Making a Leather Gun Belt

This is a re-edit of a much longer leathercraft video I filmed in 2014 that was only available on my website. It demonstrates my process of making a double-layered leather gun belt, the leather tools required are shown, and it's sewn on my Cobra Class 4 industrial sewing machine..
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► LEATHER SUPPLIERS
Wickett & Craig - I typically order their "Tooling/Holster/Carving" vegetable tanned leather. I purchase their "Standard" grade, and I request that they split it down from a thicker hide so the back is as clean as possible. I normally order 7-8 ounce for holsters, 3-4 ounce if I'm lining a holster (I build the whole thing out of 3-4 ounce), and either 3-4 or 4-5 ounce for wallets, journal covers, etc... They will allow you to purchase individual hides
Herman Oak - While I love the leather I've gotten from Wickett & Craig, I prefer the warmer coloring of natural Herman Oak. Unfortunately, H.O. requires you to buy leather in bulk from the tannery, and buying from distributors can be hit & miss. Springfield Leather sells "Herman Oak Premium Belt Bend", so I’ve been using this lately.
The Leather Guy - I don't have a lot of experience with this leather, but the "Artisan's Choice" leather I've used has been very nice. The coloration is similar to Wickett & Craig. The thing I really like about The Leather Guy's website is that nearly every single hide shown on their site is a listing for the actual hide you'll be buying, complete with photos and a description of blemishes for that particular hide. Very cool that they do that!
District Leather - I've never personally ordered from them, but I've heard good things about their leather.
Acadia Leather - I've never purchased from here either, but I've also heard good things about their leather.
Horween Leather - At the risk of sounding repetitive, here's another I've never ordered from, but their leather is very well known.
Weaver Leathercraft - Most of what I order from weaver is buckles and tools, but they also sell leather.
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[@josephbateman7742]

I have to say, I'm a traditional woodworker by hobby, but i've been thinking of getting into leatherwork as well, particularly since I'll be making some bellows soon, but my eyes lit up when I saw that edge slicker. I was like "ooh, I could turn those!". Thanks for the vid and the extra ideas.

[@seanedging6543]

As a woodworker who took up leatherworking, I can't recommend it enough! It's crazy how much it's broadened the way I think about solving problems. I feel like we often think in our mediums. Plus a lot of leatherworking tools are things that woodworkers can improvise/DIY, especially if they have some knowledge of machinery and steel.

[@orobertson58]

I want to thank you for making this video. I stumbled upon it in maybe May or June of last year and it inspired me to go down to my local Tandy's and buy the basic gear to try and make this belt. I figured "He makes it look very straight-forward. If I can just make this belt after all this, it'll be worth it." I completed it in a couple days going slowly working off and on and was hooked immediately on this new hobby. Since then I've been finding leatherwork to be very fun and fulfilling and have made many more projects with my improving skills. Thank you so much for putting your work out there and for sharing your knowledge with everyone like this; it's very inspiring.

[@chukwuemerie]

Where did you buy the tools?

[@user-zs6sf5xb6n]

Hello, как сейчас у вас успехи?

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Great, great, great. Thank you for letting us watch over your shoulder. I find it fascinating watching true craftsmen at work.

[@ekekingsley3996]

Wayward Woodworker ,

[@mkivy]

Hey out there! This gr8 man made a gr8 holster for my 45/410 Judge! And I love it...I want him to make a holster belt but I hear he’s very busy....and that’s ok...he’s excellent at what he does and I don’t mind waiting. So everyone out there get ur orders in...this is a gr8 master craftsman!

[@wakawakachuchu9353]

@Mike Smithey check the logo, Eric Adams

[@B00B33Z]

The amount of love and care that went into making this belt brings a tear to my eye

[@thecasualcitizen492]

Very nice. I especially liked the complete professional finishing of the belt that turned it into a high quality high end product.

[@anton.sokolov]

Love to see the accuracy you are working with fluids, and the attention to details!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Anton!

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

What do you mean by accuracy with fluids? I’m really new to leather work so please forgive my ignorance lol

[@VancePetrol]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 He doesn't use more than he needs to and saves what he has left over (throws it back in the bottle). Small things like that like that might not be so important to a hobbyist, but saves professionals a ton of money when because they use stuff like stains so much. McDonald's was able to save billions of dollars when they figured out a bottle design that was accurate to the milliliter, despite the reality being that in practice employees would only "spill" one less drop of sauce. Stuff like that adds up quickly.

