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9 Comments

  2. Here is a good custom leatherwork shop.

    Gustavo Shoe Repair
    Shoe Repair, Leather Goods Repair, Shoe Dyers
    125 W Fry Blvd, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
    520-458-3077

  3. A points regarding the pattern-making:

    1. Circumference, Circumference, Circumference. Measure the circumference of each section of the item, with a non-stretchy string or tailor’s cloth tape. For example, the front sight and barrel, the frame and cylinder, and (if making a cover for the trigger guard), the cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and if applicable, the rear sight. (On a knife, the circumference at the guard is most vital.) Transfer these measurements to the pattern.

    2. Measure the thickness of the barrel, the frame, and the trigger guard. Allow half that thickness in the forward direction, beyond the basic tracing of the item.

    3. Ease. Add enough ease to the circumferences to make up for the thickness (and stiffness) of the leather. That would be at least 1/8″ per side, with 8-ounce leather.

    4. Seam Allowance– while I want at least 1/4″ of material for seam allowance, I rarely give less than 1/2″. That allows for trimming the edges, and most of the time it is adequate for ease, as mentioned above.

    If in doubt, leave a smidgen of extra material, and cut it off once the leather is actually formed around the item. As my grandfather liked to say, “If you cut it too short you can always splice it. [Umm,,,,] But it if you cut it too long, then what will you do?”

    Excellent article, and thanks for sharing!

  4. “Hole Punch: I bought a decent quality one a few years ago. It’s one of the rotary ones, and has paid for itself many times over. This is one of those tools that I think every prepper should have.”

    Hey L.C., do these have any other uses around the homestead or did you mean just for punching leather?

    Thanks for the article, makes me want to get into some leather work like I did a bazillion years ago on a very elementary introductory level. My dad helped me make a holster for my Daisy Colt 1911 lookalike BB gun, a sheath for my TL-29 knife, and we made some belts as well with all the carving on them. It was a lot of fun and seems like one more useful skill to learn for TEOTWAWKI.

    We also used a gizmo like the one in this link for making the holes for sewing which was quicker and more uniform than using an awl.

    https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Craft-Punches-Lacing-Stitching/dp/B0771KP73Y

    Looking forward to part 2.

    1. Well, they’re only good for punching holes, but not just in leather. They work on canvas, denim, and other heavy materials. Just a handy tool to have. (Especially for those out there that wind up losing weight and need a couple extra holes in their belt)

      I just picked up a couple of those gizmos. They tell me they’re called “thonging or lacing chisels”. I’m going to give them a try, but I’m not sure how well they’ll work on curves – guess we’ll see.

      Like you say – one more skill to add to the quiver. I’m not going to say I’ve got it mastered, but I can struggle through and get acceptable results.

  5. Used to love doing leather projects as a kid. Tandy had craft supply stores. Wood burning , leather craft and all that.

    The kids love all that store-bought Kydex stuff . It’s okay but prefer my old leather pancake holster.

    Went pricing a leather holster a while back for an old wheel gun, YIKES !!!

    Don’t know if I’ll ever make my own holster but it’s fun reading the article

  6. The Lone Canadian cannot use a holster in Canada as hand guns must be locked in a container to and from the range and your home. No other usage of a hand gun is legally permissable.

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