By Jack Furr
The following information about leather gear (holsters, belts, magazine pouches) and other ancillary gear of the concealed carry permit holder as well as the professional law enforcement officer has come to the author over a 20+ year career in law enforcement and training LEOs, military and civilian personnel. Much of this time was spent while working at several prominent training facilities within the U.S. In Arizona I worked alongside a man whom I consider iconic in holster design and development…Mr. Bruce Nelson. When time permitted, we talked about these designs, the materials they were made of, how it enhanced draw performance, security, the ability to re-holster one-handed, leathers that were strong, durable and light. It was an important education in what constitutes a professional carry system by a professional law enforcement officer, holster user and superb holster craftsman . . .
There are realities that must be faced when you venture into the area of armed conflict and your choice of a carry piece and system of transporting that firearm and other necessary gear. Gunfights are a nasty business and you really don’t want to be involved in one. Unfortunately, there are times when a fight is unavoidable.
Your fight will be like no other. It’s doubtful it will be static and you’re very likely to end up on the deck. That being said, some holster makers have made it a point to seek out those who have survived a gunfight in-order to gain information that could assist them in a superior design. Sadly, many others have not.
So what properties does a well-executed holster, belt and magazine pouch have and how do you go about selecting them? What should they be made of? What holster makers do you check out, and what questions do you ask of them?
In my opinion and the opinions of several other well known armed professionals – men such as the late Col. Jeff Cooper, Thell Reed, Clint Smith, Louis Awerbuck, Chuck Taylor, Scott Reitz, Raymond P. Coffman, Bill McLennan and many others – your rig should be made of a superior grade of cow or horse hide. Of course, there is ballistic nylon and Kydex, too. These materials certainly have their place, but I doubt if you will see one of the men mentioned carrying anything other than real leather for serious social purposes. Why is this you ask?. Because they know S_ _ _ and they have spent the better part of their lives armed and testing various carry systems. What about cost? A professional carry system will cost at a minimum, one-third the cost of your handgun. You should not allow price to deter you from getting the very best that your hard earned dollar will purchase. How much is your life worth? You can pay just as much for a poorly designed holster, belt and magazine pouch as you can for one of a superior design.
Here are important nuances of selecting the superior designed holster, belt and magazine pouch. All components of your carry system should be crafted by the same maker/person. The professionally crafted gun belt will always be cut on the bias…meaning it will be contoured to fit the wearers hips…we are all alike but we are all different. The subtle curve will assist in the even distribution of the weight of the handgun and extra magazines and it will help alleviate any lower back issues when you are armed 24/7. Magazine pouches should be cut low enough for the shooter to grasp the magazine for reloading with a proper index and have dynamic friction-fit for retention.
The buyer and ultimate end-user…you, should be aware of the following before making this significant and potential life saving purchase. Holster belt loop and magazine belt loop must be of the same dimensions as the belt. This is to prevent unnecessary movement in your carry system. You want your holster, magazine pouch in the very same place on your body each and every time you go out into the world. The armed professional and those who have had the experience of professional training have ingrained a kinesthetic draw-stroke that is repeated each time that the brain receives the proper stimuli and their holstered handgun should be in the same place each and every time as should your extra ammunition for the handgun.
Critical elements of a professionally designed holster:
* The angle of the holster as it rests on your hip is of vital importance. A straight-drop designed holster is the most efficient…economy of motion. Unnecessary movement takes time…time is critical in a fight for your life. FBI cant/rake muzzle to the rear is less economical and causes the shooter to crouch which also takes valuable time and is less efficient.
* The second knuckle of the middle finger of the firing hand should index under the trigger-guard as a full and final firing grip is obtained . If the holster you are using now will not allow this…get another holster. When ordering a new holster be certain that this holster will allow this proper indexing.
* A professionally crafted holster of superior design will have a covered trigger-guard for semi-auto’s and revolvers
* Premium professional grade holsters will have been hand boned to the outlines and shape of your individual handgun. The maker will use antler or other material to shape the wet holster to the exact lines of your pistols frame, slide or revolver barrel and cylinder.
* You will not find any suede or other material used as a lining in the interior of a professionally crafted holster. Suede linings collect grit and other debris and do slow the draw.
* Professionally crafted holsters, belts and magazine pouches will be stitched with the finest material available and all stitches will be uniform and in-line. It will be stitched heavily in all areas subjected to stress.
