how about MAKING a holster?!

View · by **rukwikenuf** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 5:18 pm

the other thread i started quickly turned into a debate about the policy of my current employer (which was NOT my intention) and nobody focused on my big question!

I NEED A NEW HOLSTER!!!!!

the holster is for a Taurus 669 6" .357Mag. i want a leather one, and it NEEDS a thumb break. also, needs the barrel covered, and i really, REALLY want a pancake style. i don't want the traditional style with the one large loop for a belt. having looked at the usual places, and even after contacting Srigs (i think he's pretty busy, it's been a week since i PM'd him, maybe i'll try emailing), i've decided i'll be better off trying my hand at it. not to say that it'll be easy, or that my first holster will be exactly what i want, but the benefit of doing it myself is that i can do what i want, the way i want. i don't have to worry about things getting lost in translation.

now, for the moral of the whole thing: do any of you have a suggestion on how to do it? maybe a link to a site that shows how? as i said, i'll be laying out a pancake design, probably with some 7-9oz leather. i stopped at Tandy today, i got a decent idea on how much it'll cost, and i'm gonna give it a go (probably picking up some leather and supplies on Monday)

View · by **aaron878** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:06 pm

Some tools you will need:

Leather working tools (awls, mallets, punches, chisels, bevelers, etc...)
A drill press (you predrill the holes and then stitch)
A good set of knives

View · by **DougB** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:07 pm

Got a good Tandy Leather store in Bloomington. All the tools, dyes, leather you can use. They have a clearance section where you can get a good sized piece of leather at a good price. My first 5 were practice. I've got a couple that look and feel good now. Nothing to brag about, but functional. Lessons are just a google search away.

View · by **Pat Cannon** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:19 pm

+1 on Tandy Leather. Portland Avenue, just south of 494.

View · by **rukwikenuf** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:32 pm

yeah, i actually went to BOTH the Roseville and Bloomington stores for Tandy Leather today. the Bloomington store has those remnants (one shoulder size pieces for $25 each versus $115 or so for a full piece) but the Roseville store, which is bigger, doesn't. Roseville location is closer to me, but i think i'll make the drive to Bloomington when it's time to get materials.

View · by **Rem700** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 11:45 pm

Leatherworker.net

Hermann Oak leather

View · by **gyrfalcon** on Fri Dec 16, 2011 12:41 am

rukwikenuf wrote:...now, for the moral of the whole thing: do any of you have a suggestion on how to do it? maybe a link to a site that shows how? as i said, i'll be laying out a pancake design, probably with some 7-9oz leather. i stopped at Tandy today, i got a decent idea on how much it'll cost, and i'm gonna give it a go (probably picking up some leather and supplies on Monday)...

My suggestion on how to do it would be...don't do it. There are plenty of leather craftsman who can make high quality holsters fair cheaply compared to the time it would take to do it by hand yourself. If you want to learn how to make a holster by all means go ahead and try it...but it takes a lot of skill, time and even artistry to make a quality leather holster.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-u ... 55-00.aspx
http://www.tuckergunleatherblog.com/cat ... r-at-work/

View · by **DanM** on Fri Dec 16, 2011 7:48 am

Old Faithful Holsters has parts and kits to build holsters. You can make a holster to fit any handgun you own. You can order a kit of the parts to fit popular handgun models. You can order individual holster parts if that's what you need to build your own. Videos on the website describe the process. This is a Crossbreed style design. Reasonable prices, too.

http://oldfaithfulholsters.com/

View · by **Fshirley** on Fri Dec 16, 2011 8:26 am

DanM wrote:Old Faithful Holsters has parts and kits to build holsters. You can make a holster to fit any handgun you own. You can order a kit of the parts to fit popular handgun models. You can order individual holster parts if that's what you need to build your own. Videos on the website describe the process. This is a Crossbreed style design. Reasonable prices, too.

http://oldfaithfulholsters.com/

+1 very good fella to deal with as well...I have made two of them and they work just as well as my crossbreed if not better!

View · by **rukwikenuf** on Fri Dec 16, 2011 9:11 am

thanks guys! DanM, i appreciate the idea, but i dont want Kydex. i found a few tutorials and videos that show it well

View · by **plblark** on Fri Dec 16, 2011 9:12 am

Don't go and buy tools for just one holster. I did that. made 7 or 8. I'll loan you that toolbox if you like. Then just do it.

remember, you can't make the holster tighter but it will wear in and stretch a bit.

View · by **Stradawhovious** on Fri Dec 16, 2011 9:36 am

plblark wrote:
remember, you can't make the holster tighter but it will wear in and stretch a bit.

And you can make it more rigid with a Kydex lining......

If only you knew someone with a bunch of kydex laying around......

Hmmm.................

Oh Wait! I have some. Let me know if you're interested.

View · by **tt3** on Fri Dec 16, 2011 10:37 am

take Paul up on his offer then let me know when you're ready. I can help you get started. It isn't all that tough.

View · by **rukwikenuf** on Fri Dec 16, 2011 9:01 pm

wow. between PBlark, Strad and TT3, i think i need to get some material and maybe some beers. i'll let all three of you know what my plans are when i get some material. probably gonna get some leather on Monday