[@rogerbalquiedra5488]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks k

[@br31woodlands69]

Very nice build and easy to follow video. Thank you for posting.

[@5elements4life]

You showed us the Dedication towards our Work, but who is that lucky fellow to wear that Awesome priceless Belt...!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you for watching! I made this belt years ago, but whoever the customer was, I hope he/she is still enjoying it as much as I enjoy my 10+ year old belt that was made the same way.

[@ramanngasoring7954]

Your way of painting is very ingenious!

[@lindamellingen5977]

Love your videos, and it is such a relief NOT to hear music, but just follow the process!

[@jonkotlinski8097]

I like how positive the leather craft community is

[@stalincespedes1651]

YOU ARE A REAL ARTIST, RESPECT.........................

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you, I appreciate that. I still have a lot to learn, but glad you enjoyed the video.

[@stalincespedes1651]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks i am a professional fine artist specialized in painting and sculpture and i know when i see a real artist and you are.

[@AMCAL2311]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks hello sir do you sell these belts please thank you

[@antoniozenteno2123]

Soy amante de fabricar cosas en cuero. Excelente tu trabajo; da para aprender, y muy prolijo, nada egoísta. Gracias por tu video y felicidades.

[@jawediqbal9475]

It is called commitment with your work / profession many many thumbs up .

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it!

[@ArcticFlies56]

Really very nice professional leatherwork. Absolutely beautiful! Best regards, Richard

[@agwbcfjc2]

Beautifully done, sir. It is a joy to watch you work. Thank you for sharing.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you, I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@tommytitmouse]

Th first thing that stood out to me watching this video was the Attention to detail. Loved the video.👍

[@serviceprive]

This is the belt you sended to me in NY. I waited more than 5 months , but it all worth for it I love it. I enjoy to look at your fine art Adam. Thank you. I am wearing it with pleasure. I will order another one as soon as things turn into normal in life. Be safe. A.Taskin. Holland

[@TacumaGamba]

This belt is beautiful... this video hyped me up! gives me a reason to dust off the brand new Cobra class 26 sittin in my living space and try to make a few belts. thnx'

[@eric2499]

Wow! This was great to watch and I never thought that much time and effort would be placed into marking a belt.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank for watching! There is indeed a lot of steps. I’m sure I could cut a few out or do things a little more efficiently.

[@bradleythomas5445]

Amazing craftsmanship. Hope they start production again soon.

[@damienbates]

Love the heavy duty stuff. Last forever!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Agreed! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@simplyrise5217]

Aaaaaah another therapy session. Beautiful and meticulous work. Thank you bro👍👍👍

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@seandepoppe6716]

I love your setup! I'm working on it! Thanks!

[@user-fs3uf6ky1c]

الجودة والمهارة عنوان صاحبها غاية فى الروعة والإتقان تسلم الايادى

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

شكرا جزيلا على الكلمات الرقيقة لك. اتمنى لك يوم جميل!

[@curlyservicestate2832]

Great attention to detail nice job!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@bharathshastri198]

Wow . Hands down the best belt I have seen

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@user-hm6vl9rb7d]

Мастерство не пропьёшь,шедевр.

[@StuffUCanMake]

I have just discovered this channel and I am amazed by the depth of skill and attention to detail. I am looking forward to be a regular here.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@ramonaguilar0808]

Really a beatifull work My friend congratulations and they color of they belt is wonderfull

[@synwannleathercraft8506]

Thank you for not using music i love the sound of your tools 🤩😍

[@cecilgregory5460]

Great video and workmanship! Thanks.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks for watching Cecil!

[@waychingawayyanna4844]

Good job👍👍👍.. Sir, I love your explanation.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the presentation.

[@jamesallen253]

I wish I had watched this before I bought that belt on Amazon two weeks ago dang it. Now I know know to recognize real quality when I see it.

[@usualsuspect5173]

Good work...didn't realize what it took to produce a belt like that...good video

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

My son helped me with a large batch we shipped out a little while ago. He always had this deflated look every time he asked me how many more steps were left. :) Thanks for watching!

[@usualsuspect5173]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks 👍

[@amithaherath7393]

This is the most satisfying video I have watched in a long time bro

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you, I'm glad to hear that! Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@soleaguirre100]

me too! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 excellent! greetings from Chile! !

