Making a Pancake Leather Holster with Thumb Break, 1911 Commander

[@rh5971]

As a kid and young teen, I worked at the family gun shop and custom leather goods store. The entire family worked there and everyone did something. I started out doing menial tasks like tracing patterns and cutting stuff out. Later I would be hand stitching holsters and tanning skins. Eventually, I would be carving rifle stocks. Even after leaving home I would do this type of work from time to time. Now, my dad has passed, my grandfather is long gone and watching this video brought back so many memories. I miss the smell of leather and the satisfaction of a job well done and how customers appreciated our craft. I value the time I spent working into the night at my father's side. How I miss it. Thanks for posting the video and doing such quality work.

[@เอกพลกนกหงษ์]

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[@christianblattler6518]

I envy you. My parents werent gifted handcrafters. I wished I had a family like yours

[@rh5971]

@@christianblattler6518 You can create a family like that! Pick a craft and make a start of it. Best of luck and thank you!

[@dave5176]

Nobody says that you can't still do it. Get with it.

[@williamwood6106]

Sir, I’ve been making holsters and leather goods as a pastime since I was 12 years old. I just passed 71 a couple of weeks ago. I still try to watch master craftsmen at work, because one can ALWAYS learn something new, see something that will make a task easier, or discover there is a “better way”. Getting a good usable pattern established has never been easy for me but your video showed me some glaring mistakes in what I have been making for years. Excellent work, and doing it all shot from above, all steps clearly shown, shows you are an excellent teacher. Not chattering during it all is a blessing. And, thank you for NOT introducing the video by “ Hi Guyzzz”. Well done.

[@sandman93449dm]

Attention to detail shows in this video...old world craftsmanship. No 3D printer could accomplish what those two hands created...well done!

[@Nosanku]

I'll never scoff at the price of leather holsters again. I had no idea so much labor went into them. I was mesmerized watching that .

[@trexfishtec7375]

Great job, would never have thought of vacuum bagging to mold leather but makes perfect sense 👌

[@joshuahemingway4343]

Best holster tutorial I've seen. Thanks for including the pattern making. A lot of people work from premade patterns, so you rarely get to see the complexities of that process. Thank you.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching!

[@TFJotin]

Do you have a template for this you would be willing to share? Also, what kind of sewing machine do you have for this?

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Hi Justin - sorry, I never saw this message come through. Yes, I have a pattern available on my website. I use a Cobra Class 4 sewing machine from Leather Machine Company.

[@JasonToddie]

What does the water/resolene do to the finish?

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

The 50/50 water/resolene is the protective top coat. Resolene is an acrylic finish. It's not necessary to dilute it, but it seemed common practice among other makers, so I did the same. Diluting it makes it a little less glossy.

[@JasonToddie]

Ahh that's what I was thinking. I'm not a big fan of high gloss so I will try this. Does the acrylic harden the leather at all?

[@justinjohnson8816]

I see why leather gun holsters are so expensive now. So much time and great skill go Into making one. Awesome work .

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you - they do indeed take a lot of time!

[@user-dg7sy8cz3b]

Burnishing all the edges is fantastic! And so is all the rest, from draftsmanship, design, sewing and finish! Great craftsmanship.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@DevinBushrow]

This was mesmerizing to watch. Great job looks like fantastic quality.

[@busque15]

in our "digital" world it s nice to see people like you still making handmade beautiful product with heart and passion !!!

[@marcusm.8374]

Very very nice job. Amazing craftsmanship ! Thanks for the video.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@bozly209]

This made my evening. You sir are a true craftsman. Beautiful piece.

[@marinaabad1532]

Eric, your experience, and talent show in your finished holster. I have a drawer full of holsters for various carry purposes of the 7 hand guns we have. They include Blackhawk molded polymers, Galcos, a couple of klydex. By far the most cherished and used are the custom holsters, ordered for a specific model, and waited on for weeks for delivery. Like the holster in your demonstration, those will be heirlooms and handed down with the pistol/revolver they were made for. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. It's made me appreciate the holsters I have all the more.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Roman for the kind words. Take care, sir!

[@carycleland9506]

I’m not sure what is more impressive, your leather work or your drawing skills.

