My first attempt at a "distressed" holster.

I

IDAHOMIKE

New member
At the urging of Beagle333, I finally managed to build a distressed holster, which I have named the "333" as it was his idea to begin with. It was suprisingly hard to make it look beat up. I know y'all like pics so here ya' go! Let's hear what y'all think.

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Well Mike,
I LIKEY!! But just a little constructive criticism. I think maybe it would look "more beat up" with a light finish to the leather. Then in theory wouldn't the "scars" be darker in color? Just a thought! And I see that Navy is getting put to good use! Good Stuff
 
Sheeesh!...Why would you

.....Take all that time to make a perfectly good holster and then ruin it!?

Just kidding.....Just kidding....

I admire you. Leatherwork is not one of the things I am able to do well. I have a project I need to tackle but I am terrified I will kill myself in the process.

Nice looking (ruined) holster. :D

Tnx,
 
Very nice Very nice, thats fine craftsmanship right there. So how did you put the scratches on it to give it the old look? I'm just a tad bit curious, might do me one like it.
 
Time for a new holster looks to me :) . But still serviceable. Sign of the times that we have 'distress' a holster, when it used to be 'distressed' by simple wear and tear through 'use' :o .
 
Well, I'll play the contrarian. I like the look. But it doesn't look "worn" to me. The pattern looks too regular ... as if intentionally "distressed" rather than the look it would get if "well used." Maybe that's the look you wanted. My preference would be more toward a holster that showed signs of regular and rough use, but still lovingly cared for. I think that would suggest a modest working man's rig, scuffed at the toe, maybe some scratches from the occasional briar (which would tend most likely to east-west), etc.

Your leather working skills are far superior to mine (non-existent), so I probably shouldn't be talking. But you asked. My opinion, of course, is worth what you paid for it.
 
Well, I'll play the contrarian. I like the look. But it doesn't look "worn" to me.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's a lil too much for my taste. This one was mistreated, uncared for and has taken more abuse than most holsters will in 50 years. The white spots are where it had square Ronco studs in it a buncha years ago.

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I appreciate everyone's feedback. I had the feeling it looked too regular as well. To "age" it, I threw it in the driveway and ran it over a bit with the Gator, beat the edges on a cement post,then tried to add random toolmarks, scratches, etc. If I could do it again, I think I'd do the running over, use a lighter stain, and do without the tool marks. I kinda figured this wouldn't be everyones cup o' tea, but again I appreciate all the feedback.
 
Con: A few too many pockmarks/puncture marks, makes it look like it went through a patch of briers, thorns or cacti instead of an occasional run in with a strand of barbed wire.

Pro: I really like how dark the stain is and the color of it. On this particular holster, the dark stain is a saving grace from the large number of scars.

I think that the mild dents/depressions in the leather look better than the razor cuts, slices and puncture holes.

How it looks grows on you. Good job overall Mike! :)
 
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I agree that the puncture marks may be a bit much. I too like the depressions and the color. Maybe the degree of damage could be a factory option.
 
Nice job!

I never learned the art of leatherworking and I respect your talents plus the additional thought that went into properlly distressing theholster.
You can get some good image of aged holsters in the book "Packing Iron"
ZVP
 
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