[@adityabiyani387]

wow pc of art i loved it

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Adams LeatherWorks. Like your funny comments because of the bad backup camera. Thanks a lot for making taping editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health to you.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you for watching!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear@@AdamsLeatherWorks My pleasure.

[@vinodkumar-xr6jm]

What a skill. Excellent .

[@mtnshow1]

I've never seen how a belt is made, and Now I have. Much appreciated. I wish I could do this.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you for watching! If you ever want to give it a try, reach out to me on my website with any questions you might have - always happy to help.

[@tomcline5631]

That slicker on the drill press was a brilliant,why didn't I think of that, idea! Really shine up an edge! I like to use beeswax dissolved in Ronsonol lighter fluid. Seems to me it makes a thinner solution and wax penetrates deeper.

[@olechuga2]

Sir, an EXCELLENT project accomplished. Thank you Sir, for your hard work in producing this video-clip for us to learn from, and enjoy. Oscar

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Oscar for watching and for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!

[@davehernandez4177]

Wow! I really learned a lot. Thank you for this video.

[@carterrock5091]

I have a kore gunbelt and its probably my favorite over a Hanks or other similar leather gunbelts. It is very stiff and the allowance of the 1/4" adjustment allows for the comfort you want after carrying all day with such a stiff belt.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

I've never heard of that brand before. The buckle system seems interesting.

[@claudiajeanpierre3098]

Very Nice job 🥰🔥. Thank you for sharing

[@Arch1301]

Accuracy above my imagination 🤔👍👍👍

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@hagersims212]

I love this style of video. Great filming and editing. Big fan✌

[@Beowulf975]

True artist.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewvitale2700]

I destroy 4 and 5 belts a year but I feel this one would last a life time. I can only imagine once the leather breaks in how nice it would feel to wear.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Hi Andrew - Mine's roughly 10 years old and still going strong. It's definitely broken in and stretched/conformed to my body, but I'm not planning on making a new one any time soon.

[@raghulraghul7491]

Very nice work I want this product

[@jordangrecia8163]

I’m not a firearm owner but watching your videos inspires me to want to make a belt and holster for all of my things.. holster for my phone, holster for a pen, ..... one for gummy bears :p this is remarkable work!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Jordan - Let me know how the gummy bear holster works out! LOL :)

[@MerchantMonk]

I'd watch a gummy bear holster video

[@fullretardcustomguns837]

You should build a gun that shoots gummy bears, then get a holster for it.

[@user-gd9jp5bi8n]

Приятно смотреть на работу мастера. Завораживает )))

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Спасибо за добрые слова. Я конечно не считаю себя мастером, но я ценю комплимент! Спасибо за просмотр!

[@hugocorrealara7288]

Beautiful Greetings from Ecuador

[@LYLEWOLD]

funny you mentioned tossing your 'bad' camera. i really didn't notice, i was just appreciative of the free tutorial. but, i'm also 3 beers in, and listening to Van Halen, so that may be a part of it, lol. beautiful work.

[@headknocker8999]

This is why my High Noon Gun Belt cost me more than $100 a decade ago.. Still like new just too damn small now.. I'm 42" currently.. Nice Craftsmanship Sir.. Very Nice.. Makes me wanna go hang out at the LeatherHead & learn some of Nick's skills.. Gary/Hk

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks for watching Gary! Mine's a tad on the small side as well... LOL

[@--daydreamhandmadeleather4914]

Is very very beautiful !

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much!

[@zingzong1234]

Very good work

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mkivy]

Gr8 demo....I love Leather n respect those with the talent to work it...would love to buy a holster for my 40 caliber Springfield semi-automatic pistol ...

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Mike! What model Springfield do you have? If you want to contact me through my website, we can communicate further there. www.adamsleatherworks.com/contact-us/

[@1AzNews]

Very nice job

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@jindersaggu8543]

Nice job brother

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@argentiniantourister7262]

actually i loved the retro effect of the camera. good video

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks! :)

[@shadnlyd]

Same thought! Kind of a 'lomo' effect. In any event, great video! Thanks, guy.

[@rishishenoy]

Hey Eric, Wonderful stuff. Keep them coming !

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you for watching! Take care.

[@princemonarch287]

I wd love to buy this belt...how accurate u made it and ur hardwork and smartwork was awesome to watch.it was amazing to watch...10 on 10

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much!

[@ghostmarcinko3938]

Amazing Video. Great Craftsmanship.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@lluwd]

those 441 machines stitch so well.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

They are great machines. Expensive, but thankfully they hold their value pretty well.