[@enzogreco9303]

I love that the thumb snap is designed for cocked and locked carry

[@horatio9400]

I have made a few leather items for myself and friends during the last couple of years and always pride myself on figuring out the best process for making nice looking quality items. But now I watched this video and the voices in my head keep saying "Why didn't you do it the way Adams did?" HAHA! Your work, sir, is VERY impressive and I enjoyed the video very much. It's like leather makers porn! Can't stop once ya start watching. HAHA! Thank you for sharing! I have subscribed!

[@Dart388thVFW]

C3leatherworks here: I started out watching your videos. It's six year later and I still learned something from watching this video today!. Thanks for all you do.!!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Great to hear! Thank you for the support and thanks for watching!

[@sergioaugustoabreucruz296]

Beautiful work on leather, executed by a genius, whose skills come to perfection. I did not know this technique here in Brazil. Congratulations and long life.

[@alfieparris3795]

For over 30 years I ran my gunsmithing operation. You make very high quality leather work..

[@oscarserrajr]

Belíssimo trabalho! Com certeza fruto de muita dedicação, esforço e prazer no que faz.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Obrigado pelo elogio. Eu realmente gostei disso! Obrigado por assistir.

[@franciscoavina4962]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks p

[@germanbravo9949]

Very good work, laborious and difficult for many of us who would like to execute it, congratulations.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@missouriairgunner281]

That is amazing i wanna build a holster like this for my Glock 17 plus make a triple mag pouch for my glock

[@2000bobbyteague]

Beautiful work.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much!

[@WhatMACHI]

Thanks for bringing us through this process, it was absolutely intriguing!

[@alanferris6085]

I also forgot to say that you make a very clean and nice holster,I like it a lot... thank you for sharing your fine work.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Alan - and thanks again for watching!

[@jeanmartox3570]

Magnifique, sublime!! On en redemande tellement vous travaillez bien!! Merci!!

[@standziuba6040]

AN OUTSTANDING PIECE OF CLASSY LEATHER WORKING. BRAVO!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Stan! I appreciate it!

[@sizzorjack]

Truly a master at work.

[@victorrodriguez2806]

It's good to see a serious craftsman using a round knife. Usually you tube only shows butchers with box cutters.

[@Lapeerphoto]

Work of art. Well made, and beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration.

[@heleti0000]

Spellbound for the entire video. Superb craftsmanship - in these days of vac-firmed polymer everything, it’s refreshing to see a handmade item of such quality. Having made a couple of (crude) holsters and archery items myself, all I can say is that I am in awe.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@ypsifrog]

Excellent, but you gave away all your steps for free, why buy one now? ,,Oh yea, the tools, equipment, area, time, supplies, skills, practice, ect. but nice to see what all goes into it...

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks for watching! Your comments are exactly what prompted me to create my first video. I figured customers would enjoy seeing all the work that goes into a holster, and it'd help them understand why my holsters were so much more expensive than off-the-shelf stuff they can pick up at the local gun shop. Take care!

[@alexgaddis7109]

Eric Adams plus some people might see what goes into it and decide they don’t want to put in the effort. Or they realize that they don’t have the skill. They also might try it and give up two seconds in.

[@bogopuar7463]

If you really want to learn how to make holsters buy his video. It's amazing!

[@andreasdahl717]

hehe, try making one :D its not as easy as he make it look.

[@UpcomingJedi]

Anyone can do it with a little patience and remember to measure 2x and cut once. Same thing applies to stitching or gluing reinforcements then realising its on the bottom end instead of the top.

[@JonathanBaileyn2u]

This is the first time I have ever seen a leather holster made.... I am at awe.. this was amazingly crafted! My mind has been shifted to a leather holster now. :) Amazing!

[@kalebd1868]

am I the only one watching the drawing in the beginning and lost as fuck Dx in so confused

[@zeafus]

yeah i was lol

[@Colbyhgreen]

yes! haha!

[@webslinger67]

You have to build enough holsters then you would understand lol.

[@jcmillercrossedblessedoutd1421]

Me too.....

[@steves1608]

It's satisfying watching a skilled craftsman at work..

[@nikolaevdll]

Круто! Мастер!

[@austincrews7575]

Thank you for showing the design process - this is extremely helpful.

[@sethh8892]

*ThIs TrIgGeRs Me*

[@ConservativeGangstR]

You must be a member of PETA. LOL

[@HKBronc]

This video is my gospel for holstermaking.

