Making a Field Style Gun Holster - Springfield XD-M 4.5" 10mm

[@TheTXRanger]

There is nothing like this level of care in manufacturing! Hope you get back to making holsters soon so I can place an order. Bravo!

[@jamessimpson9385]

I just got two blue guns from someone as a gift. Now to learn this part of the business.

[@robertturner5138]

I love the way you include your errors. It goes to show that even as good as you are, there is always something to learn. You do beautiful work. True craftsman.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it, and thanks for watching!

[@Deathrattler]

I really like how you went through the process of making and refining the template. I am just getting into leather working; and that is one DIY process that I have not seen yet. THANKS!!!

[@vincecorter8107]

Well I did'nt think I was going to like it but I'm glad I finished the video , very nice holster and I look forward to more of your work. Very Nice !!!!!!!!!

[@tileman1814]

I've been building leather holsters for about 6 years now and it seems I have a chance to learn new techniques by watching videos like yours. Your process for coming up with a pattern and the layout are simple and easy to understand.I also love the way you use an Airbrush to color the holster.It has a amazing effect with the shadowing on the edges.Thanks for a great video I hope to see more. Mike, 3MP Leather Kalispell MT

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Mike, I really appreciate it! I still have a lot to learn, but am glad others are finding the videos helpful.

[@martinwall7297]

craftsmanship, pattern making, and leatherworking knowledge, with artistic talent, is what you get as a beautiful, working holster anybody would be proud to wear. thanks for the schooling you will be hearing from me.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Martin, I appreciate that. Thanks for watching!

[@alwaysanovice]

Well done! Thanks for the pattern building lesson. I have several personal projects up and coming where I will apply this technique. Sincerely, Coop.

[@mario7mag]

Amazing, I love how you are able to make such great patterns. Thank you for making those available to purchase and make our lives a little easier!!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much!

[@lewerim]

I love this style holster. And I really appreciate this type of video where you talk through the development process. Thank you for sharing.

[@victorymike88]

Your videos are by far the best.

[@nicholassnell1606]

Your videos are precise, organized, meticulous, as is your work. “What one does without dedication is diminished by half”. Thanks for sharing your work. N-

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate that, and thank you for watching!

[@robscroggins4685]

Your videos are so helpful, and the availability for purchase is amazing. Thank you so much for doing all you do for our craft.

[@kendpruitt]

Best holster making video on you tube!

[@HighRoad317]

Great holster, the white stitching really pops.

[@stronglikemonkey]

Another awesome rig! Well done. I really enjoy the new voice over format. It really cool to hear your thought process. Thanks for taking the time to make these awesome videos!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I always hesitate to use the fast-forward format, but I hate trimming away content that I feel like most people want to see. Maybe one day I'll have decent internet and I can upload two versions - the long format original, and the condensed "hope you drank enough coffee to keep up" version. LOL

[@stronglikemonkey]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks LOL! Your stuff is always good brother!

[@062809]

Great looking holster. The video quality and instructions are excellent. Your presentation in which order you complete your steps is incredibly helpful to a beginner. I will keep watching.

[@jailer23044]

I had to give up cutting retention straps to length before assembly, they always seemed to come up just a little to short. I started cutting them long and then trimming to length after assembly, that allows me to get it right every time. Beautiful holster and all my criticisms were taken care of in the pattern revision at the end. I really enjoy watching how other people approach leatherwork, often it leads to things that I never would have thought of. Thanks for sharing.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you for watching, and for your comments! There's a few makers that I try to watch anytime they post stuff - most of non-holster related videos (bags, wallets, etc. - stuff I don't make much of). I'm always intrigued by other people's techniques. One channel I stumbled across recently - I'm blown away by the amount of leather related tools & equipment he has. Being a glorified hobby for me, I don't have the funds to buy all that stuff, but man I'm drooling! If you haven't seen Diresta's channel, check him out. He's a newbie to leather, but an old pro at everything else and his videos are always a gold mine of tips & tricks.

[@jailer23044]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks I agree Diresta's videos are great, I've been watching him for a couple of years. I'd love to get up there and take one of his blacksmithing classes but it's just not in my budget even though he's less than an hour from me. Maybe someday..... Don't know if you've been watching Chuck Dorset's Weaver Leathercraft videos but he's another one that has a ton of info. Even with basic projects I usually pick stuff up from him.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Yeah, Chuck's videos are great too! Have you listened to the Making It podcast? I went back and listened to all their episodes on my commute. His blacksmithing classes look like a whole lot of fun.

[@jailer23044]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks I've been listening to the Fitzall podcast but not Making it, I'll check that out. Thanks.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

@@jailer23044 Wow - I haven't heard of that one yet! Just sub'd to it - thanks for the head's up!

