Attn. leatherworkers (Question)

[Aggie01]

I don't see many examples of exotic leathers used in holster making.
Is this due to tanning variations, availability, demand, or a general unsuitability for this type of thing?

I'm particularly interested a (version/adaptation/homage, etc.) of the Lawrence 120 in a full quill black ostrich.
My 500 Max is already gonna be hard chromed with black micarta grips, there is no reason to go subtle and classic with the holster...

[nobearsyet]

It ca nbe done, I have done a little bit of work with both ostrich and stingray as well as some fake (and real) gator on holsters, the problem posed by some of the exotics is they are thin (too thin in the case of any ostrich I've ever got my hands on) and need a heavy lining kind of making for a fancy exotic leather "outer holster" that basically does nothing but look pretty, and a regular holster leather (what I use varies a good bit from style to style, holster to holster) "inner holster" that actually does the gun holding work

[Len]

I have an elephant hide cross draw Andy Horvath made for me. The skin had been prepared and tanned for upholstery so he used a heavy lining to give it support.

Len

[woody]

I have a couple sharkskin holsters Rob made. He could help you out I'm sure.

[robl]

Aggie,
I THINK Mike Barantti is doing some work with exotics.
I have built some shark skin gear before. I haven't figured out how to do it well enough to be profitable, so I stopped. I do have some elephant hide I need to make a holster, ammo pouch and Bible cover out of.
I will be glad to help you make your own, if that's what your looking for.
Drop me and e-mail if I can answer any questions.

I prefer my pancake design for a better all around holster: