Forums46
Topics538,075
Posts9,732,710
Members87,065
|
Most Online25,604 Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
#6128878
01/10/16 08:26 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,070
Cool Mo D
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
|
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,070 |
I'm leaning toward leather as I think it would be less wear on the firearm.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6128902
01/10/16 08:40 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,817
TDK
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,817 |
Actually leather probably wears more on gun finishes than kydex unless the kydex has burrs on the edges. Leather can trap dirt and debris. That being said I wear leather.
Last edited by TDK; 01/10/16 08:44 PM.
A.M. Little Bespoke Gunmakers LLC
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6128965
01/10/16 09:19 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,053
bo3
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,053 |
I prefer leather. Kydex feels cheap to me, but that's just my opinion.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6128979
01/10/16 09:31 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,199
KRoyal
Texoma Legend
|
Texoma Legend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,199 |
I carry kydex exclusively and was also a kydex holster maker for a while. I carry everyday in Kydex and my gun looks new compared some others before I've carried in leather. But it was a 1911 I carried in leather and a Glock in Kydex. Maybe that's the reason it hasn't worn.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6129101
01/10/16 10:40 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,131
Brother in-law
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 35,131 |
Leather for a little more comfort for me
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: KRoyal]
#6129127
01/10/16 10:52 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,455
Big Fitz
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,455 |
I carry everyday in Kydex and my gun looks new compared some others before I've carried in leather. But it was a 1911 I carried in leather and a Glock in Kydex. Maybe that's the reason it hasn't worn. Yep, Glocks are so ugly even Kydex won't touch 'em!
I was wrong...on anything technical. Fitz............. is right, ya know............
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6129156
01/10/16 11:04 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,743
Murphscout
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,743 |
Leather will wear the muzzle more in my experience. All a matter of preference. (To me) Leather looks cooler but is not "cooler" when wearing. I open carry in kydex/polymer and conceal in leather. Again its all in the eye of the beholder. But I do think leather is harder on the blueing and muzzle
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Big Fitz]
#6129192
01/10/16 11:25 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,199
KRoyal
Texoma Legend
|
Texoma Legend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,199 |
I carry everyday in Kydex and my gun looks new compared some others before I've carried in leather. But it was a 1911 I carried in leather and a Glock in Kydex. Maybe that's the reason it hasn't worn. Yep, Glocks are so ugly even Kydex won't touch 'em! Haha makes sense sir!!
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6129295
01/11/16 12:08 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,866
texasdude28
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,866 |
Traditionalist here, leather.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6129563
01/11/16 02:24 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,348
mbscdh
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,348 |
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6129590
01/11/16 02:36 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,637
MacDaddy21
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,637 |
I'm carrying a G26 in a Stealth Gear IWB holster and love it compared to the leather backed holsters I've had before. It uses a special backing material that is vented and breathable and very comfortable. It doesn't get sweaty and chafe skin like leather can. It is by far the most comfortable holster I've worn.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Big Fitz]
#6130197
01/11/16 04:00 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,228
janie
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20,228 |
I carry everyday in Kydex and my gun looks new compared some others before I've carried in leather. But it was a 1911 I carried in leather and a Glock in Kydex. Maybe that's the reason it hasn't worn. Yep, Glocks are so ugly even Kydex won't touch 'em! Sad but true. Kydex for the win! At least for me.
He is your friend defender your dog. Be worthy of such devotion
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6130892
01/11/16 10:27 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179 |
Either will wear the finish off of your gun. I like kydex for speed.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6130914
01/11/16 10:44 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,988
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,988 |
Plastic guns get plastic holsters
metal guns get lined leather by Tucker
Leather for show, Kydex for GO.
