TACTICAL KNIVES AND SHEATHS (Please visit our knife button on the web site for more info)

COMING SOON- We have had so many requests from our Military, Law Enforcement, and Survival friends for a dependable hard working blades and sheaths that we have decided to produce our version of the best working knife you can buy. They are currently being tested and evaluated by several wings of our military special forces. Once the final version is available we expect a tremendous response. Supplies will be limited. If you want to get on the pre-order list please call today.

ASL KNIFE SYSTEM © (Air, Sea, & Land)

As of 1/14/2014 Chisholm’s Trail has officially started a new Tactical Knife Division with business notification. This ASL Knife system © is official and trademark has been applied for. Knife designs and accessories are copyrighted and can not be replicated in any way, shape, or fashion. We have spent a tremendous amount of time working with representatives in the Special Forces community. Warriors such as Air Force Commandos, Army Green Berets, Navy Seals, and Marine Recon & Raiders are working with us on developing this blade. Some of the topics of input were type of steel, thickness, weight, length, color, and sheaths to mention a few. This first offering is the result of our veteran’s input and advice.

We are not representing our selves as “Custom Knife-makers,” but we are smart enough to consult those that are.  We are getting our blades with our designs hand made in the USA only by a professional knife company. They are not pre-made blanks available to anyone. We are obtaining the best “grippy” handle material we can in suggested colors, closely fit to the handle metal. Each blade is hand ground and carefully heat treated to around RC 57. Our Kydex sheaths will be made by the best maker available and the leather sheaths will be hand made by us. Our knives will perform what they will have been tested to do- period. We don’t produce by the hundreds but by a dozen at a time with intense inspection prior to shipping. Supply will be limited.

ASL- 5S ~ Bug Out Tactical / Survival knife

(Production Pending) This first survival sized knife will have a blade approximately 4 7/8″″ long, 3/16″ thick, and 1 1/2″ wide. There will be no reflective surfaces. The handle will provide good grasp and will be  impervious to water. There will be a good blend between hardness and flexibility with a Rockwell of around 57.  An all around edge grind and ease of resharpening has been provided. This is the perfect knife for any special forces member, tactical team, or survivalist to add to their dependable gear. As a result of this research and testing, our ASL- 5S will also be the ultimate survival and bug out blade. Sheaths will be made in Kydex or leather and there is e a separate cost. Call to pre-order and get on the list now. We expect tremendous response to this first knife and will see you in June at the Atlanta Blade Show. Significant discount will be provided to current active special forces members.

Last week we visited the factory in the USA that will be manufacturing our blades by hand. What an awesome knife shop in a building that looks like it was standing during the Civil War. Photos below:

HEATING THE STEEL

When we went in we found the steel being heated to a red hot temperature.

HAMMERING THE STEEL

Next the steel was being hammered by thousands of pounds into the shape and size needed.

STEEL BLANKS READY TO SHAPE

Stacks of knife blanks ready to shape

SHAPING THE STEEL

Hand grinding the knives into tactical shape.

Chisholm’s Trail continues to bring our new knives and creative historical sheaths

THE SAVAGE

THE SAVAGE

This very high quality knife has an Alabama Damascus Steel blade with a genuine Sambar stag hidden tang handle and brass guard. This will be our standard knife for the PRIMITIVE POUCH SHEATH. The blade is 6″ long, 3/16″ thick, and the handle is 4 1/2″-5″ long. However, you can get this sheath made for any knife size we offer-or one of yours. We can also make any of our sheaths to fit the new Savage knife. Very limited supply – call for pricing.

KS 47 ~ THE PRIMITIVE POUCH

THE PRIMITIVES

Primitive pouch sheaths shown with natural “Rustication” hand tooling. The knife stays secure in the pouch without a retaining strap. As shown, small and medium ~ $99.95 without knife. Sheaths occasionally available with knives- POR.

CHISHOLM’S TRAIL IS NOW ONE OF THE LAST BUCKLE MAKER’S IN AMERICA

This month we celebrate our 67th buckle. Who knew that when we decided to make our first one because we could not find a cowboy buckle that said “Made in USA” that we would now offer almost 70 buckles. That is a lot to keep in stock. If they say “in stock” they are. If they do not say that then we are in the process of making a new mold because they do not last forever. We are going to try to put one style of buckle on sale each month to encourage folks to see the really good quality that our foundry produces. Our buckle this month will be the

“TEXAS RANGER”

TEXAS RANGER

This buckle will be discounted to $39.95. If a belt is purchased the buckle price will drop to $29.95. Each buckle is “thick” hand cast in the USA from virgin brass not melted down artillery shells like so many are. The original was hand engraved by a gunsmith and deeply relieved. It has an ergonomic tongue, curved to sit better on the belt. Currently they are available in yellow brass or are commercially  nickel plated.

