ltwguns.com

Hello all,

I have tried to search on this but came up empty so I thought I would post a new topic...

I am interested in learning how to make holsters and sheaths, for my own guns as hobby#15 for myself... I have read about Tandy Leather and to my delight there is one about 16 miles from where I live. I am seeking advise on where to look for "instructions" on how to start, what tools (minimum as I am not doing this for money) to get, what leather is most commonly used for holsters, etc. Basically any knowledge I would need to get me started. I figured if there is one place where I should go for info like this, it would be here...

I have found a 3-video series by Bianchi on holster making; would this be a good place to start?

Thank you all in advance for your help!

Peter

Tandy Leather will have everything you need to get started. I got a really good book on making holsters from them for the basics. I have found with each holster you learn something new, and you get more creative with the next one.

Before you know it everyone at work is coming to you to make them something special. It's a really great feeling that someone else appreciates something you made for them.

Thank you for the info packingheat!

I do some minor gunsmithing for friends of mine and a few of them caught wind I may be interested in doing this for fun and I've already received "orders", I guess you can call them that... I need to learn first off how to fit holsters to individuals to make sure it is comfortable, since quite a few of my friends are pleasantly plumb...

Should be a fun venture... Certainly don't want it to take up too much of my time so they'll have to wait.

The Bianchi Video is pretty good, and you will learn quite a bit, but it doesn't cover designing CCW stuff - you learn how to make a western rig.

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I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com

Thanks John.

From the Bianchi video I hope to get the basics and I will need to find other sources for CCW designs... There will be quite a bit of trial and error, just hope it is not too much so I don't break the bank buying materials over and over. I've always been better with tutorial videos than books but if need be, I'll check out Tandy and see if they have good books on the subject.

Would anyone mind divulging a little information regarding the type and weight of the leather that is most commonly used for CCW type holsters? Also the type of lace that is used? Are liners typically used for holsters?

Thanks.


Peter

8-8-1/2 oz Veg Tan. Usually very firm Tooling/Skirting type leather. Most makers order it direct from the tannery to get the processing the way they want it, but you might be able to find suitable leather from The Leather Factory or similar.

Thread - Heavy waxed saddle thread if you stitch by hand - not usually a choice when you go to the leather supply store.

Check out Pistolsmith.com - lots of hobby guys on the holster/belt forum.

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I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com

I agree with the 8 ounce, I just bought 12 square feet of 10 ounce and it's just to dang thick. I decided to make strips for gun belts.

Would you all mind suggesting a few places to get suitable leather other than the Tandy? I'm searching Tanneries but can't really figure out which is best or "suitable". I've been browsing Pistolsmith.com and getting some great info and waiting for my Bianchi holstering-making video to come. That video is specific to western holsters as John mentioned, but I figured I can still gain useful information on pattern layout, edge dressing, stitching and the such...

You might want to see what our good friend RCCOLT has to provide. He recently started experimenting with making some holsters and had even started a thread here several months ago in regards to this very same thing. Approximately a month ago I recieved a package from Rob that contained his very first holster, a black IWB for a Commander (which now houses my Officers Model). For his first attempt it is overall a very good holster, extremely comfortable and thin, and fits the weapon very well. The only negatives I can find are cosmetic, in that the sweatshield is squared off and would look better if a little more rounded. I haven't had much chance to carry IWB with the heat and humidity in this part of VA but as cold weather comes around I look forward to wringing this nice holster out. I haven't had time to post pics of it between muliple hospital visits, but will do my best to get some this weekend!! Hopefull Rob can help you with some sources and info.--John

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"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee

Great suggestion! I will look for his post. Thanks.

Thanks for the plug John but it was much hyperboly.

I learned what little I know from two sources. A book called The Art of Hand sewing leath by Al Strohman at Tendy leather and from the pistolsmith.com forum. Also check out leatherworkers.net forum. Just go thru all the posts there and you can't go wrong.
Next go to Tandy leather and get some 5/6 oz leather and have fun. Once you are comfortable working with this thin leather move of to 6/7 oz or thicker leather and make your self some holsters.

Keep in mind if you are doing this to save money by making your own stuff forget. You will spend much more on screw ups then you ever will buying nice leather from the real artists on this forum. But if you doing it as a hobby and for some fun then your on the money.

As to my one and only holster gunniea pig my boy John - don't believe a word he says. I actually sent him a POS uncle mikes nylon holster and told him I made it from the finest leather

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http://www.landsharkleather.com/
Building Hand Crafted Leather for the 1911 Platform

Well Rob, seems that fancy Law Degree has clouded your judgement as well as your vision, like most attorney!! I on the other hand still view the world through the gritty reality of a street cop, and I calls 'em as I sees 'um, ad I still think that that is a nice holster and will be wringing it out as cold weather gets here. And by the way, you just provided the inspiration for me to unpack my camera from my recent move and get those pictures of it on here that much sooner! Your friend--John

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"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee

How many holes per inch do most holster makers do for stitching? And what do you guys use to punch the holes for stitching, if hand stitching?

I've been looking over Pistolsmith.com and leatherworker.net and not very many holster vendors like to divulge where they get their leather from... Can someone here recommend a place other than Leather Factory?

I realize this is really not a place to "learn" how to do this but rather a sharing of art works, but I'm not really satisfied with some of the holsters presented on these other forums (with the exception of those makers who also post here of course), and I would rather take advice from the best.

Thanks in advance!

Holes per inch - no clue - whatever looks good. Nobody is stitching them by hand that is trying to make a living. I would guess 6-8 maybe? Look at the stitching wheels at the Leather Factory, they are cheap. Buy a good awl and get to work (because after you finish one you will be asking yourself why you thought it would be fun )

Leather - Hermann Oak and Wicket & Craig are probably the 2 most notable, and with W&C there is no minimum purchase. Hermann Oak you will have to drop about $1500 to meet the minimum.

