Well I built my first good pancake holster!

[Crazy K38]

Thanks to our very own ray giving me a nudge in the right direction I designed and built my first few holsters. The one I have pictured is my pancake model on my wife, the pic was done with a webcam so not really clear but the holster is cordovan with a black reinforcement band and white stitching. On the back I did my own personal interpretation of a tunnel loop system that has turned out to be very comfy while remaining secure. This holster rides high and tight and conceals pretty darn well. I used 8-9 oz Herman Oak leather with Angeles leather dies and a Resoline finish. All the stitching is hand done as is all the detail boning. The whole holster took about 3 hours to make not including drying times, so what do you think? This particular holster will be going to Sip for testing and review once I get a chance to send it to him.

 

[girvin02]

Looks very nice.

 

[jimmyj]

WOW!
AWESOME!

You are doing great work.
I wish I was talented instead of so good looking and sexy,
Jimmy
Jimmy

 

[The Big D]

Looks quite nice, indeed...particularly the hand stitching.

You may want to consider reducing the bulk/overall size of the holster. It appears the leading edge of the holster is excessively large and the trailing edge could be trimmed a bit. Specifically, I don't see a reason(s) for the appendage on the leading edge that seems to be above even the trigger guard yet is nowhere near it.

ALL THAT SAID, my opinion is only because you asked, and I guarantee what I have seen is far better than I could ever do.

Note: It appears you're doing nicely in keeping the gun high and tight. I have CCW'd for over 35 years and "high and tight" is the key for OWB CCW.

Keep up your good work.

Be safe.

 

[Crazy K38]

lol I thought the same thing when I was designing it but that bigger wing actually keeps it from digging into my wifes side when she moves around but if I wear it it is comfortable for me as well, doesn't look as good but it functions well. here is a slide I made for my Taurus 1911 with the rail

I was making the wife take pictures because I was shocked it was hiding under a 'wife beater' type shirt so well!

 

[Iggy]

Nice work.

As slim as you are, you could probably hide a Tommy gun with a hundred round drum under that shirt!

 

[Crazy K38]

LMAO and still look underweight!

 

[TheKySharpshooter]

Wow, that is a good looking holster.

 

[Crazy K38]

thank you, I worked pretty hard on it and I guess it shows, probably the hardest part was getting the stitching looking good, but I should be able to post way better pics this weekend

 

[borntoraisehogs]

lol I thought the same thing when I was designing it but that bigger wing actually keeps it from digging into my wifes side when she moves around but if I wear it it is comfortable for me as well, doesn't look as good but it functions well. here is a slide I made for my Taurus 1911 with the rail

I was making the wife take pictures because I was shocked it was hiding under a 'wife beater' type shirt so well!

Great holster . We celebrate with you , that the person in the photo is not your wife .

 

[flop-shank]

Cool holster and nice tummy!

 

[bronco45]

Keep workin that leather knife and sewing machine. Nice progress!

To be able to hide any gun around my middle would be great, I'm jealous. And so are most of the guys on this forum.

 

[Big Foot]

Nice job....Kudos.....

 

[jframe]

If you want to do a pancake for a 1911 in left hand for a T & E model, I know a certain guy in NW Alabama that would be MORE than glad to help you out! Nice looking work, BTW. I wish I could stitch like that. Hell, I can't iron a shirt, much less stitch.

 

[Crazy K38]

well j frame send me some pics of what you have in mind

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

CrazyK38;

Keep practicing, read as much as you can about leather crafting, learn as much as you can about the materials and tools we use. Ask questions and as you have discovered with Ray, most makers will be happy to encourage you.

I would suggest that when your designing prototypes, use less expensive leather and lighter weight leather until you have bench proofed each model to your satisfaction for fit and overall proportion. Always, prepare templates before you cut leather and measure twice. A little trick for positioning stitch lines is to measure the nominal thickness of the weapon (at it's thickest point) and layout the stitch line at least that distance from the weapon edges marking with an awl in intervals. Generally, with 8/9 oz. leathers that will help economize the overall size of the holster and reduce your waste ratio. With some heavier leathers or designs with extremely detailed molding or boning, or when tension screws are used for additional retention, you made need to add a 1/4 inch more. As you have already learned there is some trial and error during the design process. Keep up the good work and best of luck. I'll be watching for your future projects. If you need any advice, give me a holler.

Cheers;
Lefty

BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS (607) 783-2483