Below are five of our new buckles:

The ALAMO

ALAMO BUCKLE

A certified 1816 Militia buckle that scholars feel was of the style worn in the battle of the Alamo for Texas Independence. See page 69 in the ultimate buckle study “American Military & Naval Belts,” by Dorsey. Large, brass, castle cornered militia buckle. (fits up to 1 3/4″ belt tongue). ~ 49.95.

The AMARILLO

AMARILLO

Oval Texas cowboy buckle engraved in the Old West L.D. Nimschke style. Large swirls deeply relieved~ $59.95 each .

HIGH CHAPARRAL

HIGH CHAPARRAL

Solid Brass, clip cornered, traditional cowboy buckle. Gunsmith engraved High Chaparral with Saguaro and other cactus deeply engraved on the front.  Also a TV series from 1967–1971 starring many of the great western actors of the day.  Will fit up to 1 1/2″ belt. ~ $49.95

GUNFIGHTER

GUNFIGHTER

The Man With No Name wore this style western belt buckles in all of his Italian westerns. Correct hammered Andy Anderson style buckle cast from an original. $49.95 each .

DEAD OR ALIVE

DEAD OR ALIVE

The only 3 1/2″ buckle being made in the USA. Now those of you who want to make an authentic Josh Randall “Wanted Dead or Alive” rig to carry your Mare’s Leg cut off 1892 Winchester – here is your buckle. This is not a thin tinny buckle, but a hand cast heavy duty American made solid brass buckle. Available in brass ~ $59.95

Let us know you saw them here and you can get an additional $5 off of the list price.

MARSHAL JOHN SELMAN

Making and Researching Historical Holsters is a Lengthy Process

Recently we were asked to recreate El Paso, Texas Marshal John Selman’s holsters and gun belt for a friend and customer to be used in an upcoming movie about HARDIN. On August 19, 1895, the west’s most infamous gunfighter- John Wesley Hardin went to the Acme Saloon in El Paso, Texas. He began playing dice when Marshal Selman, a gunfighter in his own right, shot Hardin in the back, killing him immediately. Selman was arrested, but before he could be tried for the murder, the back shooter was killed in a gun battle with another lawman, US Marshal George Scarborough.

To begin the research process on this set, we had to obtain every photograph we could find depicting the Lawman wearing his gun rig. We also examined numerous photographs and drawings of gun men of this period. At this point several details could be found. The holster appears to be slightly toe forward, for a 5 1/2″ Colt Single Action Army. It has a typical re-curve throat and a blunt end, with a single wide drop loop. There appears to be a large oval “Maker’s Mark” on the front of the holster over the cylinder area and  several lines of tooling trace the edges of the pouch and back leather. The skirt is a typical olive shape of the period with one line of edge tooling. Comparisons were made to existing gun leather from this period and location for tooling and construction notes.

The most unique feature of this holster is the high round back. We have found this very visible arch on many gunfighter holsters including outlaw Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. Our continuing research as revealed from museum curators and modern day gunfighters that this arch was so you could elbow your coat behind this feature and have it out of the way when you were ready to draw your gun.

BILLY THE KID

SHERIFF PAT GARRETT

Note the high arch back of these two holsters

As these details were gathered it was time to get out the compass, protractor, triangles, and other tools on a drafting board and begin to build the holster out of a manila file folder pattern. Normally it seems to take three leather prototypes. The first is often too small, the second too large, and the third just perfect.

Research making Marshal Selman’s gun leather

Once a good fitting prototype is completed out of American russet tooling leather it is wet formed to a mold or an original Colt Peacemaker to insure a good fit. A correct fit will allow you to turn the holster with the gun (unloaded) upside down over your bed and not fall out. However, once it is strapped on and you grab the handle it will almost jump into your hand. The attached photo shows our final adaptation of Marshal John Selman’s holster and gun belt. This is what a rig looks like prior to color staining and finishing.

 According to our color chart comparing color shades to black and white old time photos, these holsters should be a dark Walnut color. When we have completed this process and hand rubbed saddle finish inside and outside we will add to this post below with the final product photographs.

RANGER GRIPS

Since Texas Rangers began carrying Colt 1911 and Commander grips they have favored fancy ones. Originally they were obtained in Mexico from friends in the Mexican military or law enforcement. Now these sterling silver and gold grips command several thousand dollars and are very collectable. Chisholm’s Trail had gone to great lengths to bring some of the best designs back to life.

One well known style can be seen in the 1987 action film “Extreme Prejudice.” In this modern western Nick Nolte becomes Jack Benteen the hard boiled Ranger sharing his girlfriend with Powers Boothe as Cash Bailey. To prepare for his role, Nolte spent weeks with Joaquin Jackson one of the most famous Texas Rangers of his era. Nolte was even able to pass the Ranger firing course with Ranger Jackson’s help.