* Lastly, it will be dyed or left in a natural color and treated with a sealer. Natural colors are the most desirable and easily maintained. Edges will be burnished and dyed to complement the entire rig. No oils will ever be in evidence on a professionally crafted holster as it creates softness and softness is undesirable.
This personal carry system will completely define the role of the handgun that is carried in it. You are the one that will determine the role your handgun will play…especially if it is defensive The handgun must be with you at all times and it must be presentable from concealment efficiently and smoothly…”smooth is fast.” This carry system should be undetectable when concealed properly.
Attempting to encompass all these critical design elements into a true combat holster is a design challenge that only a select few have mastered. Many of the holsters offered in today’s market can meet one or two of the above requirements, but the majority disappoint in doing them well.
It is recommended that you do your homework prior to investing in a personal carry system for your handgun. Difficulties will arise in locating a local gun shop who stocks professional one-of-a-kind leather gear. If you are computer savvy…check out various makers of leather gear…ask specific questions of that maker. Ask about his background and if anyone influenced his designs. Ask if he is a shooter or has been a competitor and you just might learn something of value before placing your order. All true professional gunfighting leather makers will have a wait time, so, expect it and the wait will be justified in the final example of their art.
Over the years several professional holster makers have continued to provide superior holster designs to those who demand them. One of the younger makers recently retired from law enforcement who was influenced by the late Mr. Bruce Nelson is Erik Little of Buffalo, Wyoming. Erik’s design and execution are outstanding. Milt Sparks is still producing top quality leather in their shop in Idaho and Thad Rybka’s leather is sought out by many who insist on the finest.
DVC,
Jack Furr
Firebase Academy LLC
Professional Small-Arms Training & Tactics
Great article.
Now, I must summon the rain gods for this little parade.How then,is an individual to conceal their gat when they’re wearing huge leather belts and OWB holsters?
Jeff Cooper carried his Bren Ten or 1911 OWB in a yaqui holster.Wish I could do that around here, but I’d get probably ten ft before a curious college constable hauled me aside for a “chat”.
Kydex isn’t as sexy as handcrafted leather, but it won’t creak and doesn’t say “ROLAND DESCHAIN WANNABE” .Useful traits in these days, the age of the “common man”.
Thanks for the Roland thing, made my day. I should re-read that series. Again. 🙂
“I do not aim with my hand; he who aims with his hand has forgotten the face of his father.
I aim with my eye.
I do not shoot with my hand; he who shoots with his hand has forgotten the face of his father.
I shoot with my mind.
I do not kill with my gun; he who kills with his gun has forgotten the face of his father.
I kill with my heart.”
-Roland of Gilead
Yay for epic quotes from the series that got me into guns!
Let me put you in touch with my chaps guy. You need your entire triple stitched unicorn-and-rhino-hide leather wardrobe/carry system handcrafted by the same guy to prove you know your S_ _ _. Otherwise your gun will just fall right out onto the bathroom floor at Wal-Mart. True story.
” Of course, there is ballistic nylon and Kydex, too. These materials certainly have their place, but I doubt if you will see one of the men mentioned carrying anything other than real leather for serious social purposes. ”
Or, that’s just what they learned with, and being seemingly practical fellows, they went with what they knew. Today, plenty of people find Kydex and other plastics work great.
Cool looking holsters, though. Makes me want to go watch Eastwood spaghetti westerns.
This article definitely has more than a healthy dose of “because that’s the way we’ve always done it” in it. Yeah, leather has been used for hundreds of years and works great…traveling by horse and buggy was used for quite awhile also, and it got the job done just fine as well. Holster technology has advanced a little ways since leather, and the condescending tone this author uses towards those who choose differently than him is a little off-putting. I’ll take my Stealth Gear holster over any leather holster, any day.
http://www.personaldefensenetwork.com/choosing-a-holster-to-fit-the-fight/
An alternate take on the straight drop vs cant arguement. And I have to say that some times you have to make compromises to fit the situation. I can’t afford a $100 plus holster from a custom leather shop. Not when I’m gonna sweat all over it down here in hot as hell Texas and ruin it in a few years, so I went with an IWB kydex rig. Not the most comfortable, but I gut it out because its important.
Oh thaaaat kind of “into leather”….
Pass. Kydex. Haven’t yet seen a good retention system on leather.
I started out with leather in my career. Swivel holster with my dads model 27.
