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you've got me thinking I should go a little more complex on my next iwb. have been using very plain, single layer leather, with diy kydex molded to my pistols. I need some way to keep the sweat from coming through the leather and condensing on the slide. thinking of using a layer of kydex between the leather and the pistol. I want to try to preserve how the leather breathes, I much prefer leather against me vs kydex or some kind of polymer that doesn't breathe. |
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Quoted: you've got me thinking I should go a little more complex on my next iwb. have been using very plain, single layer leather, with diy kydex molded to my pistols. I need some way to keep the sweat from coming through the leather and condensing on the slide. thinking of using a layer of kydex between the leather and the pistol. I want to try to preserve how the leather breathes, I much prefer leather against me vs kydex or some kind of polymer that doesn't breathe. Yeah, I get what you're saying. The two pieces of 5oz glued together make for a nice, stiff back that still has the supple feel of leather against your skin. |
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Quoted: Truly beautiful work, OP! I do some primitive tinder bags with hand sewn leather. I'd like to take this on as a hobby someday. Yes sir, I don't care what you're making the feeling of doing it with your own 2 hands is so fulfilling. Quoted: Excellent work. I've pondered trying this and checkering as well but have just never found the time. Oooo yeah, checkering has been on my list if things to try for years, I just haven't taken the time. |
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Quoted: Outstanding work! I really need to get off my butt and make something similar, but not nearly as nice  for my 5"629 with a full lug. I'd really like to have a good field holster for it.Again, just killer work! Thank you. Yeah, that's gonna be an upcoming project. I have a 5" 627 PC and a 4" 610 (full lug) that are in need of holsters. I highly doubt they're going to get tooled like the one for my 25-5 but I'm digging the lined holsters so I'll probably continue with that. *Edit* I really want to do a chest rig for one or, maybe both. We'll see... |
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Quoted: You do great work, including belt loops. Holster by Craig C, full disclosure. Y-T71 managed to almost perfectly color match to a holster that was five states away. https://i.imgur.com/5y5yGHJ.jpg Thank you very much! |
Very nice. I haven't done leather work since high school shop class. It is meticulous work. I love the slim jim style and have one with bullet loops on it. I am glad you posted the stitching method, I always wondered how that was done. This is one of my favorites, made by a pro, not a slim jim:  |
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Quoted: I'm another that bought one, great work. Pietta fits nicely! It was used for my overweight cowboy costume this year also. https://i.imgur.com/89AQzaBh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WQbfm6e.jpg Overweight!?  Looks good to me! Quoted: Very nice. I haven't done leather work since high school shop class. It is meticulous work. I love the slim jim style and have one with bullet loops on it. This is one of my favorites, made by a pro, not a slim jim: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/41996/IMG_6278_JPG-3005945.jpg It is meticulous work but, at least to me, it's also relaxing and therapeutic. Of course I've always been the guy who likes painting the trim in a room while everyone else wants to schlop the paint on the walls and call it done. I never gave much though to Slim Jim holsters; maybe because many people refer to the as a 'California pattern' but after making a couple I've really come to like the classic, simple flowing lines. I haven't made a double loop holster yet... |
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Quoted: Threw my sons '51 Navy in it to check the fit. Pretty happy! Sucks that I accidentally got some antique paste on my work surface that got transferred to the belt loop but it'll wear off quickly. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105833/1000003764_jpg-3371863.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105833/1000003766_jpg-3371864.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105833/1000003765_jpg-3371866.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105833/1000003767_jpg-3371867.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/105833/1000003768_jpg-3371868.JPG You cost me money, btw. Reading through the thread prompted me to remember that John Bianchi wrote Blue Steel and Gunleather , a used copy of which should arrive in a few more days. (Sellers picture.)  |
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Quoted: Nice work OP. Years ago a poster created a how to on leather holsters. This is one that my dad and I did. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/218698/DSC_2246_JPG-3384151.jpg Nice! Thanks for sharing! Quoted: Looks good from here! That turned out real nice and you should rightfully be proud of it. You cost me money, btw. Reading through the thread prompted me to remember that John Bianchi wrote Blue Steel and Gunleather , a used copy of which should arrive in a few more days. (Sellers picture.) https://www.imgur.com/Kg0cCNV.jpeg Thank you. One of these days I'd like to pick up some publications with more examples for ideas. Glad i could help you spend your money  |
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Doing a pancake style for my Dan Wesson. Attached File This one is just a little different in that I'm still using 5oz veg tanned for the outside but I lined this with 3oz goat skin. Attached File It's MUCH more supple and soft. This can be a range/CC holster in cooler weather with an untucked shirt/coat. Probably do a smaller pancake for the 2½" for CC. Maybe a Mexican loop for the 6" and a crossdraw for the 8"??? Suggestions? |
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An embarrassing update: Well, my Dan Wesson holster doesn't fit my Dan Wesson   Not sure what I did wrong but, it's not even close. Oh well, just another learning moment, I'll find something to stuff into it someday! Tried a few other guns just for shits and giggles Not bad with my CZ-75 Attached File Actually decent with a S&W 622 (could probably be wet molded to a perfect f Attached File Anyone think I should CC a 107 year old Luger?  Attached File |
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Thank you for this thread OP. You inspired me to hit the local leather shop and give it a try. I ended up with a functional IWB holster for my revolver. It isn't nearly as intricate and beautiful as yours, but it's comfortable, has good retention, and covers the trigger guard properly. I've had good luck forming my own holsters and knife sheaths with kydex before, but I wanted to give leather a try this time around. I used my vacuum sealer to help mold it as I was working on the shaping, trimming, and stitching. I believe this holster will wear in very nicely- leather always looks more interesting to me as it wears. I need to work on my stitching technique for sure, but I used a little E6000 as well so we will see how it all holds up. Already thinking about my next one! Attached File |