[@MusicGodsNFT]

Another fine piece of functional art Eric! Your videos are some of my favorites on the You. Well done on the explanation and video quality. I have referred to your videos many times when I was new to holster making. Wishing you the best and hope you keep them coming. Cheers

[@robertgolden1080]

Excellent video. Outstanding holster.

[@smu1129]

I like how we all make the same mistakes. I was thinking „didn‘t he forget to add the snap fas ... oh, here we go.“ The one thing to suggest though: I like to add my hardware in a way that it is hidden under the lining just so that Indo not end up with metal scraping on metal. Great work as always.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! I usually try to conceal the hardware, but I was having trouble visualizing the assembly process with the lining layers and belt loop fold-over. My original intention was to mount the strap between the layers and have it protrude through the top of the belt loop (like it currently does), but instead of penetrating both layers, it would only penetrate one of the lining layers. I punched the slot in the wrong layer of leather so I opted to mount it on the outside surface instead of starting over. Being this was my first attempt with this gun & pattern style, I figured it was best to keep moving forward with the build to confirm the pattern worked out okay otherwise, and then I'd have a better idea of the hardware installation order on the next attempt. My wife watched this video and my previous clip-on mag pouch video - she thought it was hilarious how I made the same mistakes on both pieces. LOL

[@gentlemanfarmer2391]

I like the two stroke in the background getting ripped the best.

[@billlandon7131]

Very interesting. I never fail to learn something new, and you have thought me several tricks. Thank you for sharing!

[@stevethomas7463]

👍. I wet formed one for a beretta and made an extended belt loop so it doesn't ride high next to the hip. Must be n8ce to have all those tools.

[@arcflashed]

Beautiful work. It takes years to get to this level or craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much!

[@seekingtruth6822]

Enjoyed your video and admire your craft. Please continue posting these well done and explained videos. Way to market American made products.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@TerrySprey]

Great video it's amazing how much work goes into making a custom holster, nice job.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! Definitely a lot of steps. My wife often asks "what step are you on" or "how many more steps are left"... She always regrets asking when I start listing the remaining steps. LOL Thank you for watching Terry!

[@jbhix2691]

You are an artist.

[@brandonrayner5253]

This gave me a great idea to do for my Grand Power Q100. I did just make a SOB holster which turned out awesome for my first attempt.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Interesting looking pistol - I hadn't heard of that one before.

[@edgardoguzman2858]

Awesome work

[@edjet6031]

Awesome video! Great instructions and a nice design. Appreciate you taking the time to do these videos. You have helped me and who knows how many others learn more about leather working. Thank you!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Ed - I appreciate that! I'm always reluctant to post a build video for something that ultimately may require design tweaks, but I hope it gives others the confidence to carry through with the build. It's only by reaching the end that we can look back and study the future.

[@scousewillo62]

Thing of beauty

[@fotomotoxxiii]

Excellent work mate

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@bassettraceengines]

Great job, Looks great. Very impressed!! I would like to see it with a thumb break.

[@mikehutchison9589]

Excellent work !!!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@frederickwilliams5288]

Your work is absolutely amazing..I would like a IWB holster,with a belt clip for my Springfield 1911 9mm 3inch ronin EMP.

[@crypto_pinto2660]

More hosters please they never get old

[@ViaAvione]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing

[@johnpoelking1264]

Beautiful work.

[@valdecifranciscodesouza198]

Very good,excellent professional!

[@04UltraRyder]

gorgeous holster Eric...I've been looking for something like that for my xdm .45 4.5" for sometime..

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! I don't have these on my site yet, but if you'd like to place an order, just select Avenger Standard on my website, then leave a note in the comment box stating it's for the XDM 45 4.5" field style.

[@abelcantu4474]

I’m just hoping to get the email from you saying you can take my order when you catch up on current orders. Amazing work!

[@mattb7895]

10mm is master race.

[@dirk4926]

I used to do quite a bit of leather work and figuring out which steps to do in what order was always something I needed to carefully think through before I started on a project. There have been times when I'd get everything all glued up and realize I'd skipped a step and didn't install snap hardware or something else and have to carefully pry apart the glued pieces...so I can sympathize.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

My wife helps me pack all my orders. I can't count the number of times she's reviewed all the orders and caught my mistakes. Left instead of right, missing a thumb strap, wrong holster style - even had one guy that ordered two of the same holster (same color & everything). Apparently the second holster was for his son and I completely overlooked the "2" in the quantity column. LOL

[@garymundy4398]

Very well done video. Having made a few pistol patterns like this I can relate to and agree with everything you did here. I do mostly English tack but made a few holsters locally.

[@joeljimenez8560]

Good work!

[@raymondtriplett1671]

I need this same hostler far S&W 40 shields

[@raysimmons9050]

Love your videos buddy. I learn something new every time i watch one. Beautiful holster.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Ray - I appreciate it!