Or a lined Kydex...hybrid from Tucker or Wilson
SPACE FOR RENT
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6131170
01/12/16 12:42 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,230
Marc K
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,230 |
Hybrid IWB with leather inside for comfort, but Kydex to hold the gun in place. Prefer two belt clips to keep the holster from moving and needing to adjusted. OWB would be a whole different approach. HH Holsters And I assume that most people know: Accidental discharge Marc
A Democracy is when two wolves and a lamb vote on the dinner menu. That is why this country was specifically not designed as a Democracy. We are a Constitutional Republic.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6131215
01/12/16 12:59 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523 |
I can't imagine a leather holster tearing or breaking throughout a lifetime of use, but any synthetic or plastic? No confidence.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6131233
01/12/16 01:10 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,455
Big Fitz
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,455 |
I'm just razzin' you KRoyal. For the record, I acknowledge Glock is the best overall combat pistol design (just threw up in my mouth a little bit) but I just can't get used to that funky grip angle. I've really grown to like the Springfield XD and now have a XDm and it is the fajizzle for me. For EDC I've gone with the S&W Bodyguard 380 in a pocket and working up to the Shield for IWB.
MacDaddy21, I like the idea of the breathable backing of the Stealth Gear and will check it out. Still new to carrying so not dialed in yet.
I was wrong...on anything technical. Fitz............. is right, ya know............
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6131240
01/12/16 01:14 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,199
KRoyal
Texoma Legend
|
Texoma Legend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,199 |
yea I know you're messing with me. I love the Glock grip angle, shoot them really well. River rider think you might have that backwards. Sweat enough on a leather holster and have enough wear on it sooner or later the leather will get brittle and begin to rip just like leather truck seats and belts. I've worked with a lot of kydex and it has never broken ever. You can cut it or course, but it won't break. Kydex will give you a lifetime of use.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6131266
01/12/16 01:27 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,637
MacDaddy21
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,637 |
Big Fitz, you definitely can't go wrong with a Stealth Gear rig. They are top notch and just ridiculously comfortable all the time. Its the only holster out there with this awesome fabric.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: KRoyal]
#6131292
01/12/16 01:39 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523 |
River rider think you might have that backwards. Sweat enough on a leather holster and have enough wear on it sooner or later the leather will get brittle and begin to rip just like leather truck seats and belts. I've worked with a lot of kydex and it has never broken ever. You can cut it or course, but it won't break. Kydex will give you a lifetime of use.
I agree that leather has to be maintained, but do you have a 50-year old Kydex holster you could show me? I've seen, handled, and used 50-year old leather. I know it is still serviceable. Maybe in about 2050 I'll feel the same about Kydex and I'll remember what KRoyal said. But then again I might not remember much at all.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6131424
01/12/16 02:37 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,199
KRoyal
Texoma Legend
|
Texoma Legend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 26,199 |
Haha touché sir I'll check back in 45 years
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6131949
01/12/16 02:56 PM
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,055
HWY_MAN
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 31,055 |
I'm leaning toward leather as I think it would be less wear on the firearm. Nothing but leather here.
Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6131969
01/12/16 03:13 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,320
Crews
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,320 |
I chose Kydex, because leather AIWB holsters just don't do the trick for me. This guy makes the best kydex products on the market. JM Custom Kydex
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6133091
01/13/16 01:51 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 142
FRA
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 142 |
I used kydex when it first came out, and even made a few specialty holsters with it, like a shotgun scabbard, but it's all leather for me now. I've used a leather IWB holster for multiple deployments, and with minimal care, my sidearm is still doing well. When you get enough body oils soaking in that it starts turning black, put a drop of Dawn dish soap on it and a little water before scrubbing lightly. Rinse off, let dry, then apply a coat of Sno-Seal. I do this at the end of every deployment and after more than a year in the desert, and 12-18 hours/day against my skin, it is still going strong. I'm partial to J.W. O'Rourke Leather.
|
|
|
Re: Holsters. Leather vs Kydex.
[Re: Cool Mo D]
#6179317
02/11/16 08:15 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9,273
blackcoal
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9,273 |
I have horse gear, saddles and bridles, that are over 60 years old. They have been exposed to sweat, oils, rain, blood, ultraviolet sun, freezing weather, hot dusty barns. They have been used for hard work and if you have ever spent time working cattle you know what comfort you need and also place your life in the product. They have been stressed much more than anyone will ever stress a holster. If a gun can't hold up to leather then get another gun. Guess when I see someone wearing plastic boots and holding their pants up with plastic belts then I will know what type of holster they are using for CC.
The Greatest Enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.--Stephen Hawking
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, TreeBass, txcornhusker
|