The Workshop Journal
Guides, care, and comparisons from 35 years at the bench.
Straight Talk
5 Leather Myths a 35-Year Leather Maker Wants You to Stop Believing
Water, "genuine leather," green marks, machines, and wear — five myths David Bullard has heard at every show table since 1991, and what 35 years at the bench says instead.
Comparison
Kydex vs Leather Holsters: An Honest Comparison From a Leather-Only Shop
David has 35 years at the bench and won't allow a Kydex holster in the shop — which is exactly why Kydex gets its case argued straight here. Where each material wins, and the one retention fix Kydex can't match.
Behind the Bench
How a Custom Leather Holster Is Made — From Hermann Oak Hide to Your Hip
Machines where machines win, hands where hands are the only tool for the job. Here is every step of a Busted B holster build, from a full Hermann Oak side to your hip.
Our Craft
The Legacy of American Leatherwork — Kept Alive in Northeast Texas
The gear that settled the West was leather, and it was made by hand. We think that tradition is worth continuing — here’s why, and how we do it in Hunt County.
Leather 101
Full-Grain vs. 'Genuine' & Bonded Leather: What 'Made to Last' Means
"Genuine leather" sounds premium. It’s actually one of the lowest grades. Here’s how leather is really graded — and why it decides whether your gear lasts 2 years or 20.
Holsters
Fitting a Leather Holster to Your Pistol: Bond Arms, Staccato & 1911
"Will it fit my gun?" is the only question that matters with a holster. Here’s how custom fit works for a Bond Arms, a Staccato C2, and a 1911 — three guns that don’t share a mold.
Holsters
Holsters Made in Texas vs. Cheap Imports: What Carries More Securely
A holster is the one piece of gear standing between your pistol and the ground. Here’s the honest difference between a Texas-made custom rig and a bargain-bin import.
Knife Sheaths
Wet-Molded Leather Knife Sheaths for the Case Trapper, Buck 110 & Spyderco
A good sheath holds the knife the way a holster holds a pistol — molded to that exact blade. Here’s how we build them for the classics.
Rifle Slings
Henry Golden Boy & Big Boy: No-Drill Leather Sling Adapters & Wraps
Henrys are gorgeous and a lot of them ship without sling studs. Here’s how to put a real leather sling on one without taking a drill to a rifle you love.
Shotgun Gear
Leather Forend Straps & Grip Wraps for the Mossberg Shockwave & Remington TAC-14
The Shockwave and TAC-14 are a handful to hold onto. A fitted leather forend strap fixes the grip problem and looks the part — here’s how ours are built.
Rifle Slings
Custom Leather Rifle Slings for the .45-70, Henry & Lever Guns
A rifle sling is the one accessory you feel every minute you carry. Here’s how we build leather slings for .45-70 lever guns and Henry rifles — and why width and lining matter.
Lever-Action Gear
Lever-Action Leather Stock Wrap Kits: Dress a Marlin 1895 Yourself
You don’t need a saddle shop to put real leather on your lever gun. Our pre-cut, pre-punched wrap kits lace on at the kitchen table — here’s how they work.
Comparison
IWB vs. OWB: Which Leather Holster Carry Style Is Right for You?
IWB hides everything but eats belt space. OWB is comfortable and fast but needs a cover garment. Here's the full breakdown to pick the right one for how you actually carry.
Guide
The Complete Guide to Leather Rifle Slings for Lever Guns
Lever guns are running the order book. Here's how to match a sling to your Marlin or Henry, why every cartridge loop is molded and test-fitted to your caliber, and what that green stain around stored rounds really is.
Lever-Action Gear
Leather Butt Covers with Ammo Loops for Lever-Action Rifles
A leather butt cover keeps spare rounds on the gun and protects the stock — but only if it's cut to your rifle. Here's how we build them for Henry, Marlin, and Winchester.
How-To
The Complete Leather Care Guide for Holsters, Belts & Sheaths
Full-grain leather can last 20+ years — or crack in two if you treat it wrong. Here's what 35 years at the bench has taught us about keeping leather gear alive.
Comparison
Custom vs. Factory Holsters: Why Handmade Wins
A factory holster fits the average version of your gun and calls it good. Here's what the $30 holster skips — and how each skipped step shows up on your belt.
Buyer's Guide
How to Choose the Right Leather Holster for Concealed Carry
IWB, OWB, pancake, tuckable, shoulder — every carry style has a purpose. Pick the wrong one and you'll stop carrying. Here's how to pick the right one.