[Nematocyst]

So, I just bought a Kahr K9 yesterday :) . Now it needs a good quality holster for a home on my hip.

I would enjoy hearing thoughts about holsters. I've jumped around a bit in the archives, but haven't yet found quite what i'm looking for info wise...yet. If I've overlooked a relevant thread, please point me towards it. Archives are great.

I'm not CCW permitted yet, but working on doing the appropriate class work. I'm not at all opposed to opinions about IWB, but for now will probably focus on a good, high quality, preferably leather belt slide. (I may wind up having two: belt slide & IWB, but at a minimum will have at least a belt slide. I prefer that around the studio.)

I don't mind spending a hundred or a bit more if I must. I plan to have this K9 for a long time, & it's going to be my only HG (he says without reservation, trying hard to make himself believe that :p ) & I want a good quality holster that will last a life time (well, at least for the rest of mine).

The two that have caught my eye so far are both belt slides by Alessi & Mitch Rosen. Both are without thumb break, but I'm open to arguments about why I should or should not consider a thumb break.

Both are listed on the Kahr site, but frames on that site prevent me from posting the direct URL. (I so dislike frames :mad: ) I've put in a call to Kahr re availability, but haven't heard back yet. (It's Friday afternoon, afterall; close to party time.)

Anybody have any comments about either, both or similar holsters, and good sources?

One thing I'm reading already in various reviews: it seems a good quality holster may not be a "buy it & get it today or tomorrow" kind of thing. Some of the order times are weeks to months.

Lastly, for now: this part will better fit in the Trading Post threads, but ... I traded in my SW3914 on the Kahr K9 AFTER having order a new holster for the 3914. (Yeah, yeah, that was a boneheaded move, but what can I do?) It was already too late to cancel the order, so now I'm going to be stuck with a Bianchi Black Widow Model 5 brown for a 3914. If anyone wants to take it off my hands, I'll let it go for a nice price.

Thanks in advance for your ideas, opinions & suggestions.

NemA~

[K-Man]

Here's a new style that I offer - it's our Laredo Defender model. It's shown here with a CZ P-01.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Leathercrafter/LaredoDefender1a.jpg

The price is $55 + $5/shipping. If interested, please feel free to contact me via email or pm. It's not yet been posted/made available on our website.

[Double Maduro]

Nematocyst-870,

Go to this site and check out their holsters.

http://www.tedblocker.com/

I carry a Ruger P90 in one of their DA3 IWB holsters and am more than happy with it.

I also have a Bianchi Black Widow for the P90, but the DA3 is so much easier to conceal and just as comfortable, so I almost never use the Bianchi anymore. The DA3 spreads out the weight over a large part of your belt and is very stable. It comes with 2 sets of clips, one tuckable and the other not.

As for thumb breaks, the DA3 comes without, but when I told them I kind of wanted one they redesigned the holster and added one, at no extra charge.

Some people like thumb breaks and some don't. I don't see that it slows down access any at all and is more secure.

The quality of work from Ted Blocker is great and is only surpassed by the quality of the people there. Give them a call if you have any questions.


One thing you will want to make sure of is that you have a good belt. I liked the work they did on the holster so much that when I went to pick it up, they are in Tigard, Oregon, I bought a belt to go along with it.

Good luck in your search and let us know what you decide.

DM

PS. Welcome to the boards.

[Double Maduro]

K-man,

That looks sweet.

DM

[Nematocyst]

DM said: Some people like thumb breaks and some don't. I don't see that it slows down access any at all and is more secure.DM, thanks for your suggestions. I've taken a look at the Ted Blocker page. Quite nice. I did look at the DA3 page, but I'm still leaning towards a belt carry right now.

I do like their 911 style. Nice to see they're in Tigard. I'm already pretty close to there, and will soon be moving even closer.

One question for you though, if I can: I'm not sure why the thumb break wouldn't slow things down on drawing. Seems like that extra step of unsnapping would slow it down, even if only a fraction of a second. Perhaps the idea is that you hit the break on the way to grab the handle, so that it all becomes one fluid motion?

