What is the best Raider's holster?

[baddates1]

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT

Welcome to the official "OLD AND NEW LEATHERWORKS" thread for my rendition of the Raiders holster!

I've seen plenty of people on here asking this question. Truth be told, that really comes down to how far a holster maker is willing to go. The true RAIDERS holster has weathering scuffs patched all over, which while subtle on camera, is definitely more extreme. Most holster makers will wet mold the holster to a perfect outline of the revolver, and then weather the ENTIRE outline as 1 consistent scuff... not even close to how the real one was made.

Me? I've opted to only SUBTLEY wet mold the holster to the shape of the cylinder, and the edge of the barrel. The screen used only had highlights in those areas, and those are roughly where the weather scuffs are seen (along with on the flap).





So what do I do? What's the secret? Well, steel wool is the secret. Sure you may use sandpaper, but that grinds on the leather and does more damage than good. I use a course grade of steel wool to lightly rub into those areas.

Here's the holster I sell on ETSY. Link attached below!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/907282835/ ... e_active_1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks to Trent Ryan for sharing pics of the holster I made custom for him!



And here it is on his cosplay!



Cheers all!

[tubasthebest]

I enjoy Trent's youtube videos. This is a great looking holster!

[bearbeast]

Uhhh, that is a nice looking, well loved & well worn holster!

[Ranger36]

I definitely agree with the subtle weathering and wet-molding as that's the way I tried to go with my Todd's many years back. Every time I see a holster looking like its been vacuum sealed, I shake my head.

Here's a question for the group though. I can't find the photos right now but I've seen some pictures that seem to indicate that the Raiders holster is much thinner than most versions seem to be. Almost a true thin vintage leather like the Crusade holster. Do we know where the Raiders holster is and how thick the leather should be? I'm inclined to think a vintage thin.

[Cajunkraut]

I can't find the photos right now but I've seen some pictures that seem to indicate that the Raiders holster is much thinner than most versions seem to be. Almost a true thin vintage leather like the Crusade holster. Do we know where the Raiders holster is and how thick the leather should be? I'm inclined to think a vintage thin.

Ranger,

Apparently an original is in the custody of top men at Lucasfilm. I'd pay just to see photos of it.

As you mentioned, we can only guess how thick it might be from photos of how the leather behaves. The thinnest repro I've handled is WPG's, which mimics the military holsters. Search "WPG" in Guns & Holsters for more on it.

https://onlinemilitaria.net/products/52 ... r-Holster/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[baddates1]

I can't find the photos right now but I've seen some pictures that seem to indicate that the Raiders holster is much thinner than most versions seem to be. Almost a true thin vintage leather like the Crusade holster. Do we know where the Raiders holster is and how thick the leather should be? I'm inclined to think a vintage thin.

Ranger,

Apparently an original is in the custody of top men at Lucasfilm. I'd pay just to see photos of it.

As you mentioned, we can only guess how thick it might be from photos of how the leather behaves. The thinnest repro I've handled is WPG's, which mimics the military holsters. Search "WPG" in Guns & Holsters for more on it.

https://onlinemilitaria.net/products/52 ... r-Holster/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The kind I used in the above pics is a 8-9oz, but I have gone lower before on other holster commissions. I'd probably recommend the lighter 5-6oz, being the best of both worlds.

[Chose Poorly]

If one were only choosing between a Todd’s or WPG holster, what would y’all recommend? Todd’s is a better color but the strap isn’t quite right. WPG needs darkening and distressing big time, but is maybe more SA... thoughts?

[IJJTM]

This thread is more so meant for bad dates to show their work off, but I have no complaints on my WPG holster, put it under some water with the gun in it and it looks nice.

[Chose Poorly]

This thread is more so meant for bad dates to show their work off, but I have no complaints on my WPG holster, put it under some water with the gun in it and it looks nice.

Ah, got it. Was thrown by the title. Maybe I’ll just buy a holster from baddates1 instead!

[IJJTM]

His stuff does look pretty good.

[Mark Raats]

I was very lucky to have been able to acquire a custom made bag-strap for a well-loved travel bag I own and a holster for my Indy S&W from Roger Brad Case

Superbly packaged down to the smallest detail and expertly crafted and weathered, these are without question among some of the finest Items I have purchased from numerous vendors over the years.



MARK

[baddates1]

Recently finished a custom LC holster with weathering.

Sorry, I've completely forgotten how to change photo size. [Mod note: When using Imgur, you can add the letter L after the file name (before .jpg) to shrink it to a more reasonable size, as I've done below:]

[bearbeast]

Wow, it looks very nice and ready for adventures!

[1dylannelson]

Beautiful! Just put in an order for one of yours a couple minutes ago!

[baddates1]

Welp, Halloween is just around the corner, and some last Raiders orders went out!

This one is (imo) as accurate as they get. A rich brown, weathering in various shades, and subtle wet molding. I actually found myself being somewhat jealous of the customer who ordered it, as I haven't made myself a holster for my ensemble just yet

Happy Halloween and All Saints Day!

[bearbeast]

Wow, nicely done. I like the subtle weathering on key points!

Cheers,
Bear

[makeitjones]

This is the last one I made - mild imprint, mild weathering on high points. Fully saddle stitched by hand from my own pattern template. Think it was made sometime in October - recently bought over a leather and fittings wholesale business so still keeping my hand in with Indy orders - so much leather to play with now...

[makeitjones]

And a Crystal Skull from round about the same time..

[makeitjones]

We use a really good embossing plate manufacturer to make up customers designs into stamps and foil plates. Treated myself to a custom M1917 stamp for my gear. First go with it in the big fly press - could have done with a lighter pressure:

[Parttimeteacher]

FWIW, other than the closure strap and stud being reversed, the Raiders holster always seemed like a Webley flare gun holster.

[knibs7]

https://imgur.com/a/oP0p8xT

[baddates1]

I should probably clarify to posters:

I'm mainly utilizing this thread to showcase my own work. I wrote the headline to present a question, then use the thread to showcase my answer to it. If other retailers wish to promote their work (they should!), please make a thread with pics for people to drool over I know I shall!

Thanks all!