Post by zeus on Jun 9, 2009 9:26:42 GMT -5
I have really got to figure out what I'm doing sometimes and pay a little more attention. Went to reword a few things and ended up accidentally deleting the whole thread, luckily, there were no replies....anyway, figured I should not combine two separate thoughts about Mike's work and other people's work in one post so I'll just separate them. If you are one of the ones that doesn't like to read, stop now......
As I mentioned, I had the pleasure of having a visit from Mike Barranti on a recent trip of his through Kansas City last week. We spent a lot of time chatting on the phone about sixguns and leather but this was the first time I've had the opportunity to shake his hand and sit across the table to carry on these same sorts of conversations. Mike just happened to have a few bags of goodies that he was delivering to their final destination with him and I was fortunate enough to handle each of the new pieces. I can now tell you a few things about Mike and his work that I already knew from the couple of pieces that he has done for me already but were really apparent from the rest of the work that I fondled last week. First, Mike is a great guy to sit and talk with. He really loves sixguns and shooting and can make a really mean holster
I was looking through the stacks of holsters and it became really obvious as to just how much thought and time goes into each piece. There are no stitches or laces out of place, there are no blotchy areas in the dying of the leather. There is no "cheap" leather used in the construction. They scream quality when you hold them and look them over scrutinizing every little detail. His attention to detail extends into very thoughtful small subtle additions on some of the rigs that really make them personal to the owner. These are small things like initials in certain areas or symbols that may play a part in the owners life, etc. I just thought it was really cool to see how much thought goes into the construction of these pieces. Mike is currently working on a rig just like Sixshot's Northwest Hunter for me. I really liked the look of the holster when I saw sixshots pictures but until I held one of the actual holsters in my hand last week, I didn't realize just how impressive a rig that was. I can not wait to see that one arrives here in Kansas!! I don't think that I can even mess that one up....
We all know he builds sixgun holsters but I was REALLY impressed also with his carry holsters for everyday carry weapons. He makes some of the finest 1911 holsters that I've ever seen!! My everyday carry piece is a full size 1911 and is carried in a holster from a very well known maker with very long wait times for each piece. I have always been happy with those holsters until I had them next to Mike's last week. The quality of the leather used in my other holsters is very nice but I was more impressed with the leather from Barranti. I didn't realize just how lightweight the leather is in my current carry rig. Mike had some lightweight versions also but the step up in weight from what I have made a world of difference to me personally. His IWB for the glock (which also fit my Kahr PM45 PERFECTLY) is unbelievably nice also. One very unique thing that I noticed and would have never thought was possible was that Mike is able to keep the mouth of the holsters open/reinforced without the use of steel between the layers. He does this somehow with leather. I found that pretty interesting for some reason.
When I was done looking through all the goodies, Mike and I were sitting in the dining room and I actually was at a loss for words when I tried to tell him how impressed I was with the work he does (those of you that know me understand the importance of this ). I have nice holsters and belts but they are not of the same quality as the ones I've received from Mike. The pictures on his website really do not do his work justice. You can't usually see the detailing in the carvings or stampings that really stand out in person. I for one have found it harder to take pictures of leather than sixguns for some reason, its hard to get the light right. It has been said that we are very fortunate to be living at a time that the best gunsmiths ever are currently applying their trade. That is not the exact words that JT has used but I think I got the jist of it, if not, Mr. John please excuse my wording and feel free to correct it. I feel like we also have some of the best leather and knife makers ever working right now also. I will admit that I've not seen an example from each leather maker out there but I have handled enough of it to say without reservation, that Mike's work is the best that I've ever personally handled or owned. Plus, you will not find a nicer guy to work with. My son even likes him enough that he asked "Where did Mike go" when he woke up this past Saturday morning If you want your new holster or belt tomorrow or next week, you are probably out of luck unless he happens to have one laying around because usually each piece is done to order and just how you personally want it. But, if you have the time to wait for that one special piece or addition to the collection, I promise you will not be disappointed. If you don't mind waiting 1-2 years for a custom handgun, why would you settle for anything less than what you really want and not be willing to wait just a little when you are searching for that leather rig to carry it in? Order the holster during the wait on the custom gun and have the holster/belt waiting for the sixgun when it arrives!! The product that is delivered by the FEDEX man at the end will be worth any wait you have, I can assure you.
