http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/
If you have any questions just leave a comment or shoot me an email. If you make a holster I would love to see it.

Click on the thumbnails to view the fullsized image with description.

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This is the holster we are going to make. It's an OWB for a Walther PPK .380.
It will be an xmas gift for my step-dad.]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:41:31 -0700 http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3533.jpg.html http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3533.jpg.html
Well here it is, all done. I think my step-dad will love it.
I wasn't sure about the leather I used, I have used up all my good leather, but I like the grainy look of this one.]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:07:38 -0700 http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3524.jpg.html http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3524.jpg.html
All done with the detail work. Let the leather dry and then polish it with a buffer. Lambs wool works good to hand buff it and a piece of levi works good for polishing up the edges.
Some ppl add a clear coat to the leather but I don't, I like the natural look.]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:06:24 -0700 http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3522.jpg.html http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3522.jpg.html
Now take your boning tools and start with the detail work. If the leather starts to dry out you can always rewet it. Carefully go around the edges and the trigger gaurd, the safety lever and mag release ... any where ya want some detail, but don't get to carried away, I think less looks best, but it's up to you.]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:05:41 -0700 http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3521.jpg.html http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3521.jpg.html
Now grab a container large enough for the holster and put a couple drops of dish soap in it. I have read that the dish soap acts as a lubricant so the boning tools slide on the leather easier, it seems to help so I always use it.
Now fill the container with hot water, about as hot as you can stand to hold your hands in. Don't use boiling water, if it's to hot the leather will get brittle.
Submerge the leather in the hot water and count to 20, it doesn't need to be soaking wet.
Once the leather is wet use a paper towel to pad off any standing water and then stick the gun in it and start forming it with your fingers.
Make sure the gun is centered and not twisted. Also make sure there is plenty of room for your hand between the front strap of the gun and the holster.

and don't forget ... Always make sure the gun is empty!!!]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:04:34 -0700 http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3520.jpg.html http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3520.jpg.html
I usually just give my gun a good coat of gun oil and stick it in the leather when molding but since this isn't my gun just to be safe I will wrap some plastic wrap around it to protect it.
I have done my Sig dozens of time without the plastic and it's not hurt it at all.]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:54:58 -0700 http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3519.jpg.html http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3519.jpg.html
I called my step-dad and asked him to bring his Walther over so I can wet-form the holster to it.]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:17:53 -0700 http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3518.jpg.html http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3518.jpg.html
What it looks like when it's all burnished. They sell a liquid, not sure what it's called, at Tandy that you can brush on to the edges that leaves it nice and shiney but I like the natural look better.]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:53:32 -0700 http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3517.jpg.html http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3517.jpg.html
While the leather is still damp from the stain it's a good time to burnish the edges. I use a piece of plastic mounted to the lathe to burnish. A wooden down in the drill press also works good. I add a little beeswax to the plastic and touch the leather edge to it and move it back and forth. You will find moving in one direction leaves a smoother edge than another direction.]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:17:53 -0700 http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3515.jpg.html http://shanewhitlock.com/photo/v/leather/holsters/tut/IMG_3515.jpg.html
All stained. I like the blotchy, uneven stained look. Gives it a rustic look that I like.]]> Shane Whitlock photo Sun, 07 Dec 2008 19:54:29 -0700