[@leatherwiz]

As a tanner it is great to see what a piece of leather can become with great craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing this.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you, I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@alessandrozampogna9449]

E' un capolavoro. Rimarrei a guardare per ore un artigiano così. Niente da invidiare ai nostri artigiani della pelle fiorentini. Vorrei tanto imparare questa arte...farei da garzone di bottega gratuitamente per "rubare" l'arte del mestiere. It's a masterpiece. I'll pass hours looking at this magnificent artisan masterpieces. I will work for him for free, just to get the art of doing these jobs. Thank you for showing us your skills!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you for the kind words, and thank you for watching! Have a great day!

[@stefananegroaei]

superb craftmanship! golden hands you have!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Stefan, and thanks for watching!

[@chrispolopolus8656]

Wow! A great craft and a very skillful craftsman! Beautiful Job Well Done

[@butchcassidy3562]

Thats was ridiculous. What craftsmanship. A lost art in our modern world. I’ve got to have an Adams after seeing this.

[@wayneminor5559]

Same. I'm newly into to my leather work adventure but even if I manage to learn, I think I'm gonna want a holster built by the man himself.

[@scottmccarthy7035]

I absolutely love the vacuum trick that is cool can’t get any better than that nice

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! The setup has worked pretty well for me over the years. Thanks for watching!

[@idahofishgamer3560]

I watched your video this weekend I made my first ever gun holster it looks amazing I have a vacuum sealer it worked I'm so happy thank you took 12 dollars and made something for life

[@thedirtydiana863]

Just thought I'd watch the first couple of minutes but this just mesmerizing to watch... Amazing craftsmanship

[@Kapustomyl]

Inspiring craftsmanship, hats of to you sir! Kind regards from Europe :-)

[@richardcole9558]

A craftsman at the very top of his profession ...thank you for sharing your talent .

[@kimalfa1596]

something i like in your video is you always check your gun good !

[@wearytraveler3524]

HANDS OF AN ARTIST, SOUL OF A POET, WEAPONS OF A WARRIOR! Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing.

[@L5man]

Went through dozens of videos looking for they way you mold with vacuum and boning. Nicest molding I have seen, great video, thanks much.

[@vujavujav7506]

Bravo majstore vrhunski odradjeno.Sa uzitkom sam gledao ceo video.puno pozdrava

[@brianday9216]

Very nice makes you appreciate your art and skill . As well as quality, watching this justifies cost . Thanks for sharing

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Brian - I appreciate that!

[@johnroberts8475]

you made that look so easy, thanks for showing all of us how its really done.

[@MusicMinisterJP7]

Wow, you are a master piece of work of art! Love this video. I watched it bcuz I was looking to see if someone has made this type holster for my Sig Sauer P320 9mm w/ Romio1Pro optic. Very nice work.

[@smkrein]

I am sitting here watching the artistic craftsmanship and wondering, "Could I make that?". The answer is yes, I could. Wouldn't go quite as well, nor as fast, nor as beautiful. Then I realized I can do what I do well, get paid for it then pay YOU to make a piece of art to hang on my belt. Excellent video, GREAT editing and speeding up the process without hiding any steps, TREMENDOUS product placement so there are no secrets, we know what you choose to use. Bravo! I'll be back for more. Thank you SO much.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! I appreciate your comments. The part about paying others to do what they do totally hits home with me. I tend to think "do I really need to pay an XX to do that work? Surely I can learn how to do it on KZbin...", then I end up spending tons of money on tools, only to realize I should have just payed someone else to do it. :)

[@DonavanCMcCoy]

Just Fantastic. A historical art. There is nothing like leather against your firearm.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks D.C.! I'm blessed with children that are all very creative and want to help with the family business when they grow up. Thanks for watching!

[@mustanghandl]

The vegetables leather makes the shap amazing thanks for the video

[@The_Wood]

Sir. You are a craftsman of the first order. That is a beautiful holster.

[@barsdogukankarakoyun8798]

as a belt makers son who has seen most of the procedures they do at the atelier, I never knew about this way of leathercraft. It's awesome and you did a fine job. Keep it up, sir!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! I'm sure I could learn quite a bit from your father. Thanks for watching!

[@jimm3093]

Astonishing! Outstanding! Amazing! Kydex don't hold a candle to this masterpiece Something that started as a silhouette of the middle finger is an appropriate salute to what Kydex wishes it were

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Spectacular craftsmanship !!!!!!!!!!!! Two thumbs way Up !!!!!!!!!!

