Saturday, March 28, 2015
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Experiment / What's On The Bench
Always curious about different aspects of my holster building, I decided for a little experiment. You don't know what you don't know is a sad state in my opinion. The new shop is still under construction but everything is set up so I can work about as efficiently as possible. I think I have had 14 projects on the bench this week and just curious about what I can do, I made a little "task" sheet. With several holsters on the bench, it can get confusing as to what is due when, and what needs immediate attention.
The daily routine has been is 2 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the evening in order to get a better understanding of what I can do. Partially, just so I can honestly tell people when they can expect there holsters. It's not a test of "how fast" since things just don't turn out well when done in haste, and a fast level of production is just not what I am after.
The "slider" is what we will call this newest holster. This one is for a Glock 19.
It is more of a flat back holster with a tunnel for the belt loop. This is my "go to" when I carry OWB
Wingman for a Glock 19 dye is brandy
A pair for a Glock 19
A horizontal mag carrier for a glock 42. Could be made for others as well
The daily routine has been is 2 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the evening in order to get a better understanding of what I can do. Partially, just so I can honestly tell people when they can expect there holsters. It's not a test of "how fast" since things just don't turn out well when done in haste, and a fast level of production is just not what I am after.
What's On The Bench
Fresh off the Bench
The "slider" is what we will call this newest holster. This one is for a Glock 19.
It is more of a flat back holster with a tunnel for the belt loop. This is my "go to" when I carry OWB
A Skinny for an XDS 3.3, it is made from my 4.0 which sticks out the additional distance
Also an IWB mag carrier. One that I wear but have never made otherwise.
The back of the mag carrier is lined for comfort. This design is made for comfort of carry and does not give a "free" easy grip to the mag.
Smith and Wesson 9mm avenger
A pair for a Glock 19
A horizontal mag carrier for a glock 42. Could be made for others as well
Still on the Bench
 |
| An Omega for a double stack gun, almost done Jacob |
 |
| A pair for a Sig 380. |
 |
| Some mag cariers |
 |
| Skinny for a little 38 |
 |
| Slider for an XDS |
Saturday, March 14, 2015
The fit / What's On The Bench
There is a lot that goes into making a holster. The hardest part, by far, is the paper pattern. If the pattern is wrong the holster simply won't work. The saddest part is that I don't find out until the end of the whole process when I form the holster to the gun. Wet forming is soaking the holster in soapy water and then placing the gun in the holster (If it is an actual gun I put a liberal amount of oil and wrap it is saran wrap) and then "boning it in" to get the detail and the form that allows it to have retention and come out pretty easily.
From the first time I did it, even until today the following is what amazes me. The holster that seems like the gun is never going to make it in the holster is the one that will, turn out the best. Before I learned a few things I actually hurt my back one time getting the holster in. It is common for me to start the gun in the holster and turn it upside down and put as much weight as I can manage on the leather just to get the gun all the way in. When it comes to taking the gun out of the holster it can be very challenging and you would swear this thing is going to be to tight........and that is the holster that will function perfectly.
I have only made one of these sliders for my self and I wear it a lot. Keep showing it and people like it. The below is a trial run (for sale). Part of the process is after making this one, I study it and make a few changes to the pattern. this one will have the bottom corners rounded and minor adjustments to the stitch lines in order to keep the back of the holster even flatter.
From the first time I did it, even until today the following is what amazes me. The holster that seems like the gun is never going to make it in the holster is the one that will, turn out the best. Before I learned a few things I actually hurt my back one time getting the holster in. It is common for me to start the gun in the holster and turn it upside down and put as much weight as I can manage on the leather just to get the gun all the way in. When it comes to taking the gun out of the holster it can be very challenging and you would swear this thing is going to be to tight........and that is the holster that will function perfectly.
What's On The Bench
 |
| Desert Eagle 9mm Avenger in washed brown with natural pannels |
 |
| Because everyone needs a pair. |
 |
| Stamped belt in Brandy dye |
 |
| M&P 9 with the above belt also in brandy with airbrushed black accents |
I have only made one of these sliders for my self and I wear it a lot. Keep showing it and people like it. The below is a trial run (for sale). Part of the process is after making this one, I study it and make a few changes to the pattern. this one will have the bottom corners rounded and minor adjustments to the stitch lines in order to keep the back of the holster even flatter.
 |
| Slider for a Glock 19 in coffee |
 |
| The back is flatter than a normal holster |
 |
| Starting on a wingman for a glock 19 |
 |
| Little cowboy holster for a 22 .....because it makes shooting it funner |
 |
| Skinny for an XDS |
 |
| The waiting bench.......looks like and avenger, omni, omega and a mag carrier |
 |
| part of a "present" order that can't really show in case the recipient is of the 2-3 readers of the blog |
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Back up to full speed / What's on the Bench
Well, the move is made, but not sure when all the boxes will be gone?
We lived in our last house 11 years, and when we packed, it was amazing, all of the stuff that came out of places that we forgot about! I guess it is to be expected to take a while to get it all back into new places.
The beauty of 5 acres in the country. First of all, so many people across the street (no neighbors on my side of the road) have stopped by to introduce themselves and be "neighborly". Not once in 11 years did that happen in the city! We aspire to do what is best termed "modern homesteading" and with 5 acres there are no limitations. Best part, is I step out my back door to shoot. Had three steel targets made and I can step out at any time to shoot at those 8 inch circles. Locals that pick up there holsters have to drive a little more but can try out the new holsters on the targets if they wish.
