New Little Bear Leather (pic's!!)

southbound · July 24th, 2008, 06:24 PM

I received my order today..
I took some pic's and thought I would post some..

I first had Dave refinish my belt. All the Kydex has been rough on it..
The belt was rolled up and had stuck together when I unrolled it some of the dye came off..Over all it looks good..

Here is the holster with loops..
Saddle tan trimmed in black elephant..

Again but with the Kydex clips that came with it..
You can see where the black dye stuck to the holster when I removed the loops..

Now with some Comp-Tac C-Clips

He put some really soft amber colored suede on the back of the holster..

Mag holder..
Same saddle tan with elephant..

The fit of the pistol is tight. It will break in nicely..
The leather is super tough I think it will last a lifetime..
Also the super soft amber colored suede is a nice touch.
I can't get the elephant to look as nice in a photo as it does in real life..

I really like the hand made look. It has a old timey feel to it that I like.
The only problem is with the dye coming off or sticking to the holster. I myself would rather have a problem with the finish rather than how it was made...

One last thing the suede is such a nice touch but I think it would work better if it covered the T-nuts ..Just something to try..

Anyway thanks Dave and I hope you have a good vacation...

I will update after I get to wear it awhile..

Little Bear Custom Holsters - Welcome to Little Bear Custom Holsters. My name is Dave Galloway and I hope I can build you the holster you want. I understand what it is like to want a really nice holster but the need outweighs wait time. I hope I can

Bowie · July 24th, 2008, 10:44 PM

Congrats Southbound, looks real nice. I really like the color and trim.

Silver Wolf · July 25th, 2008, 12:14 AM

Southbound,

I appologize for the dye transfer. I cannot explain it other than humidity. I did not attach them until shipping day; and I guess the same with the belt. Though I think it is more the "finish" than the actual dye.

As far as the T nuts... i didn't want to cover them just incase they became stripped for some reason. I didn't want you to be stuck sending it back in for recover/replacement.

I am glad you are over all happy with the holster, though I am not happy with the flaws. I am going to brainstorm and try and fix that for future rigs.

I appreciate your candor and I hope you enjoy it.

Take care and thanks again!

southbound · July 25th, 2008, 08:44 PM

I had this rig on for 3 hours last night and all day today..
Man it is comfy

I have had no problem with the mag holder at all...
Put it on stuck in a mag and forgot it was there...

As for the holster I have only tried the elephant loops as of now but it does ride nice..
It did have some pre curve to it before I started to ware it.Now it is molding around me nicely..

The pistol is starting to fit just right as well. In a day or so it will draw just the way I like..

O and as always I got a email from Dave being a stand up guy about the dye thing

Evan while his on vacation!!

One last thing the elephant is super nice!!!

Thanks...

Adam500 · July 25th, 2008, 11:32 PM

That is too bad about the transfer i noticed it on my holster also but it wasn't a big deal to me as my main concern was functionality with cosmetics coming in 2nd. My holster molded to my body very well and has been holding up great wear it every day. I am glad you like yours!!!

BTW looks great (a lot like mine but i have shark)

Adam

southbound · July 26th, 2008, 11:14 AM

Adam500

I agree I am more concerned with fit and form rather than lipstick and rouge!!

Thanks....

NCHornet · July 26th, 2008, 01:17 PM

I am currently working with Dave to make a custom carry rig for my P232. He stayed in contact with me even during his vacatuon time, that is awesome customer service. I posted a thread called "a different kind of holster" we have worked together and added some other options to it. When he gets back home he is going to do some sketches before cutting the $$$ stuff. I can't wait to see what he comes up with. The basic idea is a convertible IWB/OWB holster with removable kydex clips for IWB, and since the P232 is a smaller weapon he is going to incorporate a spare mag holder in the frontal part of the holster. Mine will be in a light tan with exotic trim and then he is going to do a spare mag holder for it and my G23 mag. I can't wait to see the finished product. I may ask him to keep the holster a few days longer to prevent the staining in the dye, whatever is causing it. You pay that much for a holster you want it to look nice, but I agree fit is much more important than finish. Talk to you soon Dave.

