How to make a Leather Holster 3 of 3
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- This is a brief video I made demonstrating how to make a custom leather holster. There are a LOT of steps to building a holster. Some may do it "this" or "that" way, but my hope is that this video will be of benefit to those whom are exactly where I was just a few months ago - searching for videos of how this stuff is done. I hope you enjoy. My tools are cheap, my knives are dull, but in the end - I'm proud to stick my gun in this holster! Feel free to visit my site at www.adamsleatherworks.com for more photos of some of the holsters I've made. I'll be adding more photos and videos in the near future.
Music provided royalty free by Kevin MacLeod @ Incompetech Creative Industries
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Thanks for the video. I picked up a couple of good tips from you that will make my leather working better. I'm still new at this and appreciate those of you that help the rest of us.
I got into leather working as a hobby 20 months ago and you just gave me the enthusiasm to go back to the basement and start a new project. Many thanks for taking the time to make the video's from Clint in Virginia.
Beautiful holster. Two things a saddlemaker taught me. An old porcelain door knob with the axle still attached to use as a handle (look in an antique store), does a great job of shaping damp leather, and it doesn't leave any kind of mark on it. Secondly, for your belt loop, double a piece of belt leather, work it through, then smooth out the holster over the belt with a smoothing tool (door knob?), then let it dry. After drying, pull out the doubled belt, and it will be a nice fit for your belt.
I'll never question the cost of a hand made holster again. That's a lot of work, and it obviously takes an artistic hand. Bravo!
Thanks! The burnisher is a wooden handle from a sponge paint brush. Saw the end off with the plastic brush on it, mount it in a drill press, turn it on and cut grooves into it with a round wood rasp, then wrap some sandpaper around it and smooth it up while it spins in the drill press. Not perfect, but I've gotten about 150 holsters out of it, and it's still going strong! Airbrush books, dunno, but there are some great airbrush guys here no UA-cam like "AirbrushTricks" and "edhubbs".
I watched these videos you made and proceeded to make holsters for myself. Thank you👍🏼
That is awesome! Thanks for letting me know. My oldest video, but glad people are still finding it helpful! Take care, and thanks for watching!
Nice work. Been a while since I did leather work- remembered some stuff
and learned some new tricks. Thanks for sharing!
That is a beautiful piece of hand-made craftsmanship. Great work.
Wow! I never thought so much work went into making such a simple thing!
Thanks! I'm still experimenting with different finishes, but the holster in the video was sealed with Satin Sheen from Tandy - two coats. I brush it on, keep it wet as I coat the whole holster (keep brushing over everything you've already coated as you coat the rest of the holster), then once the whole thing is coated, wipe it down with a lint-free cloth (I like blue shop cloths as they don't have much lint). Use the same area of the cloth since the wetness helps to smooth the finish.
Thanks! I haven't recorded start/stop times yet, but I'd say actual working time (ignoring drying times) is about 2-3 hours usually. When I was hand-stitching, that step alone took close to 4 hours.
Thanks! The dye is Fiebing's Pro Oil dye, and the color is Light Brown. The black airbrushed dye is the same brand/type, and it's simply Black. The Neatsfoot Oil darkens the leather significantly and adds a nice richness to the colors. Apply the neatsfoot sparingly - just enough to lightly coat the skin-side.
That's the best leather holster i have ever seen... Magnificent!
@HHOSportTrac You MAY be able to wet the area that specifically needs tweaked, but I imagine it will be difficult to get much water absorbtion. If you only wet a small area, you could get a discoloration at the edge of where the leather was wet/dry. If you decide to try it, after the forming is done, you'll want to warm it for 20-30 minutes with a hair dryer on low - don't get it hot, just needs to be warmed a bit with the air circulation to dry it out. The warmth will help to firm it up.
Beautiful holster,. Love the burst dye job, that is gorgeous
Thank you! Wish I had the original files to upload that video in better quality. Thanks for watching!
@@AdamsLeatherWorks been building guitars for 35 years, my eyes think it looks great
Excellent videos! Great looking holster as well.
Nice series of videos. Outstanding work!
Thanks! Hoping to film a new version in HD pretty soon.