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Quoted: Thank you for this thread OP. You inspired me to hit the local leather shop and give it a try. I ended up with a functional IWB holster for my revolver. It isn't nearly as intricate and beautiful as yours, but it's comfortable, has good retention, and covers the trigger guard properly. I've had good luck forming my own holsters and knife sheaths with kydex before, but I wanted to give leather a try this time around. I used my vacuum sealer to help mold it as I was working on the shaping, trimming, and stitching. I believe this holster will wear in very nicely- leather always looks more interesting to me as it wears. I need to work on my stitching technique for sure, but I used a little E6000 as well so we will see how it all holds up. Already thinking about my next one! https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/537169/1000007013_jpg-3397913.JPG @NWJohnny That's a fantastic start and a great looking holster to boot! Thanks for posting pics! What weight leather did you use? That a good idea using your vacuum machine. I'm so happy for being an inspiration; I've been feeling a little down lately and that definitely boosted me a little. Can't wait to see more of your work (maybe I could "borrow" some of your ideas  ! |
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Quoted: I'm another that bought one, great work. Pietta fits nicely! It was used for my overweight cowboy costume this year also. https://i.imgur.com/89AQzaBh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WQbfm6e.jpg Dude...THIS is an overweight cowboy. Attached File |
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Quoted: @NWJohnny That's a fantastic start and a great looking holster to boot! Thanks for posting pics! What weight leather did you use? That a good idea using your vacuum machine. I'm so happy for being an inspiration; I've been feeling a little down lately and that definitely boosted me a little. Can't wait to see more of your work (maybe I could "borrow" some of your ideas !I have a weird thing every winter where I get REALLY into a new hobby or craft. These Midwest winters can be a real bitch if you can't keep your mind and hands busy. The leatherwork was pretty relaxing, and it's nice making items that will last a very long time. I'll be sure to post pics when I make other things. Again thanks for the work you put into this thread. Keep it going! |
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Quoted: Dude...THIS is an overweight cowboy. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/360589/fat_guy_at_SASS_jpg-3397964.JPG For crying out loud! Look good to me! Quoted: Thank you! I believe it's 6 or 7 ounce leather but not sure. I grabbed it from the scrap bin at Tandy Leather, and it was all labeled as 6 ounce and above. It's much thicker than the leather holster I bought for my NAA revolver. I have a weird thing every winter where I get REALLY into a new hobby or craft. These Midwest winters can be a real bitch if you can't keep your mind and hands busy. The leatherwork was pretty relaxing, and it's nice making items that will last a very long time. I'll be sure to post pics when I make other things. Again thanks for the work you put into this thread. Keep it going! Yeah, it is kinda relaxing isn't it. I used to sit in my little work area, pour a nice glass of bourbon and "create" Well, that little glass of bourbon turned into a self imposed stint in rehab  Now days it's a cup of coffee (a brand new habit for me) or a nice cup of Earl Grey. I have a guy i graduated with 30+years ago who owns a couple of "antique" stores up the road a piece. He asked me to bring all my extra stuff to his shop to sell so I dropped it all off Saturday afternoon. Realizing I had a black belt with no holsters (@armoredman ) I made my 1st Mexican loop holsters with a pattern I came up with myself. 9oz unlined for 7½" '51 Navys' but it fits SAA's pretty good too. Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Quoted: Holsters made by an acquaintance in Farmington NM: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/348/PXL_20220614_213900038-2848671.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/348/PXL_20220614_213910370-2637310.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/348/PXL_20220614_213929704-2637077.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/348/PXL_20220614_214025208-2637314.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/348/PXL_20220614_214043453-3132752.jpg I like the idea of the hunting holster with a flap. He's also a Colt SAA nut, and a generally nice guy. Very nice! Thanks for the pictures. |
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I need to get in to leather working so I can make my own holsters just to carry in the woods, mostly because im left handed. being left handed is a curse. I bought a new smith and wesson model 69 with the 4.25" barrel and let me tell ya finding a leather holster that covers the full length of the barrel and crown is impossible. I ended up buying a holster for a GP100 and making a slight modification to cover the end so when im turkey/deer hunting and sit down it wont shove the muzzle in to the dirt. |
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That is awesome! I love leather holsters and have always been fascinated by the process. After watching a Hank Strange video showing Sam Andrews making holsters, I bought one. Leather holsters are expensive! You are doing a great job and it looks like a lot of fun and satisfaction. Keep up the great work and thanks for posting! |
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Quoted: I need to get in to leather working so I can make my own holsters just to carry in the woods, mostly because im left handed. being left handed is a curse. I bought a new smith and wesson model 69 with the 4.25" barrel and let me tell ya finding a leather holster that covers the full length of the barrel and crown is impossible. I ended up buying a holster for a GP100 and making a slight modification to cover the end so when im turkey/deer hunting and sit down it wont shove the muzzle in to the dirt. It is a nice feeling that you're not constrained by the market; either finding what you want, cost or just having something no one else has. Kinda like reloading, with a little planning you can have what you want when you want it. Oh, and, my dad was a lefty and would definitely agree with you! Quoted: Very nice work.  Quoted: That is awesome! I love leather holsters and have always been fascinated by the process. After watching a Hank Strange video showing Sam Andrews making holsters, I bought one. Leather holsters are expensive! You are doing a great job and it looks like a lot of fun and satisfaction. Keep up the great work and thanks for posting! Thanks guys! Definitely satisfying and fun! |