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Great stuff! I liked the improvised tools. Those make the neatest things

I was going to ask about the tooling as well. Very extensive work!

RiverRat, you're holsters look great. No worries on the stitching, you'll have it down in no time.

An keep yourself available, you'll be hit up for holsters. As you mentioned, leather is scarce for the Champion Operator. A railed 4" is just not common but folks still need them!


Go easy on Mrs RiverRat, she'll remember come next time you might be "misinformed"

RiverRat wrote:Looks like I need sewing lessons...very pretty. I used some waxed thread for patching sails on my sailboat. It's about two times too large.

One question on using diamond punches....the straight inline or the offset?
I have only used the punches for lacing, like on belt edges.

Make your groove line, then run an overstitch wheel (to evenly mark where each hole will go). Then take the diamond punch, and make it at a 45* angle in the groove.

Here is a link with a very good illustration: http://www.wrtcleather.com/1-ckd/tutori ... titch.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


I've never done any lacing, but I'd definitely like to learn.

I use a diamond shaped awl punch for the holes and the double needle saddle stitch.

Sure thing. It also looks like the cost has jumped. It's now $79.99. Sheesh. Anyhow, it's a good kit to rolling.

Hand Stitching Kit
Item #11189-00
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/home ... =Product_5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A quick word on the liner.

Be sure the liner leather used is not of the chrome-tanned persuasion. The chemicals used in that process is harmful to firearms, especially blued. Stick with a veg tanned liner. It is safe for finishes and will mold nicely to the gun.


For tools, you can get the Al Stohlman starter kit for about $30 @ Tandy. Includes all necessary tools, instruction book, & thread. The things you need to supply is leather, glue, dye/finish and a blade.


I prefer using an awl punch and saddle stitch. A diamond shaped hole will lay the stitches nicely and allow the leather to close back over the thread in each corner for a secure, strong stitch. Aesthetics are tight as well.