On the down side, there is a lot of work to get the place where I want it, but I aint afraid of work. Past two weeks of snowy conditions have shut down my "day job". So I have had plenty of time to start the work.
We lived in our last house 11 years, and when we packed, it was amazing, all of the stuff that came out of places that we forgot about! I guess it is to be expected to take a while to get it all back into new places.
The beauty of 5 acres in the country. First of all, so many people across the street (no neighbors on my side of the road) have stopped by to introduce themselves and be "neighborly". Not once in 11 years did that happen in the city! We aspire to do what is best termed "modern homesteading" and with 5 acres there are no limitations. Best part, is I step out my back door to shoot. Had three steel targets made and I can step out at any time to shoot at those 8 inch circles. Locals that pick up there holsters have to drive a little more but can try out the new holsters on the targets if they wish.
On the down side, there is a lot of work to get the place where I want it, but I aint afraid of work. Past two weeks of snowy conditions have shut down my "day job". So I have had plenty of time to start the work.
What's On The Bench
 |
| 3.5 inch 1911 Skinny holster (used a 5 inch to mold it) |
 |
| M&P Shield Skinny |
 |
| Wingman for am XDS |
 |
| Omni for an XDS |
 |
| A pair of holsters for a 2" 38 revolver. The omni and and avenger |
Thursday, February 26, 2015
The new shop / whats on the bench
Well, we have finally moved to our new place. Five acres of heaven. Most importantly is the stand alone shop building. The shop needs some work, but that does not scare me. I can see what it will become.
The one thing we don't have is that interweb thingy. No internet yet. Try typing a blog entry on you phone. Younger than me wont see the problem. Older than me will agree.
Not the same format options for pics but here are a few randoms.
Couple close to done
In the easy bake oven, drying after stamping. Will be an omni for a desert eagle 9mm
Friday, February 6, 2015
Walk Softly, but Carry a Big Stick / What's On The Bench
In the Army I figured out pretty quickly that a lot of people have a loud mouth, and talk a lot of talk. This was in the 80's In a long period in between wars, fewer and fewer had combat experience. It was at this time some one told me, out of all these people running there mouths, "flapping their gums" it is the quiet one you had better watch out for and let him have your back, the loudest one will be the first to cower and desert you.
I think "walking softly " is admirable. Especially as a concealed carrier. Not the guy looking for the next chance to throw his chest in the air looking for the opportunity to prove how "bad" he is. Just a person living his life amongst those that are "flapping their gums" "strutting like a rooster" (describes the wannabe punk thugs, to me) yet at the same time carrying a big stick. Of course the smart ones carry that "big stick" in a Bam Bam Holster.....just sayin.
What's On The Bench
Finished up
 |
| 1 3/4 double stitched |
 |
| Washed Brown |
 | |||
| Washed Brown as Well |
 |
| The above belt as a set up for an M&P 9 |
 |
| M&P 9 0 degree cant with mag carrier |
 |
| The above belt with a Lefty M&P 9 |
Below is the makings of the wingman
 |
| Wingman for a Glock 19 |
 | |||
| How the Wingman wears |
The rest of the bench is in a box as we are getting ready to move starting today.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Just make me this.......& What's On The Bench
Sounds simple enough, "just make me ______". An actual conversation..... "I bought a holster and wondered if before you mailed it, you could add a glock 19 omni?" reply "I dont have any on hand but I can make one", "can you just mail it with the one your mailing today?" reply, "I don't print them on a printer, it takes a week to make one". I spend way to much time on each holster but that is part of what I like doing.
I like the occasional "scratch my head with wonder how I will do it" projects. But I think most people have no idea what goes into leather work. Most people think it is like a push button operation (more and more that"s all people understand). Thought of making something with your hands is becoming more and more foreign to people every day. Just thinking out loud (or in writing)
Finished up the Wingman for a glock 42. Worn left handed in the small of the back
Finished up an Avenger with a mag carrier for a CZ compact.
Couple new gaming mag carriers for myself
Front and back of the above mag carrier
Front and back of a wet molded mag carrier (has to coat a little more)
Finished up this holster for a M&P 9. It is a 0 cant avenger in washed brown with natural panels. Still lack the mag carrier to go with it
Part of a big order finished. Left handed 0 cant commander 1911 with 2 inch belt slots
3 gun belts. Two in the washed brown and on that is a 1 3/4 with some double stitching.
Glock 42 Skinny
Part of the big order. Lefty 0 cant avenger for a M&P 9
I like the occasional "scratch my head with wonder how I will do it" projects. But I think most people have no idea what goes into leather work. Most people think it is like a push button operation (more and more that"s all people understand). Thought of making something with your hands is becoming more and more foreign to people every day. Just thinking out loud (or in writing)
What's On The Bench
Finished up the Wingman for a glock 42. Worn left handed in the small of the back
Front and back of a wet molded mag carrier (has to coat a little more)
Finished up this holster for a M&P 9. It is a 0 cant avenger in washed brown with natural panels. Still lack the mag carrier to go with it
Still on the bench
3 gun belts. Two in the washed brown and on that is a 1 3/4 with some double stitching.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)