[@stevenbyaruhanga]

Nice work

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@billwatson7463]

very nice work

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Bill!

[@farklefuster6876]

Beautiful results. I’m not a leather worker and I wish that all of the comments were readable so I could larn somthin.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Jim - are the comments not showing up? Or are you referring to some of them being in a different language? Please feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions. I don't have all the answers, but I'll do what I can to answer them.

[@farklefuster6876]

Adams LeatherWorks The comments are not showing up because of the contrast. I.E. white on white is very hard to read. Also, I’m a slow reader and the comments went by way too fast for me.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Ahh - I'm sorry about that Jim - I'll try to keep that in mind next time I put a video together.

[@farklefuster6876]

Adams LeatherWorks Please understand, I wasn’t being critical. Just trying to help. I appreciate people that work in a craftsmanship like manner such as you. A little later this year I’m gonna need a concealed carry holster for a Kimber 1911. I’ll check out your website

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

No worries! These types of comments are helpful and I do take them to heart. I don't always pick up on stuff like this when I'm composing the video in my editor. If I'm lucky, my wife will sit down and watch my videos before I post them to help point out stuff like this. Otherwise, my only screening audience is my kids and they're more focused on the funny background noises than the actual content and delivery. :)

[@nivasa9807]

Good work super

[@lbdeuce]

what a brilliant belt. ive just made something together very similar but im going to make another utilizing your methods. i would like to encourage you to incorporate narration though. so much more information can be conveyed through communication.

[@edwinleach4013]

Very nice. Real professional work and video well done as well.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Edwin!

[@mikeleahey9190]

Great looking belt! I cannot stand hunting for a nice sturdy belt and then finding one and its $80.00 or more, time to make my own!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks! I hear ya - If you want to make your own and already have the tools, belt blanks are roughly $15 each (price fluctuates greatly, depending on length, quality of leather and if it's pre-punched for the buckle), buckles are roughly $5, plus another few bucks (if you already have this stuff on-hand) for the remaining hardware, glue, thread, dye, sealer and edge burnishing supplies.

[@cataleahuify]

10 lifes belt!!

[@aneelparre5010]

Nice

[@albertocontreras8895]

Good job sir

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@SquirrelsForAll]

This is wonderful! Such incredible quality and workmanship. Thanks for sharing.

[@marcoorozco4516]

Congratulations !!!

[@igorferreiramiranda8313]

very top congratulations

[@charlesgoes9379]

Well done, Eric... Well done!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Charles!

[@josephlian3895]

Good

[@raghunathkumaraswamy269]

Fantastic

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@aleksandrmalakhov7552]

very good...

[@kellanaldous7092]

Oh the age old tradition of knocking over dye bottles.... lol

[@kellanaldous7092]

I'd love to see a tutorial on how you sharpen and hone a round knife. I haven't picked one up yet because i have no idea how to maintain the edge xD

[@user-wh5sr1nv9d]

Крутая работа!!! 🔥 Огонь!!!

[@davidpacheco8935]

...... awesome .......

[@stephenreynolds6378]

What a great video.your belts are beautiful sir.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much Stephen - I appreciate it!

[@scottygoodwin4276]

Wow, What a Craftsman, Very impressed. GOD BLESS.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@faresamr4475]

،،،،،،،

[@duliriel]

Thank you needed to know how to refinishing the edges, and you just show me how.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks for watching David!

[@Radvous]

That backup camera gives almost like a cool filter

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

LOL - yeah, it had its moments.

[@powderdays7557]

Beautiful job!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@ghulamnabikhan3028]

Very nice

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@WeldonWoods]

I love it. After this video I have to try create some belt

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks, and best of luck if you decide to try it. It's a fun craft.

[@taffythegreat1986]

Very smart 👍👍👍

[@lourias]

I love to see text on screen. Would you consider putting a contrasting background behind the text or using an outline of the letters, making sure there is a contrast? The first text that I noticed was not readable because the white of the text blended too well with the color of the leather on the table. Thank you for posting.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks for watching. The text is baked into the video - unfortunately there is no way to change it without re-uploading the video.

[@lourias]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks perhaps in the future....

[@SkylarPutmanATX]

Really well done!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Skylar!

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Fantastic job thanks

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you for watching!

[@tawfikm8233]

Beautiful

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks!

[@coeniebre]

Wow , so good !

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!