Had a Nelson, Lawrence, Hanson…
Then all of a sudden, I was getting old and wearing all that weight on the bat belt was getting old. Radio, ASP, flashlight, two mags, gun, OC spray, keys, Taser.
So I switched to nylon. Suddenly my back felt better.
I still prefer leather. Ted Blocker is just a few miles away.
So, I have a question. Let’s say that I’m about to drop over $200 on a holster system- belt, mag pouches, holster, keepers, and whatever else. I want to buy from one of these high quality, expensive manufacturers. How do I ensure that my investment will actually fit the shape of my hips and waist in a comfortable and concealable way? I understand the drawer full of holsters theory of trial and error, but I don’t want another drawer full of expensive, useless pieces of leather (I work with horses and have lots of old tack that doesn’t get much use nowadays).
While we’re at it… Does anybody have any advice for mounted concealed carry? I’ve been leaning toward a shoulder rig, just so if something catastrophic happens and I fall, I’ll be less likely to break my hip/back over my firearm.
She lets you wear it when you’re mounted? Keeper.
Its concealed. She has no idea.
Tough to know whether kydex or horsehide would be less comfortable in that situation, but I’d imagine anything larger than a derringer would be pretty distracting.
I can’t speak to the shoulder holster but you’re right to be concerned. I’ve been beaten up badly in falls from both horses and other things by landing on my hip/low back carried pistol. It seems to me that a shoulder holster would beat you to death while riding, but something like a Bianchi X1000 might work well.
Thanks for the serious reply. I ride English, and so my elbows are down against my ribs at most times. I was thinking that would help keep my handgun pinned to me fairly well. I’ve also been thinking about looking into getting a pocket pistol that I could stick in my waistband… the problem though is that it’s rather hard to conceal anything beneath a pair of riding breeches, especially during the summer.
what about going with a belly band? i don’t know what kind of firepower you’re packing but a medium-small gun and a spare mag can go into a belly band pretty nicely, it has good retention, and unless you fall forward onto your gut it shouldn’t be too bad as far as the insult to injury front goes. hides well under just about any shirt and there are several options as far as your angles/setup. the only thing is if you want concealed then big bellies are the bane of the belly band as the belly makes the band print like hell. just my two cents.
I have a Galco Royal Guard in 1911 flavor that I quite like. It stays open when I draw and retains a firearm very well. However, with such a narrow surface against my body, it tends to pull my pants down when I’m wearing a heavier (read: 5″ barrel) pistol. I resorted to wearing suspenders under my shirts for a while, until I made a kydex and leather Crossbreed knockoff.
Leather has its place for sure.
Next you’ll tell us the colt peacemaker is the top in firearms technology.
The truth about muzzleloaders.
It’s the 21st century. cowhide is out kydex is in.
There’s also horsehide, which seems to be the best of both worlds (but also the most expensive).
Am I the only one who got excited and expected a totally different article? Oh, one more thing, is it just me or did the author seem to be talking down to people who don’t use leather?
I got the impression I was being talked down to, too. I had my butt reamed on a Facebook post by some know-it-all because I dared to offer my opinion (to someone who was asking for advice) about my preference for kydex. I’m still a bit bitter about it. I don’t really learn anything from people with this kind of tone.
How comfortable are kydex holsters and what exactly is kydex? I use either nylon web or straight plastic unless i feel froggy and grab the new model 3 I just bought then I use a leather holster I got from the NRA store… btw yes I open carry as I haven’t yet managed to get the cash for a ccw course and license. I keep getting close then see a new pretty to buy or have to get my sons some new clothes.
Kydex is the brand name for a tough, heat-molded thermoplastic. It’s warmed up then wrapped around forms to create holsters, mag pouches, etc. for specific models. Kydex holsters frequently include a tension-adjustment mechanism, enabling the user to adjust the holster’s retention-vs-access balance to his/her liking.
Here’s an example of a Kydex holster that I really like: the Blade-Tech Eclipse.
http://shop.blade-tech.com/eclipse-holster-c-1_23_26.html
I’m not sure what you mean about “comfortable” — if you’re referring to IWB or AIWB carry, then yes, there are some VERY comfortable Kydex holsters available. Holster suitability is highly personal, though, and no two people are exactly alike.
I guess I couldve worded that better. I meant to ask are the like my rigid plastic in that wearing it for extended periods can wear a line into your blue jeans or do they have a little bit of give to them? Like I said I open carry so most of my holsters are OWB but I do need to start lookin for some IWB holsters for when I finally do get my CCWP.