I last had an inexpensive synthetic fabric, one size fits all holster with a thumb break. It definitely took me an extra 1/2 sec to unsnap it, but maybe better built holsters are different?

I'm also looking at K-Man's holsters. I agree, very nice at an excellent price.

I'll definitely let everyone know what I decide on.

Thanks.

NemA~

[Double Maduro]

Nematocyst-870

Perhaps the idea is that you hit the break on the way to grab the handle, so that it all becomes one fluid motion?

You got it, with the nylon sack type you have to release the break seperately, with a good leather holster you release it with your thumb on the way to the grip.

I'm still leaning towards a belt carry right now.



I also have a DA1 from them, it's a pancake type that is great. I carry a 1911 in it.

http://www.tedblocker.com/DA1.html

DM

[scubie02]

My favorite holster is probably the Alessi cqc-s--you can go to LA Sports and see if they have one in stock for a kahr.

http://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm

[Nematocyst]

DM

Thanks for your reply. Very helpful as i'm sort of new to these choices. I've had only the one holster before now, the inexpensive synthetic.

Too bad there's not a holster store where we could go to try on all these before buying. That's the real tough part: they all look good, but trying to judge which one to buy...oi ve. :confused:

The explanation about the thumb break makes sense, now.

Gee, that complicates my choices considerably if I'm going to consider those. I don't do a lot of climbing, running, crawling, etc with my gun, but having that extra element of safety does appeal some.

Still, I guess more choices is better than fewer.

NemA~

[Nematocyst]

Looks similar to K-Man's KD Laredo Defender.

Just wanted to put them side by side for a comparison.

On the left is the KD, on the right is the Alessi.

Not a completely fair comparison cause the right pistol is bigger, but...

I really like the somewhat rounded, minimalist style of the KD, but also like the double stitching of the Alessi. The KD-LD is considerably less money.


http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27605&stc=1

[Black Majik]

For me, since I'm skinny I prefer OWB holsters. MS makes great holsters in both OWB and IWB mode.

For OWB, I'd say the 60TK and 55BN is most popular. I personally use the 60TK for my 1911 because I'm skinny and tall, so the gun rides very close by. The 60TK is a high riding holster compared to the 55BN. You just have to find the holster that would suite you best. The 60TK is good for concealment also. But, its also a comfort issue, whether the gun feels good riding high or not.

For IWB, the two most popular are the Versa Max II or the Summer Special II. I dont have experience with these holsters, but there are MANY threads on these two holsters. From what I hear, the VMII better distributes the weight.

For all holsters, a good quality gunbelt is important. Get a good gunbelt when you place your order for your holster.

www.miltsparks.com

[Nematocyst]

Wow. Choices are great. I'm looking at a lot of holsters here. (Another fun friday night ... hey, bachelor life ain't so bad. :rolleyes: {pops another brewski}

Black Majic, thanks for the reminder to check Milt Sparks again. Very nice. I'd bookmarked them before; just went back for a review. You're right: the 60TK looks good, but I'd lean towards the 55BN. Also quite fond of the NLG, I-Bak & CC-AT. Wow. All those letters. :scrutiny:

Thanks to a PM, I've also been checking out Bulman (http://www.bulmangunleather.com/) & del Fatti (http://www.delfatti.com/) holsters, also very nice. I won't even try to list out all the model numbers there, but there are several.

The del Fatti site also has some interesting tips for which holster might be right for a given individual. Most tips are on the holster description pages, others are in a page on what to consider when buying one, a list of questions (http://www.delfatti.com/webdoc16.html) that should be addressed in making a decision. Unfortunately, no answers are given, but presumably the company will use ones answers to suggest some models.

One of the most interesting - and relevant for me - points I've encountered is del Fatti's assertion that thin people with narrow waists (32" and less; that's me, regardless of beer consumption) might not do as well with the "paddle" belt holsters because, due to the curvature at the hip, the wings of the paddle may be bent back more sharply, exerting force on the gun making it more difficult to draw. (Geez, hope that made sense. It does to me.)

I wonder however, if that wouldn't be most relevant for big guns. My little K9 is small enough that maybe it would be less of a problem.