I really like that holster. I noticed you upgraded from (I'm guessing) the Tippmann Boss, to a servo motor powered machine. Very nice. Was the Boss too slow, or was there something else about it that you didn't like.
The Boss was great, and I'd probably be using it still if I hadn't started making belts. It's perfect for holsters. Journal covers were okay, but the narrow throat was a bit of a problem. Having to curl the journal up to go through the throat area, while holding the leather on the stitch line, while also operating the stitching lever - not the easiest of tasks. Same thing with bags - you really need both hands free to hold the leather.
@sk8tedoc Thanks - glad you liked the video! I bought my needles and thread from Tippmann off their website. The thread I bought is 277 bonded nylon thread and I'm using a size 200 chisel point needle.
Wow! Yu sir r an artist... I learned from a true master, now all i need r the tools ;( whoomp whooooooomp
Wonderful video, you make it look easy but it's obvious you have years (if not generations) of expertise. I am thinking about getting into leather craft to supplement my income, or lack of, lol. I am looking into how to learn how to do this and sooner or later watching other people do it on UA-cam will get boring and I'll have to buy some tools and get started. Thanks for showing how it's done.
you are a true master at your craft
The "Avenger" style design has been around for a long time, and is made in variations from many manufacturers. However, I made the pattern for my guns from scratch using the basic techniques found in Al Stohlman's holster making book.
A lot nicer than you can buy in a store isn't it? When I make one, I wrap the pistol in plastic wrap to protect it from moisture, (the kind used in cooking, or wrapping sandwiches). I don't use neatsfoot compound (it rots leather over time), I use pure 100% neatsfoot oil instead. I don't use an oven, I hang my holsters outside in the sun and fresh air, for drying. Different ways for different folks. Beautiful holster anyway. You should be justifiably proud of your work.
Another awesome job, well done Sir
Thank you kindly!
@RickOShaye It's a Tippmann Boss. Hand powered. Great for holsters, but will wear you out if you sew something like a belt.
wow. you're definitely a master of the craft. good backround music too!
@Panzerzimmerpflanze The holster in this video received two sponged coats of Satin Sheen, available at Tandy Leather Factory. Not shown in this video - you can top it off with Acrylic Resolene applied with an airbrush for added protection and shine. You can order it online from their website. You also might check out Angelus Acrylic Finisher No. 600 - I've heard good things about it and will probably give it a try very soon. It's more readily available than the Satin Sheen (Tandy) product.
@particlerealities Appreciate the hairdryer tip. I may be able to get some moisture absorption from the inside since when I popped the stitching I found bare leather on the inside which was glued.
Thanx again!
That's a foam paint brush's wooden handle... I cut the brush off, mounted the dowel in my drill press, then used a round wood rasp to carve grooves of various sizes. Works okay, but there are high quality burnishers you can order online that are made with hard wood and have a steel shaft running down the center. Mine wobbles a bit and takes a bit of fiddling to get centered. I don't use it much anymore and use a hand burnisher instead now.
@fr8069 I've bought leather from a few places. First was Tandy. Then I ordered a hide from Weaver and then another hide from Springfield. My last purchase was a bulk order of 10 hides directly from Herman Oak. A significant investment in leather, but also a significant savings over the course of 10 hides...
Very nicely done sir!
Thanks! it's a Tippmann Boss sewing machine. Hand powered, stitches up to 3/4" of leather.
@rmerloni Hi Phil - My airbrush is an old Badger 150, and I don't dilute the dyes at all - I use them straight out of the container.
What a beautiful holster! I don't own a gun, but I really admire the holster you made. Great craftsmanship! what color is this dye, I would like to get some? Thanks much.
Great series. I would suggest you burn these down and offer them as instructional videos. Very nicely done.
If I wanted one of your holsters, do you have a website or what have you for more info?
That was frikking awesome!!! Thanks so much for posting this video!!!
@shouldibehere :) The entire process takes several days from start to finish, up to about a week if you allow liberal amounts of drying time. If you rush it, you can complete it in 2-3 days. Actual hands-on time is about 2-3 hours - the rest is drying time, etc.
@Jamezar The sealer in the video is Satin Sheen. I brush it on, then, with a paper towel I wipe down the entire surface to remove excess. Hang the piece in front of a fan to dry completely. I repeat this process once more after the item is completely dry (inside and out).
