Taking Care of Your Leather Holster and Belt

We often receive calls from people that have acquired their grandfathers holster and wonder what they can "put on it" to treat the leather and give it some life. Depending on if the leather is full grain cowhide and whether or not the leather has been dyed is what we want to know first. If no color has been put on the leather than a light treatment of 100% Neatsfoot Oil (not the Compound) is what we would recommend for conditioning your leather.

We use a patch of sheepskin dipped in oil but a light cloth would work for doing a small project. Be careful not to saturate the hide.You want to apply a light coat slowly and allow the holster to sit and tone for at least 24 hours before applying another coat.

Leather by its very nature is organic and depending on how the hide was tanned you may not be able to get the desired results with oil. If your leather is chrome or uric tanned absorbtion will be inhibited. We don't use anyything but Vegetable tanned cowhide. You can tell if your holster is uric tanned by the smell. You can't miss it. Especially if you get stuck in a downpour, run to your truck, get in, and wonder...did the cat pee in my truck? Chrome tanned leather is known to be hard on steel so we don't use that either.

Are you looking for that perfect western lawman outfit?  Look no more. Circle KB has the largest selection of reproduction and frontier western costume badges on the WWW to help you become Wyatt Earp or a US Territory Marshal.

Celebrating our 20th year serving wild west enthusiasts all over the globe. From specially designed Bounty Hunter USA and the famous Circle KB Stinkin' Badge. You will find Marshal, Tombstone, Deputy and Ranger Badges for display and collections. Fun to give as gifts too!Follow Circle KB All Western Cowboy's board Old West Reproduction and Novelty Badges on Pinterest.

Worthy information. I for one like it when people ask good questions.Today I was able to respond to some questions emailed to us from a potential customer. I am repurposing the Q & A emails into this handy blog.

We are always here to help you as you make your holster decisions. If you have questions because you have an idea that you aren't quite sure will work let us know. We have made holsters for everything from knives to tool holsters for railroad workers, and of course Brett makes for Single Action revolvers. Want to substitute guns and gun belts to maximize the use of your outfit with an interchangeable holster or multi caliber gun belt? We make them all of the time. And, as ever, know we appreciate being your Maker of choice. Now, onto the business of answering good questions about Circle KB Holsters. It's worthy information. ~kris~

This is a copy of a series of Q&A we had today with a potential customer. It may help answer some questions you might have as well.

I am interested in your A1 Quick Draw Holster products and have some questions.
The gun is a New Model Blackhawk .45 LC with a 5 ½ inch barrel.

These questions apply to the A1 Quickdraw Classic Holster and the A1 Deputy Holster.
1. Is it possible to remove the holster from the gun belt and sub in a different holster at need?
Answer: Yes as long as it laces through the slot in the belt. A1 holster skirts are cut flared so you have to use a little elbow grease to get them on or off but it can be done. You would also want to use another A1 style holster to substitute. Ie a Mexican Loop holster won't work on a Buscadero drop loop gun belt.
2. If the holster can be removed, how wide of a regular belt could it be attached to?
Answer: It could slide onto standard 2-3/4"+ but the standard A1 Quickdraw holster design is built for a Buscadero belt which is completely different than a A1 holster made to ride on a straight cut "Old Timer" gun belt. We would not recommend the standard A1 Quickdraw holster as an interchangeable option for a straight cut belt. We build them differently, without a flared skirt which serves as a "break" on the buscadero gunbelts if they are to ride on a straight cut belt.
3. Is there a hole in the bottom of the holster so that it could hold a gun with a longer barrel?
Answer: Yes unless you want it sewn closed.
4. Does the thigh tie loop go through the interior of the holster where it would be possible for the gun barrel to rub against?
Answer: No, the hole is below the end of the barrel muzzle
5. The A1 Quickdraw Classic Holster has a buckle on it.  Is this buckle for undoing the holster from the belt?
Answer: You would have to remove it to remove the holster all the way from the gun belt.
6. The A1 Deputy Holster does not have a buckle on it.  Does it use a snap to undo the holster from belt?
Answer: No, it’s a Chicago Screw in the back of the strap.


