Raiders Holster

[tlivin]

Just got my Todd's Raiders holster. Nice looking holster and construction looks good. Todd's costumes is great. Now I need to finish my 1917 and take it and the holster out for a day of shooting.

[generalFROSTY]

I just got my weapons belt, whip holder and Raiders holster from Todd (I can't believe I've been a gearhead for nearly a year and this is my first set of these!) and I am very happy with them.
Todd's prices are more than fair, and you are getting quality leather items. I already gave the items some adventure weathering and they look just right.
I just need a revolver to go in that holster now!

[RaidersBash]

Hey Guys,

So here's a thread from awhile ago. Check the pictures farther down the thread. I've wetblocked a couple more since this, and each one gets better and better. The gun used is a clone of a Smith and Wesson K-Frame...almost identical to the Raiders pistol.

I'm willing to wetblock any of Todd's holsters FREE OF CHARGE for any COW member who wants it done, just pay the shipping.

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=44971

[generalFROSTY]

RaidersBash, thanks for that link - I had forgotten how nice you did your holster. It has a very vintage, settled-in look.
When I first opened my Todd holster the other day, I knew it was great but really needed a "used" adventure look.
First thing I did was carefully roll and squeeze the heck out of it to soften up the leather a bit and to give it some natural looking creases. Then I used a fine-grit sandpaper, weathering down the edges more and lightly sanding the raised creases on the main body.
I wasn't going for any particular screen-worn look, but a general "been through an adventure or two" look and I am very happy with how it turned out.
I utilized the same teqnique on the weapons belt as well. I will try and get some pics taken and posted soon.
I know we have a few members here that are staunch supporters of natural weathering, but I really enjoy doing it the Hollywood way!

[RaidersBash]

Thanks Frosty!

I should throw up some pictures of the last one I did. I think it may look better than the one in the thread, but then again...that one does look pretty good if I do say so myself (oh yea...you said so too...

[Hollowpond]

I have very few gear pieces that I am 100% happy with, but Todd's Raiders holster is one of them! I have an old Smith 38 that I carry in it and it is awesome! Really can not be beat for 30 clams.

Travis

[Quindy]

I'm willing to wetblock any of Todd's holsters FREE OF CHARGE for any COW member who wants it done, just pay the shipping.

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=44971

I wish you'd live in europe. These holsters are looking so fabulous. I've only darkened my Todd's with olive oil and used some Pecards.

[tlivin]

Quindy how well does the olive oil work at darkening the holster. I've never thought of using olive oil.

[binkmeisterRick]

Olive oil would definitely make the holster tastier!

[RaidersBash]

Do a quick search on "olive oil"

It's been discussed in some detail on the forum.

I'm a big fan and have used it for years on horse tack, and it's been used for a couple thousand years in caring for leather....so, if it's been around that long...and people still swear by it...

[binkmeisterRick]

And it's also been discussed, that depending on your climate, such oils make your gear tasty to bugs, for what it's worth. Your mileage may vary.

[RaidersBash]

That may be true.

I personally have NEVER experienced this, but to prevent any damage by pest, I highly recommend NOT STORING your gear, but take it out and play with it often!

I have used Olive Oil on pretty much every piece of leather gear I own (except my jacket) to darken and condition, including the holsters pictured in this thread, Todd's bullwhip listed in another thread...my leather gear belt to soften it...not too mention countless saddles and bridles

WORD OF CAUTION!!!!

Remember however, too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing! Olive Oil is a liquid...if you soak leather too much in a liquid the fibers will have a tendency to seperate. I have only experienced this on OLD leather...but just wanted to put it out there as a caution to go slow.

[IndyMaster]

I also am a fan of Todd's. Love my Raiders holster.

[tex1272]

I still have my MBA holster I bought 10 years ago. It still looks brand new.

[Indiana Croft]

Hey RaidersBash, can you give me a little more detail on wet blocking. I mean do you soak the holter till its staurated or just really wet.
I love playing around w/distressing my gear (sorry Michealson ) and would love to give this a try. There be no problem with S&W, have a nice 1917 to put in there to shape it.

Croft

[Indiana Jeff]

Wet molding generally mean soaking the holster, but really you just want the leather to soften up and be pliable so it'll depend largely on the thickness of the leather in question. Then put your pistol of choice in there, mold the leather to the gun and let it dry at room temperature. A good coating of leather conditioner after would be a good idea.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[kwad]

If it is a Todd's holster, the leather is pretty thin and it is easy to mold.

I just soaked mine from the inside out with warm water, put my gun in the holster and worked it over with my thumb/fingertips until it took on the shape I liked.

My gun is a Tanaka airsoft, so I wasn't too concerned with it getting wet.
If I were to do it with a real S&W, I'd give it a liberal coat of gun oil and wrap it in seran wrap before putting it into a wet holster.