NCH

NCHornet · July 26th, 2008, 05:43 PM

I have a question for you, I have been looking at the photos a little closer and I am a bit worried about a few things. First the stitching on the mag carrier in the lower far right corner looks funny, I am not sure if this is where the stitching starts and ends, but it just doesn't look right to me. Also did you request the stitching to be raised like that? Most holster makers recess their stitching for obvious reasons, just wondering if this is something I need to mention to Dave or maybe you wanted it done this way. Also the loops on the mag carrier don't look very straight, not sure if it is the photo or what. I am glad you posted the photos as it gives me somethings to talk to dave about before sending money. Thanks for the info.

NCH

JerryM · July 26th, 2008, 07:02 PM

Not wanting to be critical for it own sake, but the stitching looks amateurish, and the holster is not boned to the degree I am used to seeing in the holsters from the top makers.
In addition, the loops on the mag carrier look pretty rough to me.
Overall there is a lot of room for improvement.

I never want to discourage a new holster maker, but I do not think it is doing him a favor to brag on work that is lacking.

The important thing is that it satisfy the customer.

Regards,
Jerry

NCHornet · July 26th, 2008, 07:49 PM

jerry,
What do you mean the "holster is not bonded to the degree I am use to seeing" I don't see that the photo shows a good shot of the edge of the holster. Since I was about to place an order with David I would appreciate your opinion.
Let me say this that David is very honest that he is starting out in this business and has a lot to learn, he responds very quickly to emails and seems very friendly. I am all for supporting somebody who is still learning as long as it is a cosmetic issue and not affecting, or will affect the integrity of the holster later down the road. What has me most concerned is the stitching being non recessed in the leather.
Thanks
NCH

July 24th, 2008, 06:24 PM	#1
southbound Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: tn Posts: 247	New Little Bear Leather (pic's!!) I received my order today.. I took some pic's and thought I would post some.. I first had Dave refinish my belt. All the Kydex has been rough on it.. The belt was rolled up and had stuck together when I unrolled it some of the dye came off..Over all it looks good.. Here is the holster with loops.. Saddle tan trimmed in black elephant.. Again but with the Kydex clips that came with it.. You can see where the black dye stuck to the holster when I removed the loops.. Now with some Comp-Tac C-Clips He put some really soft amber colored suede on the back of the holster.. Mag holder.. Same saddle tan with elephant.. The fit of the pistol is tight. It will break in nicely.. The leather is super tough I think it will last a lifetime.. Also the super soft amber colored suede is a nice touch. I can't get the elephant to look as nice in a photo as it does in real life.. I really like the hand made look. It has a old timey feel to it that I like. The only problem is with the dye coming off or sticking to the holster. I myself would rather have a problem with the finish rather than how it was made... One last thing the suede is such a nice touch but I think it would work better if it covered the T-nuts ..Just something to try.. Anyway thanks Dave and I hope you have a good vacation... I will update after I get to wear it awhile.. Little Bear Custom Holsters - Welcome to Little Bear Custom Holsters. My name is Dave Galloway and I hope I can build you the holster you want. I understand what it is like to want a really nice holster but the need outweighs wait time. I hope I can

July 24th, 2008, 10:44 PM	#2
Bowie Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 452	Congrats Southbound, looks real nice. I really like the color and trim. __________________ H&K USPc, S&W 642, Wilson Combat 1911 CQB

July 25th, 2008, 12:14 AM	#3
Silver Wolf Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 266	Explanation Southbound, I appologize for the dye transfer. I cannot explain it other than humidity. I did not attach them until shipping day; and I guess the same with the belt. Though I think it is more the "finish" than the actual dye. As far as the T nuts... i didn't want to cover them just incase they became stripped for some reason. I didn't want you to be stuck sending it back in for recover/replacement. I am glad you are over all happy with the holster, though I am not happy with the flaws. I am going to brainstorm and try and fix that for future rigs. I appreciate your candor and I hope you enjoy it. Take care and thanks again! __________________ Dave Little Bear Holsters http://www.littlebearholsters.com/ Mission first.... Soldiers ALWAYS!

