• A PROPER HOLSTER - "THE SOFT-GRIP"

[Replicant 13]

GUYS!

Having read through this discussion, I think it's GREAT!

And no apologies necessary. It's a "forum" for a reason.

PLEASE, feel free to "cuss and discuss", as the saying goes. (Hopefully it leans significantly more towards the discussion)

I think this is not only what makes the Summit great, but improves our efforts here, whether it's to paper, leather, resin or metal!

Have A Better One! certainly applies here - R13

I look forward to what this discuss breeds . . .
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[Replicant 13]

The one thing I think we can ALL agree on, is that no holster is going to serve all purposes, address all desires or please everyone.

As I said in my review, I think the SG already goes a long way towards addressing our past concerns. While it isn't identical to the original, it's darn close and the simple fact that, as designed, it can be used without significantly damaging your replica is a welcome compromise.

Of course, I wish the strap were not necessary, but I think that it's the one feature that makes this all work. Any problems with props on-set can be edited out. Reality is a bit less forgiving.

Is there a better idea? Perhaps one will surface here.

But none comes to my mind . . .

- R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[joberg]

I think Proper explained it well enough for everybody to understand: the additional black strap makes the gun secure enough in the holster.

And the only way to lose that gun is if you do a hand-stand

Would it be possible to secure a rod at the bottom of the holster as for securing the barrel?

I do not know how to do that but that will add an additional structure to secure the gun. Every time you put your gun back in and sliding it against the top side (do not take the left or right side) the rod would slid inside the barrel. That rod cannot be too long nor too short and cannot be to big as to damage the inside of said barrel.

[Skin-Job]

Joberg,

I've experimented with dozens of ideas over the years. I think the barrel rod is good in principle, but would be hard to make practical. I honestly don't think it'll be needed.

The one I'm making now (to address Andy's comment about seating lower down) is the 20th prototype for a BR holster for me.

I'll have it done tomorrow and will post pics. It'll have the retainer strap and the blaster should sit lower in the holster. The opening at the holster front will be longer, and the welt shorter.
The thing is, will it still retain the characteristic shape well enough?

With the right wet-forming, I think so, but there's only one way to be sure.

We'll find out tomorrow


Karl

[joberg]

Sounds good; eager to see the results

[Skin-Job]

Well, here we are then.

http://www.karlderrick.com/hosted2/index.html

I got this finished this morning.
The final verdict will be up to you guys, but I'm prepared to call this a success.

The good news is that I can get the holster to retain it's correct shape.

I redesigned the welt, making it a lot shorter, this increased the size of the front opening and allowed the blaster better access. I spent a great deal of time casing and easing the inside of the holster toe to make more room.

The blaster now sits a good deal deeper in the holster and also more toward the holster spine. The barrel end now sits at the very bottom of the holster.

The fit is very good, and the holster still exerts no appreciable pressure on the blaster surface and it will simply fall out if the holster is inverted.


What do we think?



Karl

[Replicant 13]

Focusing back on the original holster, I've little doubt that the blaster carried at Ford's side through the action sequences was somehow securely fastened within that holster - if not at first, then soon after it fell out the first time. When not in use, there would be little reason to film so many sequences (and Ridley's countless takes), without doing so.

I'd have to watch BR again, but I don't recall Deckard actually drawing his weapon more perhaps than a couple of times - most notably when he encounters Leon on the streets of LA.



In other words, the real holster was a "practical" prop that wasn't.

- R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[Skin-Job]

I agree with R13,

I suspect the Hero blaster was only ever in the holster for the publicity shots.

I've been playing with the Soft Grip Mark 2 holster. It's very secure with the retainer strap in place, but the blaster can be drawn very easily, with no pressure at all.

Andy,

Is this more what you're after?


Karl

[joberg]

First thing first: Karl, this is it Beautiful and accurate, what else could you ask for? The way the gun is now inside that model is perfect
Excellent job.

As for the battle with Leon (one take I believe), there's no way that gun could've stayed put...maybe they made another kind of holster/contraption for that scene (rubber stunt gun anyway). As for the bathroom scene, note how far that gun sits on his side or start of his back as to be straight even when bending down to splash water on his face ...we never see that gun draw directly from the holster.

[Skin-Job]

Thanks very much Joberg,
I think it's pretty much there. I feel happy with the fit.

On the other point; there's not a chance the Hero pistol would stay put in that holster if Ford stood up too fast, let alone running, jumping or fighting




Karl

[joberg]

You're welcome

[Replicant 13]

THE PKD AND THE SG-1

As promised, as time permitted, I found my prized PKD, a metal and resin version that Rick Ross built for me several years ago.

This model differs somewhat from his original release and there are several differences between it and the old C&S, but as you can see below, their main bodies are quite similar.

THE COYLE C&S AND AN EARLY ROSS PKD



Looking at the Soft Grip, although created for the C&S, it looked adaptable and I wanted to test it with the PKD as well.

Having a one-piece metal frame, this version of the PKD is sturdier than most other models and so is a bit more resistant to damage. Nonetheless, in testing my earlier holsters, I found the same problems, having to retouch those painted resin parts that became scratched.

THE PKD AND THE SG PROTOTYPE


However, as you can see, the prototype fit surprisingly well, with no damage to the surface of the PKD.

THE PKD AND SG-1 FROM BOTH SIDES


Although not intended for the PKD (and Proper has now made adjustments to his second prototype), the PKD fits nicely, well-seated - if a bit snug - in this SG-1, with the strap snapped securely . . .



A testament to the thought and craftmanship behind Proper's design.

- R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[joberg]

Karl did a fantastic job, look cool to see all those models been seated in a proper ( no pun intended )holster.

Thanks Dave for that show and tell

[Replicant 13]

Agreed. I'm sure the fit will only improve once Proper can supply each replica with its own holster. Impressive work.

I'm anxious to see what he comes up with for the snub . . .



For now, we must wait. - R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[joberg]

Well, knowing now the level of quality Karl can produce, I think it's going to kick ass for sure

Good comp btw Dave

[Skin-Job]

Thanks for the excellent addition to the review, R13.

I'm glad the holster performed so well. as you said it wasn't fitted for the PKD. I'm really glad there was no paint damage.
The holster will be just as secure with the new welt design, but will apply no pressure to the surface.

I've also made another tweak. The back of the metal snap stud which secures the strap now has a circle of suede glued over it to be certain it won't scratch a painted resin blaster when drawn.

It's the little things



Karl

[Replicant 13]

Le bon Dieu est dans le détail.*

- R13

* Apparently the idiom "the devil is in the details" derives from the earlier phrase, "God is in the detail" attributed earliest to Gustave Flaubert (1821–1880), according to Wikipedia.

To paraphrase WISEGEEK.org, “the devil is in the details” has a number of different interpretations, but that all of the meanings for the phrase boil down to the fact that it is often the small details of something which make it difficult or challenging and ultimately rewarding. “The devil's in the details” (refers to) very small but ultimately important components that contribute to the successful execution of a larger task.
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[joberg]

Yes indeed, couldn't have said it better Dave

[tain669]

Will you be selling these and what will the price be ?

[Skin-Job]

They are indeed for sale.

The price is USD$149.00 shipped.

PM me if interested.

Thanks,

Karl