Leather Holster Making // For Beginners // When To Go Pro // Sam Andrews

Published on April 15, 2020
Duration: 19:58

This video provides an in-depth look at the custom leather holster making process with Sam Andrews of Andrews Custom Leather, hosted by Hank Strange. It covers the history of Sam's business, the materials and tools used, the ordering process, and various custom leather products beyond holsters. The content is aimed at beginners interested in leathercraft for firearms accessories, offering insights into the craft from an experienced professional.

Quick Summary

Sam Andrews of Andrews Custom Leather has been making custom holsters professionally since 1981. For ordering, browse Andrews Leather.com for designs and exotic skins, then call 904-679-4997 to discuss your needs. Wait times vary from weeks for standard items to months for highly custom pieces.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Hank Strange Situation
  2. 00:10Hank Strange Website & Support
  3. 00:18Visit to Andrews Custom Leather HQ
  4. 00:29How It's Made & Q&A with Sam Andrews
  5. 00:40Celebrating 1 Million Views
  6. 01:01Sponsorship & Sam's Voice
  7. 01:14FAQ: Is Sam the Holster Maker?
  8. 01:39Frequently Asked Questions
  9. 01:47The Big Ball of Leather
  10. 02:42Sam's Start in Leatherwork
  11. 03:14Years in Business
  12. 03:29Transitioning to Full-Time
  13. 04:00Pre-Internet Days & Gun Shows
  14. 04:20Location History: Gainesville to St. Augustine
  15. 04:43Customer Visits & Appointments
  16. 05:01Potential Open House Event
  17. 05:32Molding Dummies & Blanks
  18. 06:26Limitations of Molding Dummies
  19. 06:55Acquiring New Molding Dummies
  20. 07:21Materials and Tools for Leatherwork
  21. 07:43Sourcing Tools and Hardware
  22. 08:09Sourcing Leather Hides
  23. 08:21International Access to Materials
  24. 08:41How to Order Custom Holsters
  25. 09:05Navigating Holster Options
  26. 09:16Andrews Leather Catalogue
  27. 09:28Exotic Leather Catalogue
  28. 09:36Direct Consultation for Orders
  29. 09:54Typical Conversation Length
  30. 10:10Current Wait Times
  31. 10:26Managing Wait Times for Custom Orders
  32. 10:34Revising Catalogue Structure
  33. 10:40Wait Times for Popular vs. Custom Pieces
  34. 11:12Complexity of Custom Work (Carving)
  35. 11:23Patience with Custom Orders
  36. 11:44Other Products: Grips
  37. 11:51Exotic Skin Grips for 1911s
  38. 12:21Other Products: Hats
  39. 12:51Ordering Hats and Accessories
  40. 13:13Other Products: Belts, Wallets, Card Holders
  41. 13:34Other Products: Bullet Belts
  42. 13:39Bullet Loop Calibers (.357, .22)
  43. 14:12Practicality of .22 Caliber Loops
  44. 14:39Sam Andrews' Firearm Preferences
  45. 14:45Sam's Collection: 1911s and Historical Firearms
  46. 15:07Movie Prop Contributions (Magnificent 7)
  47. 15:25Sam's Collection Period: 1700s - WWII
  48. 15:31Specific Historical Firearms
  49. 16:09How to Get in Touch
  50. 16:16Contact Information: Phone & Website
  51. 16:43Holster Limitations (Lights, Knives)
  52. 17:08Knife Sheath Offerings
  53. 17:15Social Media Presence
  54. 17:43Social Media Response Times
  55. 18:10Andrews Leather YouTube Channel
  56. 18:44Closing Remarks & Subscriptions
  57. 19:05Support Hank Strange Situation
  58. 19:15Giveaways & Email List
  59. 19:29Farewell & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Sam Andrews been making custom leather holsters?

Sam Andrews has been making custom leather holsters professionally since 1981. He started working with leather as a hobby while in police work, transitioning to a full-time business after six years.

Where can I find materials and tools for leatherworking?

For beginners, Tandy Leather Company is a great source for tools. For hardware, buckles, and more, Weaver Leather (weaverleather.com) is recommended. High-quality leather hides can be sourced from Wicker and Craig Tannery in Pennsylvania and The Hide House in Napa, California.

How do I order a custom holster from Andrews Custom Leather?

The best way to order is to call Andrews Custom Leather directly at 904-679-4997. You can also browse their catalogue at Andrews Leather.com to see designs and exotic skins, but a phone call ensures your specific needs are met.

What are the wait times for custom holsters?

Wait times vary. Popular firearm holsters are kept in production, so they move relatively quickly. Highly custom pieces, such as cowboy rigs or holsters for unusual guns, can take several months due to the detailed work involved.

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