TEXAS RANGER JOAQUIN GRIPS

The movie grips were a dead ringer for Jackson’s Colt Commander grips with a silver body and gold accents. After several years Chisholm’s Trail has been able to recreate these stunning grips with Montazuma’s profile above an arched banner, with a horses’ head inside a horseshoe below.

These grips are now available in solid sterling silver and solid gold for $1,200. or in nickel silver and gold plate for one third of that price for $400. Two of the more economical sets are in stock and will go soon. Please call now for immediate shippment.(price subject to change in raw silver cost)

ALAMO GRIPS

TEXAS RANGER ALAMO GRIPS

The next set of grips has a small TEXAS RANGER star inletted on both sides. The right side has the lone star flag of TEXAS hand applied by a jeweler on the top, over cactus with the profile of the ALAMO at the bottom. The right side has the flag and cactus. This phenomenal set is solid Sterling Silver and is currently $800. Each set has to be hand made and will take several weeks to craft. (price subject to change in raw silver cost)

TEXAS RANGER ENGRAVED GRIPS

TEXAS RANGER ENGRAVED GRIPS

Our third set of TEXAS RANGER grips are cast from classic and deeply hand engraved originals. The traditional TEXAS RANGER badge is inletted into both sides. This set is also made from solid Sterling Silver and is currently $600. Each set has to be hand made and will take several weeks to craft. (price subject to change in raw silver cost).

CLICK ON ANY PHOTO FOR LARGER VIEW

TERRY’S TEXAS RANGERS

Terry’s Rangers were formed out of the turbulent times in the Civil War in Texas. This group became a serious fighting force for the Confederacy and feared by the Union forces. The original owner of this holster was more concerned with keeping his Colt secure while galloping rather than a fast draw. The Ranger holster can be sized to any single action or barrel length including 12″. Holster, 1 3/4″ belt, and correct reproduction buckle $274.95.

Member of Terry’s Rangers

The Rangers were a unique group and wore a distinctive uniform

The 8th Texas Cavalry was known as Terry’s Texas Rangers. They were Texas volunteers for the Confederate Army under Colonel Ben Terry. They were most known for their actions during the battle of Gettysburg. Terry Rangers  fought in 275 engagements in seven states in four years. This unit was known as the most effective mounted regiments in the Western area of the Civil War.

Note the distinctive head gear on these Southern gentlemen.

FINE SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN

YOU DON’T LIKE MY HAT?

Hey, both Taurus with the Judge and it’s  various barrel lengths, calibers, and finishes- and the Smith & Wesson Governor provide a really neat gun that can shoot both Colt 45 cartridges and .410 shot shells. The Judge has 5 shots and the Governor has six. We now provide both over the belt, slide and thumb snap holsters in both strong side and cross draw configuration. Attached are some of our photos. Contact us at westernleatherholster.com or call (678) 423-7351 for your own.

September was a very busy month and we did not have any time for a post.  So we will try to do better this month. Coming in the next issue of Guns of the Old West will be our reproduction of “GERONIMO’S GUN LEATHER.” This will be the result of about three years research and our actual trip to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma to view this historical western holster and Western gun belt.  We will also be offering the Geronimo conchos in sterling silver. Also a limited production of the pendant at the bottom of the holster that Geronimo used to ward off evil and bring him luck.

The western holster, belt and knife sheath will have over 20 conchos and three hundred and eleven spots along the edges. The complete holster, belt, knife and sheath. Because of the changing costs of hand casting solid sterling silver the current price is $2,000 + depending on the current cost of silver. The final price is P.O. R. call for daily cost.

Geronimo’s Gun Leather Tom Horn ~ Rough Rider

TOM HORN ~ Rough Rider

So, the next time you get a hankering for:

Old Western leather holsters and belts, ladies Western leather gear, rifle butt covers, rifle scabbards, Cowboy outfitters, Cowboy equipment

or if you are looking for:

saddlebags, Ladies Western purses, ladies Western bags, leather holsters, custom Western leather belts, Cowboy gun holsters, Western gun holsters

(yes, we take care of what you ladies want as well) or if you want:

reproduction bullets, belt buckles, conchos, cross draw holsters, authentic historic holster reproductions, custom knife sheaths, Cowboy holsters, custom leather holsters

and other gear relating to the Old West, come see us at Chisholm’s Trail Leather.

We also stock and custom make: historic holsters, vintage Western gear, and other western items having to do with guns, bags, knives, saddlebags, cartridge holders, belts, buckles and the like, we probably have it and do it better than anyone else, whcih is why you will see our gear featured first run Hollywood Western movies like: 3:10 to Yuma (bad guys holsters and belts), Doc Holiday (the new upcoming one with Val Kilmer- we made Mr. Kilmer’s holsters and belts), Miley Cyrus (her holsters and belts for her new world tour) and many others.  Slap leather with the best: Chisholm’s Trail, pardner.