[@sezergundogdu3829]

great work

[@j.dieason7527]

Great job

[@3fff]

Amazing job 👍

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks 😁

[@PracticalRenaissance]

Love your process! Someday I'm gonna try my own!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! Good luck with the build, and feel free to reach out to me on my website if you have any questions. This is a new style for me, but I'll try to help however I can.

[@zacksmith3398]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks I watched your avenger holster video and that really influenced me to make a holster myself. I started it last week it isnt done but thanks for sharing the process and the mistakes.

[@michaelbartley9572]

You know you got good retention when you hear that pop when you insert it. Love that sound. Thanks for vids and your help on Fb. Still say you make some of the nicest holsters around even though I also make them but you make it look so easy. Meanwhile while I'm cussing and banging stuff coming up with patterns lol

[@TheCryptKeeper8]

It would be super to see you make one of these for a Bond Arms Snake Slayer. Thanks for the very educational videos.

[@angelbellodesolo2054]

Mr. Adams. Thank you very much for the videos you make and that show us your work. I also work leather, i have a workshop in Barcelona, Spain. I will be very grateful if you could tell me where you buy the plastic pistols that you use to take the measurements to make the pistols holsters. Thank you very much for your attention, receive a cordial greeting.

[@johnfrederikson2002]

You do beautiful and great work. Thanks for sharing. J.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you John, I appreciate it!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have just subscribed to you. Love your content , Sir !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ronschilreff3414]

I wonder how much it is for a holster? Amazing work. Would love one for my Beretta. 92

[@AndresLicari]

18:57 Watch your other hand while edge beveling. Beautiful sheath man

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! Yes, edgers can draw blood if you're not careful. My old edger got me quite a few times, but it should have been retired a long time ago. This new one has a pretty blunt tip and has never cut me, but there's always a chance.

[@swedeshooter7540]

Wonderful piece of art, love the craftsmanship...!!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@Iamjasonallen]

Beautiful

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@genepierson1728]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Quick question, could this holster have been made with out a retention strap? Would there be enough friction to hold the gun safely without the strap?

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks! It certainly would work without the strap, provided you mold in retention points to help lock the gun into the holster. I typically indent the leading edge of the trigger guard and a little at the ejection port. The idea with the strap is to make it very easy and fast to remove the gun when it’s unsnapped, but more secure when snapped.

[@Bryon630]

That’s a very nice looking holster sir I really would like to get one

[@johndaniels926]

Great Video! Great craftsmanship Thank you for sharing...

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you for watching!

[@knoxboxdesigns]

what's the benefit of using soapy water vs plain water when folding the leather?

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

I usually have a tub of soapy water on the bench. Rumor has it the soap breaks the surface tension of the water, which helps it soak into the leather a bit better. I don't know if it's true, but if nothing else - it makes a great fly trap. And I just keep soapy water in the spray bottle to quickly spray the leather, and to clean my hands while I'm down in the shop with no running water close by.

[@nathanielzaharia9630]

Really nice work.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@realskincare6568]

Keep the videos coming, you do great work!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Sean, I appreciate it!

[@Blackhawk556.]

Do you make holster with a mahogany tint? I like the reddish look to them instead Of just brown/tan color

[@scottgreear4591]

Very nice!! I am looking to make my first holster. I have a Glock 26 and a Glock 22. Do you have patterns? Videos?

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Hi Scott, I do have several Glock patterns in the various gun models. www.adamsleatherworks.com

[@davidogle7568]

Excellent thank you

[@marksalazar1835]

This is weirdly satisfying hahaha

[@brokenarrow7871]

Beautiful work ! Have you ever made a holster with a tension screw to set the resistance to removing the weapon? I would like to see how this is done if you have. Thanks

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you - I haven't made anything with a tension screw before, but that would be fun to try!

[@brokenarrow7871]

I would like to see it done for a M&P full size or compact, if I had a choice. Those are what I carry Thanks again

[@adrianlala5044]

that is gorgeous

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@hollygaudet9107]

Beautiful work! What ounce leather did you use for the outside and the liner?

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! When I line a holster, I always use 4 oz veg tan for both layers, so the total thickness is still roughly 8oz. I usually use 7-8 for my unlined holsters, so my patterns still work when lined.

[@hollygaudet9107]

@@AdamsLeatherWorks wow thank you for the quick response! I am so grateful for all of you that share your work and show us how to build it to. I will be giving this a try.

[@redd2334]

Nicely done.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@gerardj.lesperanceiii1238]

Can you make a holster for a Ruger 57

[@jaredstafford5565]

Beautiful work.!!! Whats your fee for something like this for a sig p229.?