Also Alphageek you have given me a new problem. Finding an IWB holster for a S&W New Model 3.
I’ve always had good results with Bianchi leather holsters over the years both for duty and concealed. IMO their products are good quality, durable and not excessively thick or heavy, though the duty holsters are of course heavier than are the concealed holsters.
Kydex or leather, IWB or OWB–no matter what way, a good belt is called for. I bought a good one from Bullhide Belts that didn’t break the bank. As an old fart, I love the look and feel of leather and it took a while for me to warm up to Kydex. But I’ve come around to it. For OWB, a Fobus serves me well, after reworking it with a little heat. The way it came, it held my gun like a vise. For IWB I like Crossbreed. To me, they’re very comfortable and I can still cling to that leather. And I still use my leather wallet holster for my LCP.
IMO it is silly to mention leather is the go to for Police/LE duty gear since most progressive agencies require active retention holsters, most using Safriland’s SLS/ALS series. I like leather for CC, but would not consider a leather holster for duty use/open carry because you need a higher level or weapon retention than most leather holsters offer.
Needless to say, a good retention holster is useless without the proper training, but it can drastically improve officer safety during gun grabs and overall makes it much harder to disarm an officer, whilst only slightly increasing draw times. I will always have a deep love for leather gun gear, but could not in good faith recommend a leather holster for any sort of hands on law enforcement/military work.
My .02 Cents.
Most units don’t let you carry a pistol unless it’s issued and then they issue you a plastic or nylon web type retention holster, if caught using a non issued holster expect a very stern talkin to from your 1st sgt. and possibly your sgt. major just stay off his grass as he smokes you til you puke.
My comment was mainly directed at Domestic LEOs, hence the mention of Safariland Holster’s and agencies issuing/requiring them. I have heard horror stories from some of my .mil buds about what happens when you are caught with non-approved gear or serial numbered stuff goes missing.
I’m not 100% sure but I think the county mounties in my area are a lil like the army they are issued a weapon and holster. I say this cause the ten or twelve I’ve bumped into and talked with all carried Glocks in a safariland. I can’t speak for state or townies.
I asked a few of the cops in my city why they switched from the old basket-weave style belts and holsters to kydex and nylon. They said that it was because when they get bodily fluids on their equipment, it has to either be cleaned or disposed of, and they couldn’t clean the leather in a cost effective way that would meet the safety requirements, so instead they opted for cheaper belts that they could toss if need be and holsters that can essentially be sprayed out.
The thing I dislike the most about leather is if you don’t draw at the perfect angle, exactly in line with the holster it self, I drags. The greater the angle difference the greater it snags. Kydex doesn’t do this. In my opinion, that fact alone makes Kydex vastly superior.
Apparently I was mistaken in loving my new Wilderness Instructor Belt (1.75 inch wide with polymer stiffener) and Blade-Tech OWB holster. I must have been imagining things when I saw an amazing improvement in my draw-to-first-shot times with the new setup, not to mention the ease of reholstering with that nice Kydex “click” as the holster grabs onto the trigger guard.
There’s a place for leather in the modern gunfighter’s rig, and that’s as a thin liner layer in a deep-tucked AIWB Kydex holster, and possibly as a backer for a sweat shield. This isn’t 1982, and it’s no longer the case that your average armed professional will carry a heavy revolver in a leather OWB holster with some speed-loaders.
I will freely admit that at least a little of my antagonistic attitude on this is in reaction to the arrogant appeal-to-authority arguments put forth by the author.
As much as I like leather I have to agree about the tone of the article AG. It struck me as a little haughty as well. While I typically use leather I think it’s largely a personal choice, and I don’t mind to care for the leather as I care for boots and shoes.
On the flip side, and the tone may have called this out, I don’t think there is much advantage to be gained from other materials either other than perhaps maintenance.
I’ve seen drag from leather holsters cited as a reason not to use them. Given the correct draw stroke there would be virtually no drag, and even with the worse successful stroke the drag couldn’t contribute significantly to draw time.
It’s as if everyone is so sold on their way that they are blind to the pros and cons altogether.
Kydex does not thrum the heart strings like a beautiful piece of leather. I have no kydex holsters, don’t want one. I disagree with the comment about straight draw versus FBI cant. Personally I cannot conceal the butt of a 1911 with a straight drop holster, but the cant tucks it in nicely. I have three outside the waist band holsters, but the only one that works well is a bianchi belt slide. I am picking up a new pistol tomorrow, and have already ordered a Kilpatrck leather holster to go with it. I also have a Harrison & Harrison custom suede lined holster for a Colt Navy that I absolutely adore and wear around the house all the time.