Then:
http://www.circlekb.com/product/DEP.html
The Deputy Holster and Pistol Belt
Gun Manufacturer:   Ruger
Gun Model: Black Hawk   (New Model Black Hawk)
Pistol Caliber: 45 LC
Barrel Length: 5-1/2”
Gun Belt Size 37-1/2
Configuration: Right Hand Draw
Fully Lined Deptuy Rig:   Yes 
Color: Hand Dyed Black As Shown
Hand Tooling: No Tooling
Conchos: No conchos
Buckle Set: As Shown
Hammer Thongs: Yes
Thigh Ties Yes

Notes:  Start shell loops 2 inch behind gun handle (do not want any loops above or behind the gun handle) and add as many loops as possible up to two inch behind the leather strap that holds the buckle on the right side. OKAY

Do NOT want the hole at the bottom of the holster sewn shut. NO PROBLEM

Can you do a half Gun Belt Size at 37-1/2? YES

From this info can you estimate the total loop count? Yes, 24 up to 30 
Do you ship to PO Box? YES
Are there shipping and handling charges? YES
Estimated time to ship after placement of order? 10-14 weeks AverageYear Round
Will you take credit card over phone? Yes

The Best Way to Load Your Gun Belt

You might be surprised but it makes a difference. Some people try laying their belt flat on a table and then force the bullets into the loops. The preferred method, and one that won't make you mad because you think your bullet loops are too darn tight, is to put on your gun belt before you add your ammo. That way the natural bend around your body is already there for you and its easy to slide your cartridges in the loops.

If you are the kind of guy that likes things laid out ahead of you then just let the gun belt bend as you add your ammunition to each loop. We know...seems so simple but really, if you have been laying your belt flat to load your bullets you will thank us for this little tidbit. And, you are welcome ;)

True Custom - It makes a difference.

Today we explore the definition of "custom", particularly as it relates to custom holsters and gun belts that are hand made by one person using only hand tools and a sewing machine. No clickers, no dye cut pressed patterns, no machines stamping out generic holsters like a dime a dozen, no embossing, no cheap or old imported leather, no other hand touches it but the Maker. It makes a difference.

Custom Holster Dictionary

Custom (adjective)

always used before a noun like in the word holster or gun belt
chiefly USA

1: made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person
▪ custom holster▪ I am going to get a nice custom made leather holster for my Single Action Army Colt .45, 5-1/2”  revolver. It will fit me and my gun like a glove.▪ custom holster patterns▪ custom holsters[=custom-made holsters] gun belts▪ a custom [=custom-built] A custom gun belt is made to fit me and the guns I carry in the caliber I shoot.

2: doing work that fits the needs or requirements of a particular person
▪ a custom holster maker▪ a custom gunleather shop
My new custom holsters are made by Maker Brett Park. He makes custom holsters in his gunleather shop for people all over the world.
 

Gun Belts and Holsters On the Bench



A1 Quickdraw Echo with Antiqued Silverberry Conchos and Western Floral Buckle

 FACEBOOK Bench Photos. Like us while your there and share us with your pards. We appreciate it.

Q & AWho really makes custom holsters? Its so confusing online.

Answer: If you like western style holsters there are a handful that you should check out. Obviously, we think Circle KB holsters made exclusively by Maker Brett Park are among the highest quality, best fitting western style holsters in the industry. Not to say there aren't other good makers out there, but, Brett is one of the best.

If you like fully carved outfits check out PurdyGear.com. We really like her style and artistry, and its purdy.

See more holster and gun belt Makers at our page devoted strictly to Custom Holster Makers and high quality providers at Holster Makers Junction.

Posts coming up sooner or later...

Darn glad Spring is Here
Getting Lost and Found in the Woods with No One Else Knowing
Why Cowboy Action Shoot when I only want to play with my guns and horses in the woods?
Range Manners - Never having to say I'm sorry.
What is Cowboy Fast Draw? Does it take a whole different set up?
Got a Horse and Like to Shoot?
The Western Shooting Horse - Big Dollars for Well Trained Athletes
Enjoying the Great Outdoors

Circle KB is entering our 15th year of providing people across the world well made, hand crafted gun belts and holsters and western cowboy memorabilia. As we enter this year we are looking forward to the people we will meet and serve.

When we started Circle KB we were younger but not any more eager to do a good job. That I believe has been the secret to our success. We are not a big business in today's' standards but we are a good business. We are committed to listening to our customers, doing things efficiently, and we care about how much you like our products and service. Our goal is to do a good job for each person, every day.

We have grown our business answering questions, finding good products and bringing them to the market. Not everything we do has been a huge success. But, what we like to do most has. We enjoy helping people keep the cowboy and western frontier spirit alive in their homes and lifestyles. It is our pleasure to talk to people from all over the world. We are most grateful for the opportunities we have had to serve our over 20,000 orders to date.

Westward Ho for Christmas

Featuring our line of True West Westward Ho cowboy dinnerware. Available in four styles: Christmas, Rodeo, Boot and Saddle and Longhorn. All dishwasher safe and durable. Highly collectible patterns with artwork by Till Goodan.

We personally use the Rodeo pattern at home and love it!