[@Tellnor]

OK what i don't understand is why soapy water and not plain water? And does the soap leave any residue?

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

I’ve always heard soap helps to break down the surface tension, which theoretically helps the water to absorb more easily into the leather. Plus, if you leave the soapy water in the shop, it helps to kill flies.....

[@kurtsutton1384]

Do the wide bladed knives work best on cutting your leather?

[@ericinspiration1609]

Could you put the gun in heavy duty ziplock bag, insert the gun in the wet holster and use something like a food saver that creates a vacuum to help mold the leather to the shape of the gun? You could repeat the process of wetting the leather and vacuum the air out as many times as needed. Do you think such a machine would generate enough vacuum to mold the leather?

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Definitely - I've never used a food saver, but I do have a vacuum press that I normally use for my builds. I know a lot of people use the food saver systems - you just have to be careful to make sure the bag doesn't imprint the waffle pattern on the leather. I believe the solution is to flip the bag inside out. As to whether or not it can generate enough force to mold the leather - I'm not sure about that. I find, at least with my own setup, the vacuum itself isn't powerful enough to mold any detail into the leather. What it does is help hold whatever shape I press into it.

[@MarshalZhukov]

Wow that sure looks great! Love the two tone brown/black colors always looks good. Going to probably get started on another holster. 1911 full size holster for a buddy of mine who said he doesn't carry it because he doesn't have a holster for it. I think I can help! Like your process and how you go about it. Looking forward to the next one!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Marshal - good luck with the build! I like this color combo too. I also really like Saddle Tan with Dark Brown accents.

[@VmaxOG]

That is just awesome, love the leather! Fit and finish is great excellent 👌 job!

[@YoderTexas]

Very nice work. I get inspired by your videos, but I always hold back because I lack the confidence in my own abilities.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

When I first started out, my wife lacked confidence in my abilities! Haha! It looks like you're pretty close to my neck of the woods (I'm west of Denton). Send me a message through my contact page on my website some time if you'd like to come by and work on a holster.

[@mendelselwyn3335]

amazing holster

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Mendel

[@FUBARguy107]

I'm having a heck of a time with a holster. I have a pre cut holster from Tandy but it is super soft. I traced it onto some thicker leather and just test folding, the soft inner overhangs a lot. Like... at least 3/8in on either side. Do I just need to glue it and stop worrying?

[@wildsmooth9201]

You should use the edge grooving tool to recess your stitches

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

I used to, but it only (safely) works on the front. If the needle exits the back outside of the groove, the piece is ruined. Fairly easy to control on a flat pancake style holster, but much more difficult on other styles.

[@anchisescaldas3992]

Outsdanding!

[@the_angry_jackalope]

Where do you buy your blue training "dummy" guns from? Your videos are absolutely awesome by the way.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Hi Wyatt - I buy my dummy guns from www.knifekits.com. Thanks for the compliment! Take care, and thanks for watching!

[@bkeaver644]

I wish I was talented enough to do something like that.. I can't draw a straight line with a ruler let alone cut anything that cleanly...

[@withoutfurtheradoforever]

Nice work Eric.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@commercialand]

Nice work! this was fun to watch. I have a Springfield XDM Elite 4.5 9mm. Will this still work for a 9mm?

[@FudgedDiceRoll]

MARPAT shop apron? That's pretty snazzy.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

LOL, another holster maker sent me that years ago. It’s almost impossible for me to keep my shirt clean, so sometimes I have to bust out the apron! :)

[@jeremymass2770]

How much do you charge for custom holsters??

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Great looking holster. I can't help but notice your printing... architect, engineer or draftsman by trade? And bravo on the production. I think a lot of folks can really appreciate the awesome leather work, but I hope they can appreciate what I presume is a massive amount of time filming, editing, voicing over, etc that goes into a video like this. Well done sir.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you very much! I took drafting classes all through high school, and was an architectural design major my freshman year of college. Switched to graphic design after watching The Mask. I still ultimately ended up in the architectural field, but I'm on the 3D, marketing & presentation renderings side of things. Filming and editing this stuff does indeed take a whole lot of extra time. There's a few makers out there that constantly blow my mind with their video quality. Rainfall Projects is a great example. Thanks again - I appreciate it!

[@khalidfesMorocco]

Very good job

[@eddieengelbrecht7550]

very nice

[@0g.Ghost.7373]

The strap doesnt bother the pin that sticks out the back of the gun when chambered?

[@RebelYell95]

What would you change on this type of holster to make it an IWB left hand draw for the Springfield XD (not sure the caliber, but I think 9mm).

[@bcroft68bc]

I’m getting a Springfield XD-M elite 4.5 10mm in a couple of months. Do you make this kind of holster for that gun and sale them?

[@КириллТерехов-е9р]

Hello. What do you process vegetable tanned skin with?