How to Kill Your Holster | GUNS Magazine Podcast #101 | Presented by Hodgdon

Published on October 8, 2021
Duration: 41:36

This episode delves into the intricate world of custom leather holster making with Mike 'Doc' Beranti of Beranti Leather Company. It covers the historical significance of holster makers, the detailed process of crafting holsters from selecting premium leather to the final finishing touches, and essential care techniques to ensure longevity. Beranti emphasizes the artistic and functional aspects of his work, including recreating historical designs and the importance of proper maintenance to prevent holsters from being 'killed' by neglect or over-conditioning.

Quick Summary

Custom leather holsters are crafted from high-quality leather through a detailed process involving pattern cutting, edge work, stamping, stitching, fitting, and oil finishing. Proper care is crucial; re-oil to replace lost oils but avoid over-oiling. Use mild cleaners for dirt and conditioners like Blackrock sparingly to maintain the leather's integrity and functionality.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Guns Magazine Podcast #101
  2. 01:15Interview with Custom Holster Maker Doc Beranti
  3. 02:37Origin of the 'Doc' Nickname
  4. 04:26Shooting Skeeter Skelton's Guns in New Mexico
  5. 06:25Beranti Leather Company: History and Craft
  6. 07:06Early Holster Making with BB Guns
  7. 08:00First Leather Holsters and Early Influences
  8. 09:09Artistry and Functionality in Leatherwork
  9. 10:02Recreating Historical Holsters
  10. 10:18The Beranti-Myers Product Line
  11. 11:24Using Original SD Myers Patterns
  12. 13:00The Process of Building a Leather Holster
  13. 13:33Leather Selection and Tanneries
  14. 14:45Cutting Patterns and Tools
  15. 15:25Edge Work and Stamping
  16. 16:15Assembly and Stitching
  17. 16:46Holster Fitting to the Firearm
  18. 17:28Final Finishing and Oiling
  19. 18:00Welded vs. Unwelded Holster Seams
  20. 19:12Leather Art Gallery Showcase
  21. 20:01Skeeter Skelton Bourbon Bottle Sleeve
  22. 21:33Care and Feeding of a Leather Holster
  23. 21:59Holster Construction and Oil Loss
  24. 22:43When to Re-condition Leather
  25. 23:05Cleaning Methods for Gun Leather
  26. 23:46Risks of Over-Oiling Leather
  27. 24:12Recommended Leather Conditioners
  28. 25:42Holsters Killed by Too Much or Too Little Care
  29. 26:58Elmer Keith's Lawrence Holster Condition
  30. 27:58Interesting Holster Stories
  31. 28:37Favorite Holster Styles
  32. 29:32Special Rigs for Texas Rangers
  33. 30:22Shopping for Gun Leather: What to Consider
  34. 31:36Inside-the-Waistband Holsters for Single Actions
  35. 33:46Asking the Right Questions for Holster Selection
  36. 35:06Unusual Holster Requests
  37. 36:36Concealable Speed Loader Pouch Design
  38. 37:35Future Projects: The Ultimate Leather Saddle
  39. 38:40How to Learn More About Beranti Leather
  40. 40:03Podcast Outro and Sponsor Mentions

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a custom leather holster constructed?

Construction begins with selecting high-quality leather, followed by cutting patterns, edge work, stamping or carving, assembly with stitching, fitting to the firearm by wetting the leather, drying, and a final oil finish. Each step requires precision to ensure functionality and durability.

What are the best practices for caring for a leather gun holster?

Proper care involves re-oiling to replace lost oils, but avoiding over-oiling which can damage the leather. For cleaning, use glycerin saddle soap or mild detergent for heavy dirt, followed by re-oiling. Products like Blackrock Leather & Enrich are recommended for conditioning, applied sparingly.

What is the significance of the 'Doc' nickname for holster maker Mike Beranti?

The nickname 'Doc' originated from a 1967 article by Skeeter Skelton in Shooting Times magazine. Skelton humorously compared the importance of his holster maker to that of his doctor, and the moniker stuck with Mike Beranti.

How can one identify high-quality custom leather holsters?

Look for meticulous edge work, consistent stamping or carving, precise stitching, and a proper fit to the firearm. The leather itself should be from reputable tanneries. The overall finish and the maker's attention to detail, like using historical patterns or maker's marks, also indicate quality.

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