You might also call Zach White Leather Co. - they carry some pretty decent stuff. Just tell them what you are going to make and let them recommend something.

John

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I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com

Hey John,

Tell me about Tandy leather. I have been using there stuff because they are local and I can buy small amounts.

The results are ok for me but nothing near as nice as you make. Other than my lack of skill do you think this could becaused by the cheap leather?

I guess my question for you is the stuff tandy sell crap and not worth buying???

_________________
http://www.landsharkleather.com/
Building Hand Crafted Leather for the 1911 Platform

Generally - yes

Most of the stuff I bought from Tandy years ago doesn't even compare to what I get today - but I order it the way I want it.

You are looking for a pretty firm leather (Skirting or Tooling Leather) - the problem is that Tandy usually only carries decent stuff in 10-13oz. (for making Saddle Skirts), which is great for a western rig, but not what you want in a concealment holster. The lighter stuff is very inconsistent and usually has enough fuzz on the back side to carpet a room.

I had good luck with Zach White.

John

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I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com

Ok that make sense I have noticed the fuzzy back. I will try ZW.

thanks ROb

_________________
http://www.landsharkleather.com/
Building Hand Crafted Leather for the 1911 Platform

Thanks John for the sources... I think for now since I am starting and only making it for my own enjoyment, I will start with the Tandy stuff, then move "up" in quality. Is there a way to remove, or burnish away the fuzz?

You could try sanding it off with some aggressive paper on an orbital/belt sander (do big chunks before you cut out your pattern).

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I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com

Great advice for a beginner......for stitches per inch...it depends on what size thread and what weight of leather your using. Id stick with a good 6 spi in most cases.

If you are getting fuzz....you are probably using a leather that isnt as dense as you need. Most better/top grain veg. hides...wont fuzz when you edge them...they still need to be slicked for shine and shape...but no fuzz is preferable.

7-8 or 8-9 oz leather is good for most OWB's designs and 6-7 for most IWB's.....

Be aware that "Hand stitching sucks"....if you get a 1-32" bit for a dremel it makes it so much easier....layout your holes and then drill them out before you start.

Give yourself about 1/2" more width than the actual gun for your stitch line and it will work for smaller/thinner guns and more for thicker ones...it goes up accordingly.

Hope this helps.......Good luck with everything. Call anytime you need help..
God bless.......Eric

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If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice....Rush.

A great trick for drawing your stich lines is to take a 1/2" hole cutter. Cut a whole in a piece of 1/2 inch ply wood. You should then have a 1/2 round pice that was the middle of the hole you just just. Then take this piece and drill a pencil width hole in its center. Now you can put a pencil in the piece then trace around the gun on the leather. Instant 1/2" stich line right where you need it.

_________________
http://www.landsharkleather.com/
Building Hand Crafted Leather for the 1911 Platform

Awesome suggestions guys, thank you! My first attempt will be a standard canted pancake holster for my Sig P225. I have drawn out, and cut out the outside pattern and will be using that to rough out the inside pattern (the side against the shirt). I have allowed 3/4" of additional material around the part of the gun that will be covered by the holster. Upon initial "test fit" I guess you could call it, it seems there may be too much allowence of material if both the outside and inside piece match in width, but the width of the gun was about 1.5" and I divided that by half so hopefully the leather will shrink enough after boning to still give it good retention.

I got the dremel tip from reading and from managers at my local Tandy so I will definitely do that to save time and effort. Also will experiment with dremel to square the sides, then edge with bevel tool, then use dremel and felt wheel to burnish to see if that will work, if not then I will use the tried and true way of brisk rubbing. I will also be using my airbrush to apply the Dye to hopefully impart a more even finish than daubers.

Again, thanks very much for all the helpful hints, and thank you Eric for your offer for help over the phone! I will definitely take you up on that when I get stumped...

Hello all!

Thanks for all who have helped in my endeavor to try my hand at holster making. Here are my first feable attempts at this (please don't laugh ). Decided to do this for my Makarov pistol because I have always wanted a holster for this pistol but choices were slim. Finish (antique-esque) is Eco-Flo water based Bison Brown, topped with Satin Sheen. Certain things you all warned about I could not understand until I got my hands dirty and I know my next one will be better. One thing I keep watching out for but could not avoid were indentations on the leather surface... They are not scratches but close; how can I smooth them out? Anyway, thanks for all the advice again, and here is the result:

I think it looks great. I'd love to do one someday. I love the color!

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God Bless
45Fundi

Nice Job!

_________________
I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com

Thank you John!

My latest holster attempts since my first pictured above. Thanks all for your help in making my new hobby possible! Constructive criticism is always welcome! The Makarov holster has not been dyed and finished yet... It is in post-stitching form.

http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq11 ... 0109-1.jpg

http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq11 ... 0119-1.jpg

http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq11 ... 0104-1.jpg

Looks great!

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God Bless
45Fundi

Pklin....looking very good, it appears that you are getting the hang of the basics very well!!
Not trying to hijack your thread, but hasn't that Makarov been "tweaked" a little bit?? I think that they are great little carry guns, but need a little "love" when they first born. Our departed friend "Witherspoon" had a beautiful little Mak that the one and only Don Williams customized for him and Damn what a nice little piece!! I tried to talk Don into doing one for me 3-4 years ago and he (politely) declined. I certainly like the 9mm Mak round much more than a .380, especially since some of the better ammo companies are making good expanding rounds for it. I sometimes carry my CZ-82 with 14 rounds of Cor-Bon in it! If this pixtol has been worked over, why not undress her from her holster and post a few pics....I would love to see some custom Maks on here--John

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"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee