Beaded holsters?

Totally a matter of personal opinion of course, but a beaded holster is to me as a cowboy hat with a feather in it: it just ain’t right. I can’t really tell you why, but it isn’t. Having said that, I do quite like the second from the bottom that I would deem of Spanish influence without any particular reason.

It certainly is nice work!

It seems to ornamental and over done to me. Like something you'd wear to a wedding in Mexico in the old west.

DeepSouth said:

While I like some of it most of it is is a little much for my taste, I guess I’m a low bling guy.

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I'm right there with you.

While I am appreciate craftsmanship, I like plain holsters. Let the leatherwork speak for itself.

I don't even like border stamping on my holsters.

I think it fits in perfectly with the time period back then! By all means go for it as it certainly isn't out of place!

They are interesting to look at and see the effort and skill that went into making them. However they make me think of something that would be seen in movies like "Dusk To Dawn" and "Desperado", the Anthony Banderas one, not the TV one's starring Alex McArthur. It is like basket weave stamping. I admire the skill it takes to do it correctly but no thanks. I'm set in my ways and prefer floral carving, border stamping, or just plain leather. I do like beaded and fringed sheaths for period correct knives, an entirely different critter IMO than a pistol holster.

I am positive Criag C's holster will be first class and I want to see it.

PS: I wish I could find the McArthur series on DVD. That dude went loaded for bear and big ones at that.

I like studs/conchos but beads aren't my thing. For a rendezvous/mountain man rig I would wear it, but for a cowboy/western type setup it's not my cuppa

Varminterror said:

I did a holster a few years ago with inlaid beading down the top strap and then a shaped panel across the front. The beads were recessed to be a little more protected than a conventional beaded holster in which the loomed beadwork is stitched proud on top of the surface.

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How did you get them recessed/inlaid?

Not a fan of beads, rhinestones and sequins perhaps. Kidding.

But, whatever turns you on.

I like it. Its got more of an explorer, a "frontier" or "mountain man" vibe as opposed to a "gunfighter" vibe

They seem to me to be appropriate for early percussion revolvers but not the later cartridge guns. YMMV.

I do admire your work.

Dave

I'd like to have a padded rifle case that was quilled in black and red.

1KPerDay said:

How did you get them recessed/inlaid?

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I wish I had saved photos, but you’ll all be disappointed with how simple it was compared to how the mind wants it to be…

Multiple layers to the holster, with a simple cut out in what would be the external layer, and the beading laid into the cut out. So instead of standing proud on the surface, the beads were sunken into the inlay void, less apt to snag at the edges of the beading. Edge snags and pressure are inevitably how beading gets damaged, so recessing into and framing with the exterior leather adds a lot of protection. I’d done the same in a lot of spur straps, belts, and hatbands, so I figured I’d try it in that holster.

Here’s an example - not my work, just depicts the simple beaded inlay:



I actually used 3 layers for that holster - a fine layer to which I sewed the warp of the beading to the leather, which I glued with full backing contact to the interior lining leather, so then the exterior leather sandwiched that backer to the lining as well. It was simply easier to anchor the warps that way, and didn’t leave exposed stitching inside the holster.

It is native art.
Lots of examples of beadwork and tackwork in the museum at Cody.

I'm intrigued by the beadwork and quillwork of Lally House.
I would buy one.

I really like it!

BOARHUNTER

I like the idea, but it’s really easy to go awry with historic style. I would have to do it all the way… buffalo or deer hides, porcupine quills, etc. and In traditional style, with a dressed up revolver in it and a brass tacked sharps or low wall counterpart.

For me, it would have to be the right style. I couldn't tell you what it is though, just know it if I saw it. I don't think I'd do it on a holster, but for the right style knife and/or tomahawk sheath, sure, with the right style. It may look interesting on a leather rifle sling too.

I like it and I would buy one.

Not for me really, but then I don't wear holsters all that often. When I do, I like them as plain as possible.

CraigC said:

... I'm just wondering how many people actually like it or not. Please chime in if you would actually pay extra for it.

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Those holsters look niiiiice.

That said, I have zero interest in ever owning a holster like those (my firearms interests are focused on more utilitarian-grade items) ... BUT ... if I did, I would expect to pay a premium for such labor-intensive dazzle-craft.

Varminterror said:

I wish I had saved photos, but you’ll all be disappointed with how simple it was compared to how the mind wants it to be…

Multiple layers to the holster, with a simple cut out in what would be the external layer, and the beading laid into the cut out. So instead of standing proud on the surface, the beads were sunken into the inlay void, less apt to snag at the edges of the beading. Edge snags and pressure are inevitably how beading gets damaged, so recessing into and framing with the exterior leather adds a lot of protection. I’d done the same in a lot of spur straps, belts, and hatbands, so I figured I’d try it in that holster.

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Interesting. Thank you

I prefer plain looking holsters and generally like the least buckles, beads, clasps, zippers or etc. I worry they will wear poorly. Those look great right now but rub off a few beads and it'll look ratty.

For a bbq holster id definitely consider it, a nice hat and bolo tie to match the holster would be quite handsome, but I own dozens of non beaded holsters and usually just go bright tan for "visible" holsters i want to look upscale vs. Black holsters for business

Like others, if I was participating in Cowboy Action Shooting or some other form of historical reenacting, I would probably be more interested. Have a old quiver I used back in the early 70s that was embellished with beadwork done by a local Native American. She was the grandmother of a friend at High School. She's the one that informed me there was no Native American beadwork until the Europeans came to the country. Native Americans at that time did not have currency, or any real need for it. Those shiny glass beads traded for furs and other things soon became their currency and the products produced with them, another item to trade. Became a time in history that beadwork became one of the few ways native Americans could make money here.

Knowing Craig's artistic talent, I believe he can do a great job after some practice. Looking forward to seeing what he comes up with.