In The Beginning or Not All Holsters Are Created Equal

How It Began

My journey into leather-craft began way back in 2015 when I ordered a new Askins Avenger style holster to replace the one that I had been carrying for years.  The holster in question was not just any holster.  It was bought new from Bianchi back sometime in 1967 or '68 by my father. He carried it for years and I hijacked it at some point while I was in college.  That Avenger was my faithful companion throughout my adult life, until one day I realized that it it was just plum shot.  The poor old thing had carried a number of 1911's throughout my travels and even survived a call to duty when I was on the Sheriff's Department.  A new Avenger was ordered and I had plans of ceremoniously retiring the old one to a place of high honor (probably thrown in a box in my closet).  

The new holster arrived, and to say the least, I was totally disappointed. The new holster was made of much thinner leather. The sewing was terrible. The thread was much thinner than the old guy, and I am not sure where it was produced at (read China).  I decided to give the new avenger the benefit of the doubt and at least try it.  Whereas the old Avenger carried quite nicely with no "hot spots" and just felt right, this new abomination felt sloppy, floppy, and sad. It was uncomfortable to wear and time only made it worse. I questioned what type of leather it was, if it was even real leather.  A month or so of carry found the Old Avenger pressed back into service.

I was really paying attention to gunleather after this purchase and made the decision to start looking into buying a handmade holster.  I did have one pancake holster  that was made for my Glock 19 by one of my reserve officers who dabbled  in leather.  I gave him a photo of what I wanted and a week later he gave me a finished holster.  It was a fine holster and I used it very day whole I was the training coordinator.  I called the same person and asked if he could do an avenger style holster for me, but he had decided that, since he was not a gun guy, he would stick to producing wallets and purses.  After looking at some very expensive handmade holsters, I decided to do some research into making my own.  I ordered a double shoulder of 8-9 oz. Veg-tan leather from Weavers and ordered a few basic tools from Amazon.  I found a guy on the internet that offered downloadable patterns for 1911's and most Glocks. Best part, they were free at the time! I downloaded every pattern I could find and prepared to start making holsters.  It amazes me at how few YouTube videos there were at the time.

Armed with leather, tools,patterns, and a Master's degree from GYU (Google/YouTube University), off I went about producing the first holster.  I made a pancake holster  and an avenger-style holster for one of my 1911's. To my surprise they turned out fairly decent and they were actually very relaxing to do.  I found out that I enjoy hand stitching! I had a few friends compliment me on my work and ask for holsters of their own. My little tackle box of leather tools has grown into a roll-around toolbox of tools plus a dedicated workbench for leather-only. I've went from a half dozen holster patterns to around 65 in a filing cabinet.  I recently bought a Sailrite Leatherworker sewing machine. I only use it to sew in liners, though.  A good holster is always saddle stitched by hand! 

As for the original Avenger holster, it remained in service until 2024 when I finally decided to tackle such a monumental project. That is a story in and of itself.  I invite you to follow along as I post the stories and pictures of some of the holsters and rigs that I have made for people.  If you would like your own custom holster, feel free to reach out and we will see what we can do.  I currently have a display case full of holsters for sale at the Lanier Drive Flea Market in Madison, Indiana.