be appreciated since I don't know anything about working with leather.

[Dolomite_supafly]

After cutting use a sponge sanding block to smooth the edges again. Then you could probably use a brown Sharpie or get a stain pen that is used for doing touch ups on furniture. Either should keep it from being so obvious. And to make it all match you could use the block to sand all the way around the holster then restain the entire edge.

As far as making the leather stiff I am not sure it can be done without first wetting the leather then allowing it to dry. But when doing this you ar egoing to have to mold the leather again. I know when I am wanting the leather really stiff I wash it is very warm water to remove the oils. This makes the holster very hard once it dries.

As far as sealing I have used edge dressing for shoes. I normally use black but I do believe they also make clear edge dressing. It works really well. Now I use a sealer made specifically for leather and it works better than the edge dressing.

Dolomite

[rustyshakelford]

Hey..what you want is called a slicker and some gum tragacanth...both can't be found at tandy...if you don't plan on doing any other leather work,i have both and would gladly let you use em...have fun,be safe

[Trekbike]

Dolomite, thanks for the tips. Rustyshakelford, thanks for the offer to use the correct stuff, it was very kind but I went ahead and just gave it a try using stuff I had around the house. My thought was if it didn't work well enough I might take you up on your offer. It turned out well enough for me at this stage. I just trimmed and used a round file to get the shape. Wet the area a little and then used the barrel of a pen to burnish it until it was very smooth and hard. Then I used one of my wife's brown craft markers.

I'm going to run it this way for a while to see if the edge stays smooth and hard. Rustyshakelford, if it doesn't I'll give you a shout.

Before shot showing the area around the grip that was in the way to get a good grip.

After shot

Shot of the inside

[gregintenn]

Looks like you did a good job!

Edited December 29, 2011 by gregintenn

[Trekbike]

Thanks. I was just glad that I didn't screw it up.