Your black spots are likely mold from allowing the leather to remain wet too long. If you're in a high humidity area, you may need to bring your item indoors and dry it in front of a fan to ensure it dries completely.
@jcarnes9999 Thanks! I have prices on my website if you're interested in placing an order or learning more about my holsters. You can look me up at Adams LeatherWorks since links are allowed in comments. :)
I like this video. I am starting to make holsters for myself. I would like to know what thread type you use and the needle as well. Awesome job, I hope mine is half as good as yours.
Awesome work!
Thanks - holsters are currently a nights/weekends thing for me, at lest for now... for my day job, I do architectural renderings for an architectural firm.
@MrJayjay3669 Thanks - glad you liked the videos. I had a lot of fun putting them together (and need to make some new ones). Yes - I do make holsters for others - check out my website that's listed in the video descriptions. :)
What kind of finish/sealent are you using? Are you familiar with carnauba? Thanks ahead of time. Outstanding video! While I'm doing a different style holster, I'm going to be utilizing most of your methods.
Hey amazing craftsmanship that definitely takes some skills.
Thanks for telling me what kind of dye it is. I just bought some. I really do love this holster. You know, I find the music to this video quite relaxing. Aat the end you mention to use the sealer/finish of your choice. I know everyone seems to have their methods/favorites etc. What kind of finish did you use? I noticed that you sorta "painted" it on. Whenever I do that to my dyed leather it streaks. Yours didn't. Why do you think that is? Anyway, I'd love to see some other videos. You're good.
@pako331000 Thanks! On average, each holster takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the style, colors and options.
@vavavvavava It's an "Olfa Gridded Cutting Mat", and they come in various sizes. I believe my wife picked this one up for me at Walmart a couple years ago. It's really made for rotary cutting wheels for fabric, but it works great with my round knife too. Check out my blog on my website - there is a little black pancake holster for a Sig P238 - click on the photo and it will enlarge. There are cuts all over the mat, and it still has a ton of life left in it.
Beautiful Job!!
Really nice job.
Wow great videos. Watched all 3. How many hours did the whole process take? Fantastic work.
Nice work beautiful holster!
Beautiful job
@OneMissionInLife Thank you! I've been debating that very thing, just trying to figure out the best way to do it. You can check out my website at adamsleatherworks. Thanks for looking!
I like your holster. Looks like a little more than I'm prepared for. Where did you get the pattern?
@USCOMBATDIVER Hi there! The finish in this video was Tandy's Satin Sheen. Glad you found the video helpful!
wow. very nicely done! a work of art! :)
as an amateur leatherworker, i hope to be that skilled one day...
i don't suppose you could send me a pattern for that, could you?
you sir are the Man. thank you. i want to order one for a 1930 Colt Det Special .38 thanks alot.
Sir that is a fine lookin' holster. And a fine little firearm as well. I love my single stack Glock, I mean Kahr. :)
@Panzerzimmerpflanze One light coat of oil to the smooth side of the leather is okay, but you don't want too much because the leather will become too flexible/limp. Perhaps that'd be okay if your holster is lose fitting - something like a western holster maybe. But for a detail molded holster, you want it to retain its shape and remain firm - for that, you need a tad bit of oil to keep it from being brittle, and then seal it from external moisture exposure (with the flexible finish coat).
What do you use for a sealer? if it's a specialty item, what would you use as a sealer that's more commonly available?
@Andrewsky89 The holster shown in this video was made using 8-9 oz. leather.
You are a god!!! that is the collest holster ever!!!
Nice series and very informative. Is that a Kahr CW40 that you made the holster for?
Great job mate!
@CharlesWilliamOwens5 Sure, it's possible. To actually make one, i'd need the gun or a replica of it - I don't currently have that dummy in my collection. If you'd like to make your own, I have a pair of videos on my website that detail how to make your own patterns that pretty much applies to any other make/model of gun.
@gswiaczny Thanks! It's actually a Kahr P9. Has been very reliable thus far.
This was an amazing video. I enjoyed seeing the craftsmanship. How did you create the original template for this holster?
Very neat work, Do you take orders ? I noticed you have a P9, do you have any stoppages with this pistol. I have one and was getting problems from time to time.
