Making a Pancake Leather Holster with Thumb Break, 1911 Commander

This video demonstrates my process of making a pancake holster for the 4.25" Commander sized 1911 with a thumb break.
I start off by making the pattern, including how I dissect the pattern into individual pattern pieces. Then I demonstrate the entire assembly process, from cutting out the leather, to burnishing (admittedly, I didn't burnish this holster to the extent I normally would because I intended this to be my personal holster), sewing, forming, then final finishing, and tweaking the pattern for a slightly tighter fit.
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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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[@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.

[@user-ss2hh8db3z]

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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.

[@DB-bp2bj]

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 .

[@sandman93449dm]

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

[@DevinBushrow]

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

[@jeanmartox3570]

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

[@wearytraveler3524]

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

[@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.

[@marcusm.8374]

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

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@trexfishtec7375]

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

[@Craig1217]

Wow! Surely enjoyed this. Awesome to see the steps and the quality turns that make these holsters highly desirable.

[@saxman7131]

I've been doing leather craft for about three months now. I really enjoyed that video. That holster will last for decades.

[@sizzorjack]

Truly a master at work.

[@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.

[@richardcole9558]

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

[@AlexanderDyer]

fascinating process, I really enjoyed seeing how you designed the holster, great stuff, Thank you.

[@Lapeerphoto]

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

[@WhatMACHI]

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

[@robertduvall9580]

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

[@busque15]

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

[@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?

[@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!

[@Gath8mm]

Hells yes. Outstanding fit, function, and quality!!!!!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@austincrews7575]

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

[@missouriairgunner281]

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

[@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!

[@bozly209]

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

[@curtisjohnson944]

I could watch that all day, beautifully done.

[@nikolaevdll]

Круто! Мастер!

[@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.....

[@mafejx]

I always watch it with pleasure. Thanks!

[@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!

[@sethh8892]

*ThIs TrIgGeRs Me*

[@g-shack3655]

You must be a member of PETA. LOL

[@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.

[@johnroberts8475]

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

[@biebersydney1999]

I was fascinated watching this video. A true work of art.

[@nicosubandhi2550]

Amazing work on leather, you're the best . Congratulations.

[@JhaeMo777]

Very well executed. Lots of work that goes into this.

[@ismaelcarrasco8990]

I’m watching your videos for couple days and I’m impressed with the precision and talent that you put into your holsters... great job... I have couple guns that I gonna be glad to have the holsters made from you...

[@theprepperrevelator]

Simply fabulous!

[@KovacsDaniel-kodacx]

EPIC WORK! Nicely done! THX for the vid!!!

[@davidumirandahernandez9881]

Amazing work. Thanks to share with us.

[@drjimjam1112]

Couldn't turn it off!! Amazing skill. Thank you.

[@kirstielougarcia715]

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

[@3cap97]

Exceptional work....BRAVO!

[@carlosmartinez-ix8gj]

Best making leather holster video!!!

[@carlosojeda4827]

Excellent craftsmanship! Thanks for sharing your skills.

[@Native_love]

Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!

[@terryt9042]

Beautiful work. Thank you for posting.

[@kjhull4409]

KJ’s hubby, first holster I’ve seen made, though I’ve owned several. Awesome job!

[@clplusp8762]

This video is so relaxing. Im gonna consider getting one for my officers 1911 bc you sir are an artist

[@bff1316]

Mr. Eric Adams, i'm a bit late watching your video. thank you very much. i have many holsters all are passable. time to learn some new skills and after watching you i have gained some knowledge so the task will be accomplished without too many errors and mistakes. thank you tony

[@alfieparris3795]

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

[@danhargrave1811]

Beautiful! Proper craftsmanship.

[@bjardoin10]

Incredible work. I loved every second of this video

[@rcwarship]

Wow, what an awesome job you do. Thank you so much for taking the time to make/edit/post this video, I am in awe of you & your workmanship. Best Regards, Jon

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks for the kind words Jon, and thanks for watching! Take care

[@saul78oldrite]

OUTSTANDING! AWESOME WORK WITH MUCH ATTENTION TO DETAILS! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@UzairMirza61]

Marvelous piece of craftsmanship. Great work

[@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!

[@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!

[@justhgn1234]

This holster is just amazing ! That absolutley incredible, this know how, WELL DONE !!!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

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

[@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!

[@thedirtydiana863]

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

[@GuiltyMalice]

Incredible work. Beautiful piece!

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

Well done my friend. Keep up the great work. Have a blessed week.

[@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?

[@gordonadams4793]

Stunning work. A true craftsman.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you sir!

[@fredir3596]

Nice to see a craftsman at work.

[@steves1608]

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

[@mikehutchison9589]

Outstanding job.

[@edrah08]

Thank you for this video. It was great from start to finish!

[@HKBronc]

This video is my gospel for holstermaking.

[@mikekisner2729]

Beautiful work.

[@DanielKosterKnives]

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

[@jrpcustomknives]

Nice! This made me want one of your holsters! Outstanding craftsmanship 👍🏼

[@glennvirgin1045]

I would just like to say thank you for the insight in to how the layout work is done, that was a great help. Not sure that I am quite at the level to be successful with my own yet, but at least now I know enough to know where and how to start!

[@franko1372]

YOu Sir, are an Artist with leather! I am in awe of your talent! Thanks for posting! Will buy one of your holsters!

[@danha7946]

Beautiful 1911 holster, super talented

[@martinwall7297]

Outstanding! You Sir, are a national treasure.

[@Miketheneck]

Absolutely beautiful

[@randystull1502]

absolutely amazing and super clean work. great eye for detail! thank you for posting a great walkthrough. you are truly an amazing leatherworker.

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thanks Randy - I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@MrMacacson]

Outstanding workmanship!! Bravo!

[@carycleland9506]

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

[@limmaanka]

Beautiful job!

[@standziuba6040]

AN OUTSTANDING PIECE OF CLASSY LEATHER WORKING. BRAVO!

[@AdamsLeatherWorks]

Thank you Stan! I appreciate it!

[@timothybutler7669]

Excellent work. Beautiful job.

[@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!

[@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!

[@billwessels207]

I enjoyed the excellent video. Thank you, Sir!

[@The_Wood]

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

[@ezekielvernaz]

majestic work. absolutely impeccable, neat, functional. I congratulate you, you're a genius. Eze from Argentina

[@stephenmoore3651]

YOU ARE AN ARTIST WOW! AWESOME WORKMANSHIP. THANK YOU SIR.

[@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.

[@Nontacticalboy]

Wow wow wow, so satisfying to watch this

[@chrispolopolus8656]

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