Tinkering got me to tinkering...

[Ratdog68]

I've had this notion to make myself a rendition of the Crossbreed Supertuck holster for my little 1911. I decided that instead of Kydex for it, I wanted wet formed leather. I've got a Galco OWB holster for my little 1911 and decided to rip it apart to make myself a pattern.

First order of bidniz was to remove the tensioning screw and start ripping stitches. I knew they were machine stitched, and HOPED it wasn't cemented with a GOOD contact cement. Well... as I suspected, they only use rubber cement to hold the two halves together while they stitch 'em up. That was good news.



As you can see, not much there for adhesive.



So, I made my patterns I wanted, and, since this holster was ripped apart... time for an upgrade to it. A little calf-skin, some cutting, fitting, and glueing with contact cement netted me two halves that are fully lined with nice smooth leather for my little 1911 to be nestled in. Next up will be to oil the leather, glue the two halves where they'll be stitched, and stitch it all back together with a hand done saddle stitch. Then I'll dress the edges and dye the edges of the lining black to match. I'm going to leave the lining "natural", but it'll be darkened up after it's oiled.



You can see the scabbard I made for my head-knife off to the right and behind. It's got a barbed wire stamping pattern, some other decorative stuff, and the edges are laced in a Mexican Braid. It has a full welt to protect the lacing from the razor sharp edge of the head-knife.

[redyak3]

Looking good RD! Still practicing on Tandy kit projects before I attempt my first sheath.

[Ratdog68]

You'll get there. The little projects make for nice confidence builders. I started off with doing a LOT of key fobs of various designs, started lining them, adding conchos doing snake skin inlays, different stamping patterns, upgraded rivets. Great little projects, easy on the pocketbook, and good gifts too.





Start making sheaths for your leather working tools. They're just going to rattle around in your leather working kits, protect 'em with a little sheath. You can see in the last pic, right next to the holster halves... that's my diamond awl for stitching, it's got a simple sheath with a welt in it and saddle stitched. Great way to practice your technique, and protect your tools while you're at it.

[Ratdog68]

The next step in the process of lining one of your holsters is to define your stitch lines on the two halves of the lining and apply your contact cement. I put mine together and used my diamond awl to pierce through in a few places to give me a guide, then apply the cement and allow to dry.



Next up is to marry one side together, then repeat on the other side. After it's all lined up and pressed together, you're ready to reassemble your holster. If you're careful, and get your stitches lined up with the existing stitch holes (not always as easy as it may seem)... and, be methodical in your technique so all your stitches look alike, you'll be hard pressed to be able to tell the difference from a quick machine stitch and a well done hand saddle stitch. Here's the front face after being stitched.



And, the backside of the holster with the stitching done. A little bit of trimming with a fine/sharp blade to tidy up the belt loop holes is a good thing too. We're NOT "done"... more to come. Can you find where your stitching began/ended? If not, you've done nicely.

[Ratdog68]

Once your stitching is all done, it's time to buff the edges with some sandpaper. I happened to have some 220 grit layin' around.




Once that's done, then a good wash with some Neetsfoot Oil to the leather, and some black edge dressing.




If a feller wanted to... after oiling the lining, you COULD dye the lining the same color as your outer leather. I haven't decided whether I want to or not, so, for now, it's remaining natural/oiled.




Just for reference, same holster with a full-sized, Government Model in it.

[BittenbytheBug]

Wow...that is some talent you have there RD!

[Ratdog68]

Wow...that is some talent you have there RD!

Thank you R.... this is my first leather project in about two years' time... having to recall a lot of the things I learned/forgot in that time. I'm toying with making another one of these from scratch with a snake skin inlay... and instead of the friction screw, a little wedge of welt to transition the trigger guard area... and, sandwiching the metal tab for the thumb break between the two layers of leather. I should transfer my template I made to some hardboard. This is kind of a handy little holster as is.

[45onbrd]

I think I get it! Sewing is for chicks but stitching is a man's hobby? JK. That is impressive!

[Ratdog68]

I think I get it! Sewing is for chicks but stitching is a man's hobby? JK. That is impressive!

If'n you wanna REALLY test yer patience... try 10' of "Mexican Braid" on a set of horse reins. It takes 9' of lacing to make 1' of braid. My hands HURT when I finished these up.

[BittenbytheBug]

Now that is downright purdy!