My recent Barranti delivery.....as I said earlier, you have to see it in person to appreciate the detailing....
As I mentioned, I had the pleasure of having a visit from Mike Barranti on a recent trip of his through Kansas City last week. We spent a lot of time chatting on the phone about sixguns and leather but this was the first time I've had the opportunity to shake his hand and sit across the table to carry on these same sorts of conversations. Mike just happened to have a few bags of goodies that he was delivering to their final destination with him and I was fortunate enough to handle each of the new pieces. I can now tell you a few things about Mike and his work that I already knew from the couple of pieces that he has done for me already but were really apparent from the rest of the work that I fondled last week. First, Mike is a great guy to sit and talk with. He really loves sixguns and shooting and can make a really mean holster
I was looking through the stacks of holsters and it became really obvious as to just how much thought and time goes into each piece. There are no stitches or laces out of place, there are no blotchy areas in the dying of the leather. There is no "cheap" leather used in the construction. They scream quality when you hold them and look them over scrutinizing every little detail. His attention to detail extends into very thoughtful small subtle additions on some of the rigs that really make them personal to the owner. These are small things like initials in certain areas or symbols that may play a part in the owners life, etc. I just thought it was really cool to see how much thought goes into the construction of these pieces. Mike is currently working on a rig just like Sixshot's Northwest Hunter for me. I really liked the look of the holster when I saw sixshots pictures but until I held one of the actual holsters in my hand last week, I didn't realize just how impressive a rig that was. I can not wait to see that one arrives here in Kansas!! I don't think that I can even mess that one up....
We all know he builds sixgun holsters but I was REALLY impressed also with his carry holsters for everyday carry weapons. He makes some of the finest 1911 holsters that I've ever seen!! My everyday carry piece is a full size 1911 and is carried in a holster from a very well known maker with very long wait times for each piece. I have always been happy with those holsters until I had them next to Mike's last week. The quality of the leather used in my other holsters is very nice but I was more impressed with the leather from Barranti. I didn't realize just how lightweight the leather is in my current carry rig. Mike had some lightweight versions also but the step up in weight from what I have made a world of difference to me personally. His IWB for the glock (which also fit my Kahr PM45 PERFECTLY) is unbelievably nice also. One very unique thing that I noticed and would have never thought was possible was that Mike is able to keep the mouth of the holsters open/reinforced without the use of steel between the layers. He does this somehow with leather. I found that pretty interesting for some reason.
When I was done looking through all the goodies, Mike and I were sitting in the dining room and I actually was at a loss for words when I tried to tell him how impressed I was with the work he does (those of you that know me understand the importance of this
). I have nice holsters and belts but they are not of the same quality as the ones I've received from Mike. The pictures on his website really do not do his work justice. You can't usually see the detailing in the carvings or stampings that really stand out in person. I for one have found it harder to take pictures of leather than sixguns for some reason, its hard to get the light right. It has been said that we are very fortunate to be living at a time that the best gunsmiths ever are currently applying their trade. That is not the exact words that JT has used but I think I got the jist of it, if not, Mr. John please excuse my wording and feel free to correct it. I feel like we also have some of the best leather and knife makers ever working right now also. I will admit that I've not seen an example from each leather maker out there but I have handled enough of it to say without reservation, that Mike's work is the best that I've ever personally handled or owned. Plus, you will not find a nicer guy to work with. My son even likes him enough that he asked "Where did Mike go" when he woke up this past Saturday morning If you want your new holster or belt tomorrow or next week, you are probably out of luck unless he happens to have one laying around because usually each piece is done to order and just how you personally want it. But, if you have the time to wait for that one special piece or addition to the collection, I promise you will not be disappointed. If you don't mind waiting 1-2 years for a custom handgun, why would you settle for anything less than what you really want and not be willing to wait just a little when you are searching for that leather rig to carry it in? Order the holster during the wait on the custom gun and have the holster/belt waiting for the sixgun when it arrives!! The product that is delivered by the FEDEX man at the end will be worth any wait you have, I can assure you.My recent Barranti delivery.....as I said earlier, you have to see it in person to appreciate the detailing....
