Why Choose Custom?

First off, we need to clear a few things up about custom… this word is commonly thrown around rather loosely. I find it often incorrectly used as a buzzword to make a standard product more appealing. Just because an item might be handcrafted (professionally or homemade) doesn’t inherently make it custom.  The dictionary definition defines custom as: made or done to order for a particular customer. I would add to that “made or done to particular specifications…” In terms of a holster, this would mean that many factors are taken into consideration and made to your specific needs. For instance, the carry position will dictate what ride height and cant is needed to comfortably carry and correctly draw the firearm. The choice of leather will effect thickness, durability, and resistance to sweat and moisture. Some people like a sweat shield to protect their bare skin from the metal and some don’t like the extra leather. Some people like tuckable clips, some like monoblock or FOMI style, some like leather loops and some have no clue. Some have lights, lasers, RMR, MOS, etc… I think you see where I’m going with this.

              Going to a good custom maker, all these questions will be addressed, and a holster will be made to your specifications to fit your particular needs. Holsters (and belts) are a very personal item and not often is there a one size fits all solution. Now there are some great off-the-rack items that will fit much of the population. I offer several standard holster models and many people can find exactly what they are looking for within those offerings. But it is also very common to need something slightly modified to better fit the user. Not being a big box production shop solely worried about the bottom line, allows me to meet customer specifications and get them what they truly need. Most of my customers come to me because they either need guidance on making a confident choice in holster or they know exactly what they want and cannot find it through a big production company. Either way I am happy to help fit their needs.

              With all of that said, this brings up arguably the biggest determining factor… $$$ PRICE $$$. Ah yes, the one thing that usually stops all progress in its tracks... the cause of most ghosted DM’s and email trails turned cold.. the cause of “Are you f*cking nuts?!” It’S JuST a LiTTle BiT oF LeaTher!” Going to a custom maker is going to cost you more. Period. Much like a custom-tailored suit, you are going to get your rig dialed in to fit you. The time spent discussing your individual needs, repatterning, and crafting the holster to those specs is a very lengthy process. But it’s worth it… A good custom maker is going to use the very best materials you can buy. The leather will be hand selected and each piece cut from the proper area. Waste will be much greater because much of a hide is not suitable for first rate holster making. The hardware will be just as quality and durable. The finishing techniques will result in a comfortable fit and rigid enough to hold up to reliable everyday use for many years. There will always be the cheaper guy, usually starting out, who waters down the market claiming he makes the best holster. Do your due diligence and see if he really is that good for the low price he’s asking. Usually, he’s losing money and doesn’t even know it and won’t be around long enough to help you down the road. I don’t know one quality maker who is vastly cheaper than everyone else in his class. They wouldn’t be in business and where they are if they were. Good work ain’t cheap and cheap work ain’t good. That’s not to say one should gouge for their work. An honest craftsman will have fair prices for their goods. But that isn’t always considered by the customer. Sometimes the customer needs to change their expectations of what good quality gun leather should cost. Because I can assure you that a small custom shop with seemingly steep prices isn’t living large on yachts in Miami. Often, they put far more into their work than they charge.

All that said, do your due diligence. Figure out what you’re after. What your specific needs are and get to looking. Ask the makers questions if you are unsure. Look around at their work, their designs, fit and finish… you can usually tell quickly who puts out quality work and takes pride in what they do. I can assure you that buying a custom crafted holster to fit you and your firearm will save you many a headache and money in the long run.

Thanks for reading my rant,

Shane Diego