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I use an actual Kydex press bought off Knifekits.com, but I've heard of people buying a yoga mat from Walmart and cutting it up. Glue the pieces together and put them between 2 flat surfaces and you have a homemade press.

I'm thinking about making a "premium" version of my holsters with some bells and whistles added. I was thinking about using a suede backed leather so the soft side is against the body. Adding adjustable clips so the customer can adjust the cant in any way he feels like it. And also thinking about lining the inside of the kydex with some very very thin suede or felt to prevent holster wear. I think I saw somebody do that on this forum. Any other ideas?

paulhailes wrote:How easy is it to mold the Kydex? I wouldn't mind making a holster that could fit my 3.8 XDm with a TLR-3 attached.

You cook it in the oven on 300 degrees for about 4-5 mins then use a foam lined press to mold it. It is possible to do all the molding by hand, but you don't get the little details and whatnot that way.

Where do you guys get your leather from and how much does it cost you per square foot?

I buy mine from knifekits.com I use 8oz leather at 12.95 per sq ft but they don't sell the suede backed leather.

I used the .06 Kydex. With the leather try to find 8oz leather. I'm not sure what the 8ounces means, but its plenty thick enough to provide retention and pliable enough to still be comfortable.

Those kits are pretty neat, but I actually make holsters in large quantities to sell so I'd end up spending a fortune on the materials. I buy all my mats from Knifekits.com in bulk.

Looks like you're off to a good start. One thing I would suggest is using rivets instead of thread. Seems like the threading would be the weak point of your holster. You can buy them at Knifekits.com

They also have some really nice metal clips on knifekits.com too. Here's mine: