Made myself a new holster!!!

[NYSEGuy]

Originally Posted by xwarp

i used a machine for mine, but i ran the machine by hand.

looking at nyse's stitching, i bet he could draw a perfect circle by hand too..

haha not quite... I use a 4 prong punch... You can probably see it in the background under the gun. It REALLY helps in keeping the stiches straight, as I put 2 of the prongs into 2 of the holes to punch new ones. As far as the curved portion goes, I find something that's a similar diameter and curve to it, and "scratch" the leather with it, then follow with a single prong punch.

Been doing watch straps for a while now, so I pretty much have the basics down... Just a bigger piece of leather. I'm going to see if I can get my hands on some thicker saddle leather to use for a carry holster, as this one was basically to protect the finish of the slide in my range bag.

Here's the pic where you can see the punch just under the right side of the gun:

[saw]

I understand now, you punch the holes for your stitch, then sew. The punch looks like a fork. I do not have leather working tools that fancy.

[NYSEGuy]

Originally Posted by saw

I understand now, you punch the holes for your stitch, then sew. The punch looks like a fork. I do not have leather working tools that fancy.

See if there's a Tandy Leather store in your area...

Tandy Leather Factory-Retail and Wholesale Leather and Supplies

If you look hard enough, you can find the same tools for cheaper on ebay.

[xdfan80]

Nice job. Those look pretty good.

[cschwanz]

nice custom work guys! both look good! I really like the Smartcarry knockoff. Im considering placing an order for one soon, maybe you should start making and selling them

[Brush-Wolf-Lady]

I could make a leather smartcarry, but you know about sweating and stuff in that area of the body- not good.

I want to buy the following from Tandy's

-leather stiching kit with book ( this style stitching I am not versed in at all)
-tooling shoulder, but not sure which oz to get- 5/6 oz?
-black and brown leather dyes
-holster clips
-heavy duty snaps
-extra stitching thread
-holster pattern pack- but not sure what styles are in there, but does say shoulder holster, so might be worth it for that

I already have a leather punch ( rotary style with dif sizes), and some other assorted odds and ends I use for making fur hats and whatnot, and taxidermy. Plus a bunch of cowhide that is what I think is chaps grade, but not really sure. Somewhere I have some design punches from looong ago I got at Tandys for use on tooling leather.


Does anyone know how holster makers stiffen the leather and have the gun imprint on it? Do they wet the leather and heat treat to dry with a rubber gun inserted or something?