July 25th, 2008, 11:32 PM	#5
Adam500 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 128	That is too bad about the transfer i noticed it on my holster also but it wasn't a big deal to me as my main concern was functionality with cosmetics coming in 2nd. My holster molded to my body very well and has been holding up great wear it every day. I am glad you like yours!!! BTW looks great (a lot like mine but i have shark) Adam __________________

July 26th, 2008, 01:17 PM	#7
NCHornet Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mt Airy, NC Posts: 1,846	I am currently working with Dave to make a custom carry rig for my P232. He stayed in contact with me even during his vacatuon time, that is awesome customer service. I posted a thread called "a different kind of holster" we have worked together and added some other options to it. When he gets back home he is going to do some sketches before cutting the $$$ stuff. I can't wait to see what he comes up with. The basic idea is a convertible IWB/OWB holster with removable kydex clips for IWB, and since the P232 is a smaller weapon he is going to incorporate a spare mag holder in the frontal part of the holster. Mine will be in a light tan with exotic trim and then he is going to do a spare mag holder for it and my G23 mag. I can't wait to see the finished product. I may ask him to keep the holster a few days longer to prevent the staining in the dye, whatever is causing it. You pay that much for a holster you want it to look nice, but I agree fit is much more important than finish. Talk to you soon Dave. NCH __________________ When Seconds Count, The Cops Are Just Minutes Away!! Carry On! NCHornet

July 25th, 2008, 08:44 PM	#4
southbound Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: tn Posts: 247	I had this rig on for 3 hours last night and all day today.. Man it is comfy I have had no problem with the mag holder at all... Put it on stuck in a mag and forgot it was there... As for the holster I have only tried the elephant loops as of now but it does ride nice.. It did have some pre curve to it before I started to ware it.Now it is molding around me nicely.. The pistol is starting to fit just right as well. In a day or so it will draw just the way I like.. O and as always I got a email from Dave being a stand up guy about the dye thing Evan while his on vacation!! One last thing the elephant is super nice!!! Thanks...

July 26th, 2008, 11:14 AM	#6
southbound Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: tn Posts: 247	Adam500 I agree I am more concerned with fit and form rather than lipstick and rouge!! Thanks....

July 26th, 2008, 05:43 PM	#8
NCHornet Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mt Airy, NC Posts: 1,846	I have a question for you, I have been looking at the photos a little closer and I am a bit worried about a few things. First the stitching on the mag carrier in the lower far right corner looks funny, I am not sure if this is where the stitching starts and ends, but it just doesn't look right to me. Also did you request the stitching to be raised like that? Most holster makers recess their stitching for obvious reasons, just wondering if this is something I need to mention to Dave or maybe you wanted it done this way. Also the loops on the mag carrier don't look very straight, not sure if it is the photo or what. I am glad you posted the photos as it gives me somethings to talk to dave about before sending money. Thanks for the info. NCH __________________ When Seconds Count, The Cops Are Just Minutes Away!! Carry On! NCHornet Last edited by NCHornet; July 26th, 2008 at 07:39 PM..

July 26th, 2008, 07:02 PM	#9
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,694	Not wanting to be critical for it own sake, but the stitching looks amateurish, and the holster is not boned to the degree I am used to seeing in the holsters from the top makers. In addition, the loops on the mag carrier look pretty rough to me. Overall there is a lot of room for improvement. I never want to discourage a new holster maker, but I do not think it is doing him a favor to brag on work that is lacking. The important thing is that it satisfy the customer. Regards, Jerry

July 26th, 2008, 07:49 PM	#10
NCHornet Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mt Airy, NC Posts: 1,846	jerry, What do you mean the "holster is not bonded to the degree I am use to seeing" I don't see that the photo shows a good shot of the edge of the holster. Since I was about to place an order with David I would appreciate your opinion. Let me say this that David is very honest that he is starting out in this business and has a lot to learn, he responds very quickly to emails and seems very friendly. I am all for supporting somebody who is still learning as long as it is a cosmetic issue and not affecting, or will affect the integrity of the holster later down the road. What has me most concerned is the stitching being non recessed in the leather. Thanks NCH __________________ When Seconds Count, The Cops Are Just Minutes Away!! Carry On! NCHornet

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