Leather Holster - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

blackwell33 · 11-01-2009, 07:51 PM

After purchasing my new toy a few weeks ago (Glock 30), I went out to look for a holster. Just like everything else, I got pissed off at how much they were.

So, I went out to the leather store and bought me enough supplies to make 4 holsters.. for what a retail one costs. I never tried to tool leather before in my life, but I think I did alright. The thing fits like a glove and I could carry the holster upside down without the gun falling out (no straps or restraint).

I cut it out from raw leather, molded it, hand stitched it, dyed it, and finished it. The stitching looks rough, but it'll get better the more I do it. Anyone else have any experience in working leather?

**Dave63** · 11-01-2009, 07:58 PM

Not even a little.....jezuss.....and if so, no where near that nice.

Check 6 · 11-01-2009, 08:03 PM

WOW! You have never worked with leather? You did a great job man. I am partial to Kramer Leather (Horsehide #3) but they sell for well over $100. How long did it take you to make that? Damn, that's nice and I'm pretty picky.

blackwell33 · 11-01-2009, 08:15 PM

Thanks for the compliments. I spent all my extra time this weekend on it.. seeing as how I never had done it. Next time should be a lot faster. Getting the right shape took a while, then stitching was a headache.. I broke my awl and had to use a finishing nail and a hammer. Then I had to soak the leather, wrap my pistol in siran wrap, and "bone" the leather to the shape. After that, I had to rivet the clip to a piece of leather and then sew that piece on. It was all one big experiment.. so it took many more hours than necessary.

I'm wondering if I could buy like plastic "blanks" just giving me the shape of different models of handguns.. then I could make a variety.

Blackdog 15 · 11-01-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackwell33

I'm wondering if I could buy like plastic "blanks" just giving me the shape of different models of handguns.. then I could make a variety.

They make blue plastic blanks to use for holster work, mostly for heat shrinking Kydex holsters...

Here is a link for them....

http://www.botachtactical.com/bgp.html

rscalzo · 11-01-2009, 11:25 PM

Botach is a hit or miss company. Many have had problems with them.

Try Midway. MidwayUSA — Shooting Supplies, Reloading, Gunsmithing, Hunting, Ammunition, Gun Parts & Rifle Scopes

Rockerbox1 · 11-02-2009, 06:01 AM

nice work. I want to learn to tool leather.....but your leather work (especially for a first time) looks killer

Ozbiker69 · 11-02-2009, 06:52 AM

Wow you have done well there indeed young fella. Now you know you have another sideline in the making here Leather goods... You will get even better with practice but heck you done well for first time

blackwell33 · 11-02-2009, 09:30 AM

Thanks again for all the compliments.. and thanks Blackdog and Rscalzo for linking me to the blue guns. Thats exactly what I needed..

You should give it a shot Rockerbox.. hell, I never touched a piece of raw leather. I just read a couple of websites, and asked a few questions in the leather store so that I got the right tools. Then I knew what it was that I wanted to make.. so I just did it.

BamaHDRocker · 11-04-2009, 12:53 PM

I am partial to my Safariland holsters...but dude, you did an awesome job on that one!

You need to start making holsters and selling them. I sure could use a center of the back holster made to fit my H&K model: HK45...Can't find them anywhere. However I want it to sit where the handle comes out to my right (like a left-handed holster is suppose to). I'm a big guy, so trying to stretch and twist my arm like that isn't quite as easy as it is for you in-shape fellers. LOL