I’m very thin (30 inch waist, 5’8 and 140) and virtually daily CC a full size 1911. Without the 45 degree rake I’d never be able to conceal such a large handgun. Would my absolute speed increase with a straight drop? Maybe. Would it make any difference to my experience with raked holsters or secure an edge in a lethal encounter? Highly doubtful.
Everyone has an opinion, the only one that matters is the one that works for you. If you want to shave 10ths of a second guys, shoot more and speed up reliable shot placement. It’s not in the holster it’s in the hand.
Leather still has a place it still makes the heart beat faster and brings a twinkle to the eyes no doubt. As far as duty use goes though there are many newer materials that require much less care and, for lack of a better term, special handling. I think leather will continue just because of CASS, war re enactors, and people wanting a “luxury” holster for their high end pistol.
If pure draw speed and repeatability were the only concern the best informed would use some variation of a competition holster. Nylon, Kydex, Leather, just have a carry system and don’t worry about the particulars. If a sub 1/4 second increase in draw time saves your life you’re in a very, very small minority of people who have faced lethal violence, let alone people.
I dislike the plastic ‘click’ of Kydex, don’t like the maintenance on leather and think that nylon seems cheap, yet I carry in all these types of holsters.
If I’m faster or slower on the different materials I assure you it’s imperceptible without a chronometer and frankly so much less important than being generally fast and generally accurate that it just doesn’t matter.
Just draw from your holster, a lot, and pick something that suits your carry, lifestyle and price tolerance.
I have some nice leather, and I like to wear it. I won’t wear the good stuff to do yard work though, or 4 wheeling. Nylon is great for that. I dislike what Kydex does to finishes and so use it only with my tactical gear. Different guns, different thought process.
My prized Colt 1911, which sees frequent carry (it’s my most carried gun) always rides in leather, that is when it’s not in a cheap uncle mikes ‘mole skin’ IWB.
A holster is a tool as much as the gun is. If it works and it’s cheap, it’s great, if it works great and you can afford it it’s spectacular, if it’s pretty and expensive it had sure better work awfully well.
That said I wear the ‘big’ gun to weddings and funerals in a very nice Yaqui slide. It’s hand sewn and tooled. It’s my ‘dress’ holster and meant to look nice if exposed, such as if I remove my jacket. It also highlights the Colt 1911 it contains, which is generally considered visually appealing to those not of a hoplophobic disposition. It draws plenty fast and if there is drag I sure don’t notice it, and doubt anyone else would either when drawing for business.
A Kydex holster with a tux or a nice suit is like a turd in a punch bowel; you’ve ruined a good thing. Now, keep in mind, the places I go and the people I know expect me to be armed, it’s not a concealed all the time issue. I like for my holster to be at least as nice as my shoes when so dressed.
Lower down, I wear a suit most days for work, and prefer leather at these times too. Once again, nice shoes, my better watch, a good belt and a decent suit, why sully it with an ugly holster? I wear lower cost lower grade holsters for this every day carry since I don’t want to stress and wear out my best things on day to day carry.
Jean’s and a shirt? Kydex and Nylon are back in. They won’t make my outfit look cheap, they work well, are very durable, require almost nothing in maintenance and are less expensive.
If I had a very limited budget and needed a good all around holster I’d go with Nylon, a bit more cash and Kydex is king, but don’t discount the look and feel of good leather. A Timex keeps good time but will never be a Rolex, and nothing will ever beat leather for look and feel when wearing nice clothes.
Here is your trusty leather holster:
http://www.itstactical.com/warcom/firearms/safety-warning-worn-leather-holsters-can-cause-accidental-discharges/
The above article is the exact thing I would expect from the “old guard” of gun guys. This author claims that anyone who has been in a gunfight will use leather, yet I can’t imagine any modern special forces soldier using leather attached to their MOLLE gear.
Even if you completely discount whom I think to be the only people getting into regular gunfights, what should a typical concealed carrier use? The linked article proves that leather is inferior, without regular replacement or maintenance.
How is a leather holster better than this holster, previously reviewed on this website?
http://www.stealthgearusa.com/pages/the-onyx
I just completely disagree how this author writes off Kydex and ballistic nylon in one fell swoop.