[@dfrmotorsports4591]

I really enjoy the hammer tap, and burnishing clicks in this video haha

[@UzairMirza61]

Marvelous piece of craftsmanship. Great work

[@kirstielougarcia715]

a headturner for sure, very beautiful Pancake Leather Holster w/ Thumb Break.

[@YoderTexas]

You are a true craftsman; an artist. That is a very fine looking holster.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@5xls]

Beautiful! I really like the vacuum bagging.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! 😊

[@gordonadams4793]

Stunning work. A true craftsman.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you sir!

[@danha7946]

Beautiful 1911 holster, super talented

[@robertduvall9580]

Thanks for taking the time to show all steps. Very informative ! Thanks Robert

[@angeldelacruz7254]

Beautiful, like the way you check the gun for safety....great job

[@irviirv]

Thank you so much for not adding annoying music. I usually have to turn off the volume on videos similar to this.

[@Mrhoboo]

Not sure what I'm more impressed with... the making of the pattern or the making of the holster.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! I appreciate the compliment, and glad you enjoyed both processes!

[@PierceyeG]

Well damn! That is some of the finest construction I've seen so far. Incredible attention to detail.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Daniel, I appreciate it!

[@PierceyeG]

Thanks for the reply and posting this video. I'm starting my own leather crafting journey and have been seeking out any videos or how-tos I can find. Even with no commentary I learned a lot from this one! I like the method you used to plan out your work first. Do you remember what weight you used for this project?

[@Mr.Big-Gunz]

OUTSTANDING ..!!!!!!,, Great craftsmanship !!!!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much!

[@clohse2916]

Wow very nice work keep the hands going . Alot of love to what you do, very nice work sir.....

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@MrMacacson]

Outstanding workmanship!! Bravo!

[@k.nightravenm298]

You DEFINITELY have Awesome Skills. Impeccable Craftsmanship. I really need you to make a holster for my Byrna SD XL and my Byrna SD. I'm thinking Hip and Shoulder Holsters.

[@curtisjohnson944]

I could watch that all day, beautifully done.

[@ВячеславМирошниченко-р8я]

Видит бог отличная вещь получилась. Не один год служить будет. Руки у вас золотые.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Спасибо за просмотр и комментирование. Хорошего дня!

[@tuewindfeld454]

Wow! Super nice craftsmanship.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@fredir3596]

Nice to see a craftsman at work.

[@jamesvcampbell]

Had no idea of the time and craftsmen ship that was necessary to produce this amazing holster

[@TheGingersnap33]

Probably one of the most enjoyable presentations on KZbin I watched since I 've had a computer. Thank You Great presentation, Master craftsmanship & a truly beautiful piece of work.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks for watching Dave! Have a great day!

[@CDLeon1224]

Beautiful work ...Outstanding craftsmanship , enjoyed the video

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@martinwall7297]

Outstanding! You Sir, are a national treasure.

[@shaiyashock]

I think this holster is very nice! I don't have anything like this at this time but this has a lot what I am looking for.

[@buddyhutchins3782]

Beautiful work.....and made in our fantastic TEXAS.......BRAVO...!!!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Buddy!

[@dynamictacticalconcepts5304]

This video made me appreciate even more the leather holster.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you - they are a lot of work, for sure. Every time I look at Kydex videos, I think "man, that looks so much easier than leather" but I'm sure it's harder than it looks.

[@henryschmidt636]

Amazing to watch. You are an artist. Hard to find a 1911 thumb break anymore. I'll be ordering one.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Henry - looking forward to doing business with you.

[@3cap97]

Exceptional work....BRAVO!

[@vkdem]

Wonderful craftsmanship and helpful video. Thanks

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you for watching!

[@Fellowviewer-ICU2]

One of the better holster making videos on KZbin....keep it up sir best of luck to you. P.S. I have a request if you could be kind enough to talk through the steps so that we could understand the process better,

[@DanielKosterKnives]

One craftsman to another…fantastic video and you do excellent work.

[@Coste1072]

Beautiful holster. Amazing amount of work! Thanks for posting.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! Yes, lots of steps. And when you work in batches, it seems like it takes forever to complete the orders. Thanks for watching!

[@JoaquimParis]

Your videos are inspiring. Keep up with the good work. Awesome quality. Inspired. By them, I've decided to add leather working too my DIY portfolio.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you, I appreciate that. Thanks for watching!

[@Wuwuyvzvvaga]

I own several. Best holsters ever.

[@conradsenior5843]

A work of art. Impressive fine tuning to the design as well.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Conrad!