That's a great idea. I know that rotating data stamps exist and hen finding a holster for resale it's nice to be able reference the original maker's website to determine model and fit.

Using my first entry as an example. (I had it to work with, any design that will produce the desired edges to emboss the leather will work.) I rendered the tool steel punch end piece so we could see what the end of the punch might look like.


I guess these colors do not show the best, but I think you will get the idea.

<img src="http://lh3.google.com/evaneaston/R4Oo5NV3HPI/AAAAAAAAAO0/TA0N8CUeYQE/s288/SGHc-Embossed.png" /> <img src="http://lh5.google.com/evaneaston/R4PEWtV3HTI/AAAAAAAAAPo/2tX_-SN9HgQ/s288/SGHg-Embossed.png" />

And something more cattle prodish with a hint of shield in it:
<img src="http://lh5.google.com/evaneaston/R4O9vtV3HRI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/OPXcuaNnatE/s288/SGHf-Embossed.png" />

I think I'm done with my attempts, phew.

I like the top right. SGH, shield outline, and pistol outline. Just this logo in an ad and you know what it is about.

Ree, do you have that one in, B/W, 2D format?

Yup; it's very good.

<img src="http://lh5.google.com/evaneaston/R4PEWtV3HSI/AAAAAAAAAPg/9nY9CZHVz1U/s288/SGHg.png" />

+1 That's a distinctive logo right there. Suitable for a maker's mark and branding of a business. Well done, Ree.

very nice!!!

Using Ree's B/W drawing I rendered the tool shape. (By tool I am referring to the punch.) This is very close to what the final tool would look like using that image, sans handle. (Also, the real life punch would be a mirror image to this.)



The material most likely will be A2 tool steel. The outside edges would be dressed down closer to the logo shape to avoid embossing the rectangular shape into the leather if the punch were held slightly off vertical.

Vector base you say? Hmmm I will have to try that out. I usually have to convert these jpg, bmp, gif, etc into vectors for my CAD software. Perhaps we could skip a step and get a more accurate product. png, bmp, etc always bring along a lot of junk artifacts. Added to make it pleasing to the eye.

Very well done. The only thing it lacks -- and I'm not sure that it's doable at a reasonable size -- is a URL.

I think we might have a winner!

I would be interested in talking to you in making it. I will drop you a PM.

Deffinetly the one with the pistol.

I see one glaring problem right now with the punchs, they are all backwards. You would want the mirror of the image on the punch. Unless my brain is going wonky from their being too much blood in my alcohol system that is.

I'm going to have to fire up Bryce and make some 3D images myself cause it looks like fun. Damn it! Is it okay if I abandon my girlfriend at the bar to play with 3D graphics?

Srigs,

Do the losing contestants receive a parting gift for appearing, or was I wearing mine Saturday at the Gopher?

RTK