Finally, the statement of ” Because they know S_ _ _ and they have spent the better part of their lives armed and testing various carry systems.” is completely asinine. I can carry every day for thirty years, too. What happens? I use what I like. Not what is the best or what is the only way to sure as hell draw quicker than the other guy.
PS – it’s too bad nobody will read this.
PPS – what the fuck are “serious social purposes”? A gunfight is not a social engagement.
The way the article is written seems to write off most SWAT Teams, Military SF, etc to be people who know their “s***” because they choose not to carry leather. I have yet to see a 21st century “operator” of any sort carry leather gun gear for tactical applications. Do you see navy seal carrying their MK23s/P226s, etc in leather rigs? Granted, the one professional” exception might be US Secrect Service PPD Agents whilst wearing suits.
I would hazard a guess and say that .mil/secret service ppd types know more about gunfighting than your average LEO or Mall Ninja/Couch Commando since it is their job to eliminate threats using any force deemed necessary. If the “Professionals” choose leather, how come the SF / SWAT Types and other “gun fighters” don’t use it?
Exactly my point.
The more I thought about this article, the less I liked it and the less validity it has. While leather has a storied history for sure, the article doesn’t even begin to address why people like Cooper only used leather: the technology wasn’t there yet.
In today’s current climate of offerings, I doubt sincerely the “experts” would agree that leather is still the bees knees. Looking at the LEOs who shoot IDPA with me, if all of that gear was leather, I suspect that duty belt would be appreciably heavier.
This article seriously offers no “leather is better and here’s why”. There is no mention of alternate materials other than a passing “ballistic nylon and kydex have their place”.
This is just a big sales pitch for leather. I suspect that in 1985 similar articles were written about how polymer framed semi autos were woefully inadequate compared to time tested wheel gun and steel framed designs.
The tone of the article reminded me of Mel Gibson in Braveheart, “I’m goin’ to peck a fight.” Why pick fight over something like personal choice? If you like leather, use it. As for LEO’s or other similarly situated persons, they are not constrained by the need to always carry concealed as is the CC civilian user. That, and most duty assigned holsters are designed to serve LEO budget concerns more than anything else. What works for most is of optimum importance. What you do for your own needs is up to the individual. Ya, like most here, I’ve got a drawer full of every make and material sold as the next best thing….to old style leather.
I’m currently using a mix of the old and the new with my IWB Crossbreed horse hide and Kydex holster. Horse hide for the sweat and heat in Florida, Kydex for the sure fit made for my gun. With the heat and humidity here, leather is not my top choice for the retention part of the holster. My Bianchi after a day in the Florida heat becomes soft and a little less slippery on the draw. The Kydex could care less, hot or cold, it still retains it slippery draw and re-holster. I also use a no leather UnderTech undercover shirt for those discreet evenings out with the fairer sex. No IWB hip intrusion if she wants to put her arm around your waist for a quiet intimate walk alone.
Maybe a “to each his own” rather than “if you’re not wearing leather, you’re just an ignorant noob’ would have struck a better tone.
Absolutely shameless Idaho-resident partisan plug follows:
MILT SPARKS HOLSTERS!!! Well worth the cost and the wait. If you are looking for an excellent holster for a firearm you cannot fit with any off-the-rack holster (S&W Scandium Airweight 3″ barrel .357 with fiber optic front sight), go to MIlt Sparks. Beautiful, highly functional work.
/end shameless plug/
Wow. I just got mad reading this article. I have never seen any serious shooter using leather. How much leather do you see at gunsite? I personally have seen zero there, both from students and instructors. Crossbreed makes sense for IWB as it puts the leather side against your body for comfort and still offers the retention, draw and reholstering of kydex. OWB, sign me up for a Comp-tac, or if they don’t make what I want a Bladetech.
Good article. I disagree that the entire carry system needs to be made by the same manufacturer. I use belts by Wild Bill’s and I have holsters from Alien Gear, Galco, Desantis, Tucker (HF-1 and The Answer) and others. The Answer holster from Tucker Gunleather is a kydex shell, but I ordered mine lined with leather. What IS important is that your belt fits the holster no matter who made it. I have multiple belts in widths from 1″, 1.25″ and 1.5″ to go with different styles of pants and fit the holster I am carrying.
I do have a few kydex holsters. I am partial to Blackhawk Serpa models, but I only use these when open carrying outdoors. For daily CCW leather (for me) is the way to go.