My take on "Hand of God"...

Y

Y-T71

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Jul 5, 2011
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Some may remember the Taylor's Smoke Wagons I picked up and others may remember my desire for some nice leather for them.

Well, I recently tried my hand a making a belt and holster from scratch.

Please be gentle and realize that I have never even remotely tried my hand a leather work in any way shape or form before this!

I watched 100's of hours of YouTube videos, got some basic, necessary tools together contacted Mr Will Ghormley for his pattern pack (straight up A+, 1st class individual by the way), bought a veg-tanned double shoulder and went to work.


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Thank you.

I didn't really keep track of my time but, cutting, prepping, carving and stamping the holster was probably 4-5 hours over the course of a few days.

The stamping on the belt felt like it too the longest but that might have been because it was tediously repetitive.
 
Thank you guys!
Today is my sons birthday (he's 18 today!) and I'm giving him the revolver.
I wanted him to have nice leather also.

As is usually the case, I have more money wrapped up in the tools and materials than if I would've bought one but, this was handmade by his father and my hope is that it gets passed down to his family; mistakes and all.
 
Got another one "tee'd up"
This one's for me and my 4¾" .45 Colt (I gave my son the 5½" .357)

Had to go to the leather store this morning while this one dried (1½ hrs north, near Cleveland) for some 4-5oz leather for cartridge loops and to upgrade a couple of tools.

I originally bought a kit from Amazon and, while Chinese in origin, it did have many serviceable tools but, I quickly learned where better quality tools would make a difference!

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*edit*

Also, as an homage to "The Hand of God", since I won't be putting a silver cross in the grip of my Smoke Wagon, I thought maybe a concho with a cross in the chape might be kinda cool...

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Very nice work....and, if I read your original post correctly, this is your first attempt at holster/belt making....which makes it nothing short of outstanding. Best regards, Rod
 
Rodfac said:
Very nice work....and, if I read your original post correctly, this is your first attempt at holster/belt making....which makes it nothing short of outstanding. Best regards, Rod
Click to expand...
Aside from poking a couple of holes in my work belt, yes, this is the 1st time I have worked with leather.

I often have terrible trouble sleeping so, after watching a gentleman who goes by the name "Road Agent Leather" make this holster on YouTube for many months, I then made this holster countless times in my head all those sleepless nights.

I've done this "trick" with most of my projects over the years and absolutely believe it has genuine merit for me.
 
I missed this. As a long time floral carver I have to say that is excellent work for the very first attempt.

When I started Al Stholman's books were the only how to source of information and practice was the only way to learn. Computers, internet, and youtube were far in the future. When Gormley arrived on the scene I always considered him kind of lame when compared to Stholman in information. My fingers have become so stiff my leather working days may be done. Considering the price of good leather it may be a blessing in disguise for someone that only does it for a hobby now.
 
Wow! Very nice work. Impressive first effort.

I do not possess that kind of talent. I made a knife sheath and a holster years ago. I wore them at a big cowboy action match. At the very sight of my handy work women avoided me, small children cried and men just shook their heads and mumbled. :rofl:
 
Your first attempt was outstanding, especially for a first attempt. I can see improvement in the second attempt. I look forward to seeing what you do next.
 
Y-T71 said:
As is usually the case, I have more money wrapped up in the tools and materials than if I would've bought one but
Click to expand...
That's how just about every "project" ends up for me. Some impressive work, for certain.
Pat Riot said:
I wore them
Click to expand...
At least you made something that functioned. I built a dog house once. First time it rained, the dog crawled under it.

People that create pretty stuff (that works) with their hands have my utmost respect.
 
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