Just finished a holster for my 29 8 3/8 anybody know anything about leather dye's

Superflywimpy · #1 01-18-2010, 12:03 AM

I have been looking for a holster for a while for my model 29 8 3/8 barrel. What was out there was kinda expensive or used and beat up. I have made holster's for smaller hand guns ,but not any so big. Anybody know anything about leather dyes and which is the best to used. I usually just seal them in a clear satin to keep them moister proof and clean. But I would like to color this one.

bamabiker · #2 01-18-2010, 12:50 AM

That looks good. I just finished my first holster but don't have pics yet.
I did some tooling on mine and used antique stain. I have used black on some belts. It's easy to use but take care of what you get it on, it don't want to come off.
Sewing/lacing has been a challenge for me. How did you do yours? What did you use?

Superflywimpy · #3 01-18-2010, 01:24 AM

I used a leather awl I got off ebay to make the holes and hand stich every hole. It's hell on the hand and finger's but well worth the effort. First few were kinda ,well you know ratty looking but they get better with time and practice. Here is a pic of the type of stitching I use and it will never come undone ,even if a string breaks,Unlike a commercial lock stitched unit.

bamabiker · #4 01-18-2010, 01:33 AM

Thanks for the info.

gregintenn · #5 01-18-2010, 08:47 AM

JDLawhon.com - Holstermaking 101
This gentleman describes the stitching procedure pretty well.

gregintenn · #6 01-18-2010, 08:49 AM

That's a fine looking holster. I just get the Feibing's dye in the color I want and apply it with a wool dauber. When it's dry, I buff it and apply Resolene or Super sheen with a damp sponge. It's pretty siimple and works great. There are several holstermakers here who can give you better advice.

Wyatt Burp · #7 01-18-2010, 09:09 AM

Nice job. You really should have dyed it before assembly. You'll miss spots and dye the thread, too. Instead, put neetsfoot oil on a rag or dobber and put that on it. It only effects the leather but not the thread. Then you lay it in the sun (if you have any now) and it'll tan. If you have bad weather like I do just oil it a few times, letting it soak in each time.
This holster I made here a couple months ago was oiled before stiching then left in the sun until turning golden. Then I dyed the backround black. I applied a "sheen" afterwards and then stitched it up. A stitching groover must be used before stiching as it cuts a stiching channel that looks neat and tidy afterwards. This is a Colt New Service in my crossdraw holster. Don't hold that against me, please.

Superflywimpy · #8 01-23-2010, 09:49 PM

I was worried on how the dye was going to take,as I have no experience dying leather. The Fiebings black USMC black worked very well I think. And I want to thank the gentleman who recommended it. I'm am very pleased with the outcome. I also dyed the victory holster I made with the tan and got some mixed results....but I'm working on that. Thanks again.

snkhalltx · #9 01-24-2010, 12:04 AM

I just got back into leather work myself. Bought a pair of Vaqueros and wanted something simple. Couldn't find the right stuff at the right price so I made my own along with a knife sheath. I made a set both right and left hand draw. Made a set of cuffs also and working on a holster and belt for my Draggon.

gregintenn · #10 01-24-2010, 12:06 AM

Looks great!

gregintenn · #11 01-24-2010, 12:08 AM

Wyatt Burp, The carving looks great. Did the pattern come from a book or did you do it yourself. I may have to try it sometime.

LAKOTA169 · #12 01-25-2010, 12:55 AM

Here's a holster/belt I made for my Navy Arms revolver back in the '70's.