Workshop Description: Learn the fundamentals of professional holster design and construction. Slickbald will focus on a 2-Slot or “Pancake” style, kidney carry holster. Please note that the style of holster is not as important as the tenants of holster making being taught in general.

This workshop will cover the fitting of the holster style to the customer, types of holsters and their applications, as well as designing holsters from scratch. Leather selection, liners, wet molding and more will be covered during construction. This workshop will also cover shop tips and production techniques to help the student hit the ground running. Students will receive one of Slickbald’s 2-Slot Holster Master Pattern Packs. NOTE: I will bring many Blue Guns for molding.

Materials to bring: Students should have their own professional collection of properly shaped, sharpened, and polished tools: pencil, head knife or similar, strop, round punches, one medium-sized (#3/4) French skiver, #3 and #5 common edge bevelers, slicker, and wing dividers. Slickbald will bring tools to try and fill any gaps.

Workshop Instructor: Chris “Slickbald” Andre is a professional leather artist and maker from Colorado who received the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft in May of 2022. Chris works mostly in cowboy action and concealed carry gun leather while dabbling in saddles, cowboy trappings and motorcycle gear. Chris is also an active and competitive member of SASS and Cowboy Fast Draw and is a lifetime competitive shooter. Chris authors a variety of instruction and pattern packs for gun leather and other items as well as offering workshops in holster making and carving.