I wanted to make a holster for my Kronos Cu X5 so I could carry it and protect the finish. After getting a proper tail switch sent from Steve to replace the handmade prototype LED switch it originally came with, I now had a properly working light that needed to be used. So, I broke out my leather scrap stash and whipped up a holster for it just winging the design. I think it came out pretty well and looks clean modern. Here are some pics.
I made it with a piece of heavy gun holster leather for the back and loop. The front and one-piece back/cover leather came from my old Ikea seat cushion I replaced this year. Not one to let any nice leather go to waste, I saved the leather from the old cushion when I replaced it. I knew I'd find a use for it. :)
Brass colored snap used to lock the cover. The back of the snap is covered in leather so it doesn't scratch or wear the lovely copper of the light.
I didn't wet-form the leather on this one. It was all dry shaped because I was in a hurry to complete the project in one sitting and was too lazy to wait for wet leather to dry. Came out really well, IMO.
The one piece outer section looks spectacular and clean. Most of my holsters have stitched on belt loops or are stitched up from several pieces. I LOVE how this one came out. Nice!
Finger cutouts to easily grip and remove the light.
If you ever want to make a holster for a light don't hesitate to give it a go. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Plus it's fun and gives great bragging rights and a sense of pride when it comes out nice. Post some pics of holsters you've made and share the fun with the rest of us! :D
I wish I could see the leather cut out prior to assembly, did you make a template first or just wing it?
I also see very little stitching, looks like just a tack on each side by the head. Is this bonded together? If so what type of glue do you use?
I just winged it with no plans, sorry. Just kind of fit it together and laid it out as I went.
Lack of stitching lends hugely to the clean look. Here's a leather secret I have no clue how many are aware of, but it's my secret. At least it is until the next sentence. Carpenter's glue. That's right, carpenter's glue. Waterproof once dry, dries quick and, if applied properly, bonds leather perfectly as if the leather was a single piece. The trick is to apply a thin layer to both pieces being mated. Work it into the fiber with your finger, let it dry to a light tack, then apply a thin coating to one side and join. Works waaayyy better than contact cement which is what most folks use to bond leather.
I apply a single stitch of waxed cotton thread to each corner to take any extra stress and ensure it stays.
And good for the snap backing. Most folks use a felt disc which wears through for that (if it doesn’t come off first). I do almost nothing but tool pouch repairs anymore, but I’ve sold over a dozen custom holsters + make all my own, made motorcycle saddlebags and tool bags, and made some custom tool pouches (the last of which is nearly dead after about 20 years of hard use). Can’t begin to count the belts, straps, and such I’ve made, altered, or repaired. My last project was a hatchet cover/sheath.
Just don’t have the time or need to do much anymore because hand stitching takes so long and I’ve got what I need already for the most part. Never tried wood glue though, how well does it hold up to abuse? The main reason I got started in leatherwork was economy- I once had a source of dirt-cheap heavy leather but it’s gone. Then came custom work to get what wasn’t sold. Never got fancy with stamps and such, just super-heavy-duty things where there was a need. I’ve still got over 1 1/2 sides and the rest stored away; maybe someday I’ll get back into it. R.I.P. the local Tandy Leather stores that once made that hobby easy- did you know they were a Radio Shack affiliate?
Nice holster! I like the way it is designed with front and back attached to the heavy duty loop. I made a few holsters in the course of years, and I may steal this idea for a next one :-)
Cobblers glue. It`s a flexible superglue. They use it to glue the rubber soles of boots and shoes to leather uppers.
I found out about this when I took a pair of boots with the soles half way pulled off to the shoemaker. http://www.amazon.com/Cobblers-Quick-Bonding-Adhesive-Super/dp/B00LRTXTKG
First link I came to, other varieties and sources available.