WOW!!! Some of the nicest work I have seen and I would like to know how much for the one in the video and a dual clip holders as well? It is for a model 23 glock.
Usually I order either Wickett & Craig (directly from the tannery) or if I'm buying Herman Oak, I'll buy from Springfield Leather.
@navy4life5 You'd want to end up with something like the Milt Sparks VM-2. I just recently made one like the VM-2, but it's hard to explain how to revise the pattern. It's a blend between a Pancake and an Avenger. It would be easier to start with a Pancake style holster and add leather belt loops...
Excellent video, I have a quick question. I recently added a laser sight to my Sigma and of course the Tagua leather holster doesn't fit. I blew out the stitching in front of the trigger guard and it fits well. Can this holster be re boned since it is a completed holster? Would I just wet it down a bit & follow the 3rd part of this video to re shape it?
best holster ever
When you burnish the edges at 4:20ish, what are you using on your bit there? Is that sandpaper, canvas?
Thanks for the awesome tutorials!
@jeeptuff Thanks! It's a Kahr P9.
@executivebodyguard answered via pm, but yes - I make orders for the public at adamsleatherworks. I love my P9 - carries great, has been very reliable, and has a great trigger.
That is a beautiful holster
Thanks Edwin!
Wow just simply wow.
Beautiful!
Well, that was easy. Yeah...right. lol
How long did the entire process take from beginning to end? I think I will just buy one. lol
@iamdocc55 Thank you! When I first started with this pattern, I referred heavily to Al Stohlman's book on holsters (available at Tandy and I believe Amazon) and made a basic "western" style holster, cut the pattern out of cardstock, stapled along the stitch line, inserted the gun, then drew the wrap around reinforcement piece on the paper. This helped me visualize everything. I have a video on my website that shows the process at adamsleatherworks.
Would have a video on a alaskan ruger 21/2 inch barrel. Every holster I've found is over 100 bucks.
Wow amazing work I wish I k
Knew I how to that if I did I wouldn't be in the predicament I'm in. I'm using a cheesy nylon holster by safariland for my 44 mag Taurus with a 4 inch barrel do you know how to make a holster for large frame revolvers?
Very impressive!
@particlerealities So in essence what you're looking for is something that is flexible when dry and water repellent? I've always just used oils but have issues with them leaking out when warmed up or in constant contact with something.
How do you get the sealer to look nice and even? I coat the entire thing with leather finish/sealer and then some spots will look like they weren't touched at all.
Also, sometimes I'll come back to my leather a day after I dyed it black and brown spots appear that weren't there before. Should I dye it more than a couple coats?
@TexasRodandCustoms Thanks! Swing by my website at adamsleatherworks and take a look at my gun list. I can build for the G23, but don't have a S&W Bodyguard .380 yet.
Hi great video, could you tell me what that latino sounding guitar song you used is? Its very relaxing
Very nice
beautyfull job.
Very nice looking good job.
Thank you!
Do you make holsters for the general public who are interested in buying ? Do you make and inside waistband holsters? I noticed you have a khar P9, do you have any problems with it?
Im really interested in the holster making process and have been trying to learn do you think we could talk and you give me a few pointers. Like the tools i will need the kind of materials too use the color stains i need and how too make the templates? Thank you for your time great holster by the way the best color on a leather holster ive seen
Hi MrJordanhead19, please feel free to contact me via my website. Happy to help however I can! www.adamsleatherworks.com
Damn that's good. I would like to have a left hand for m&p 9c
Excellent work. If I may ask what would something like this cost?
Thanks! I have several models available on my website - here's a link: www.adamsleatherworks.com/leather-holsters/
@particlerealities Were do u get your leather from??? been look online for a place but cant find any and whats the best type ? if you could help let me know thanks
@hawkdlb06 Check out springfieldleather. If you call in your order, they can help to make sure you get exactly what you need. You're looking for tooling leather (vegetable tanned) suitable for making holsters (probably C grade for your first order while you learn), 8-9 oz thickness is pretty common for holsters, but 7-8 oz would probably be better to learn on (easier to form), or even 6-7 if it's a lightweight firearm worn outside the belt. I'm using Herman Oak currently. :)
Damn good lookin leather.
@particlerealities Thanks for replying.