First Rig

[blackhawk rock]

This is my first rig. It is 3 inches wide and has around 100 spots on it. There are 12  bullet loops 44/45.  I was going for a flashy bandit look.I have made casual belts and wallets, but this is the first gun rig. I know there are mistakes so let me have it. There is no picture of the main seam because my knife skills leave something to be desired.

[Buffalo Creek Law Dog]

If that is your first rig, you don't have a problem.    Nothing wrong with that. For the bandit look, I would add more bullet loops

[Johnny McCrae]

Welcome to the Leather Forum. You did a great job on your first Rig. We look forward to seeing your future projects.

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[Marshal Will Wingam]

Welcome. That's a fine rig. Remember that you are your own worst critic. That's good, though, since it helps you to keep moving forward. Keep 'em coming. Thumbs-up!

[1961MJS]

This is my first rig. It is 3 inches wide and has around 100 spots on it. There are 12  bullet loops 44/45.  I was going for a flashy bandit look.I have made casual belts and wallets, but this is the first gun rig. I know there are mistakes so let me have it. There is no picture of the main seam because my knife skills leave something to be desired.

Good job.

Note that crappy knife skills is one of the reasons lots of leather workers have them belt sanders....

Don't ask me how I know that.   

Later

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Welcome to our forum, and for a first rig , you did a dandy job, thanks for sharing , and keep up the good work pard...

tEN wOLVES

[Capt Quirk]

I wholly agree with others, that is a great first. I would only suggest you line your holster when using spots or rivets, so that you don't scratch up you pistol.

[blackhawk rock]

Thanks for the compliments. I learned a lot doing this one. The next will be better. Maybe lined and cross draw.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

You mentioned that your knife work could be better. I suggest you get a knife that you can push through the leather as well as draw it toward yourself. To cut curves, I rock the blade and move the leather rather than try to drag a knive around in a curve. Here are a few that I find useful for that.
The first pic is of the three I use the most.



The top one is my absolute favorite made from a power hacksaw blade but you could make one from a circular saw blade, too. The handle is shoe sole glued on. Leather can get glued on there just as effectively. In fact the knife I copied for it was one an old saddle maker I worked for made and used. Here's a photo that shows the size.



The next one down is what I use mostly for skiving. It's also made from a saw blade. The last one I use to trim tight spots. That one you can't cut pushing away. I bought that one.

Many like a round knife, of which many are available or you can, as I did, make your own out of a circular saw blade. Keep a box of bandaids handy until you get used to using one. These are really good for skiving, too.



Oh, yeah, keep the blade sharp and strop it every couple cuts to keep it sharp and clean of the natural oils in the leather. When I feel a blade start to drag a little, I strop. For that, I put jeweler's rouge on the rough side of a scrap of leather.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

LOL Will, you make a good point on the round knife , I wore a few band aids my ownself when learning how to use one.


tEN wOLVES 

[Capt Quirk]

ROFL!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Yeah, that photo was good fun to make. I did, however, slice up my wrist a bunch one day from the back of one tip that kept touching my arm while doing some cuts. LOL

[blackhawk rock]

Marshall thanks for the information and the photos. I have been using a utility knife that I strop and the bottom knife you pictured. I have zero knowledge on making knives, could you recommend a good round knife?

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I really don't know since I made mine from a circular saw blade.

I'm sure some of the workers will chime in here with their favorites.

If I were to buy for one myself, I'd look at Osborne knives.

[Capt Quirk]

My current knife for cutting leather, is a $4 Wal Mart folder. Good tip, and it has a decent edge. Only one point to worry about, keeping self mutilation to a minimum.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Speaking of one point, I've been considering making one like this:

[Capt Quirk]

That looks more user friendly, and less like an exotic fighting knife. I think the round knife design is also favored in kitchens, and even by Eskimos, so who am I to critique the knife?