For smaller people, del Fatti recommends either an IWB (which i'm still not interested in for starters, and I question the comfort for a thin person) or what they call their SLP (http://www.delfatti.com/SLP.html) : one belt loop on the backside of the holster, a second on a trailing wing. This prevents the tightness of the pancake on thinner people.

Opinions welcome, of course.

NemA~

[Double Maduro]

Nematocyst-870,

You can pick up an Uncle Mikes nylon IWB for under 20 bucks and give it a try to see how you like it. If you can carry IWB then get a good leather holster and keep the nylon for those days out fishin in the rain.

DM

[K-Man]

Double Maduro,

Thanks for the kind words.

Nematocyst-870,

I used Lou Alessi's CQC/S as an inspiration to follow when designing my holster. When I finished it, I sent pictures to Lou and asked if he felt my version may too closely resemble his. His reply, in part, was: "Kevin, Thanks a million for the courtesy of asking. I don't see a problem at all. That's a nice looking holster! If you want to mention that you and I talked about you making your own version of the CQC/S, that's perfectly fine with me. Thanks again for asking, I really do appreciate it very much. Lou"

Both Lou and Matt are master craftsmen of holsters. A person cannot go wrong in choosing one of their holsters, and the price is certainly justified by the quality and craftsmanship of the holster you receive.

[SouthpawShootr]

K-Man,

A very nice holster. And at a price that seems to me to be a steal! I was going to recommend the Hume H720, but I'd have to give the nod to your offering. I generally don't buy OWB holsters (I prefer OWB for revolvers and for certain heavy all steel guns), but I may have to make an exception to this. Just have to figure out which gun I want it for (that's a tough decision as I'm currently infected with the .45 GAP, but I also just bought an FM Hi-Power Detective).

Galco makes one similar to this also, but I believe it's MUCH more expensive. Same for Hume, although I don't see it listed at Gunners Alley anymore.

[PCRCCW]

There are alot of great makers mentioned on this thread. Bulman, Alessi and Delfatti are in the top 10 in the world. Just look around for quality and a style that will suit your needs. There are alot of makers that make stuff for Kahrs.............
Shoot well............

[K-Man]

Southpawshootr:

Thank you for the kind words, sir.

Pricing of a holster takes into consideration a lot of factors. We ultimately try and do that at the best price we can. :)

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

K-Man! That holster looks awesome! And since I already own two other K&D Holsters, I know that it's very well crafted too!

Hey man......Do ya think you could do that for my SP101??
I pick it up next Friday and I wanna carry it soon.

Folks - You can't go wrong with a K&D Holster!

[Jiml3]

Bulman and Rusty Sherrick make some great quality holsters. I recently got a high ride, straight drop holster from Rusty Sherrick for my Kahr PM9 and really
like it. Turn it upside down with the gun in the holster and it does not fall out
but, it is not so tight that you have difficulty drawing it. With the high ride and straight drop,It conceals very well as it hugs your body.
Very satisfied customer!!!

[MikeIsaj]

Nematocyst-870,

On the off chance that your head hasn't exploded yet, here's some more food for thought.

Whatever you buy, remember that every holster has an inside, the part that rubs against the gun. Many may look alike. When you feel the inside you will appreciate why some cost more.

I also think you are under the false impression that you will only buy one holster. I have three for my primary carry weapon. A Galco Cop Series for most use. I like the way it rides on me. I also have an IWP fot times when that is more desireable. I really don't like IWB carry but concede that sometimes that is best. I also have a plastic uncle mikes pancake holster I bought because it looked neat. I use it rarely because it is nearly impossible to conceal.

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

Some of you may see these pics over at the CombatCarry website, but I'll show 'em off here anyway. This is the holster Kevin at K&D Holsters did for my CZ-75D PCR:

http://users.adelphia.net/~ggr102/images/K&D%20PCR.JPG

http://users.adelphia.net/~ggr102/images/K&D%20PCR2.JPG

http://users.adelphia.net/~ggr102/images/K&D%20PCR3.JPG

http://users.adelphia.net/~ggr102/images/K&D%20PCR4.JPG

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

This for my 75BD POLICE:

http://users.adelphia.net/~ggr102/images/K&D%2075BD.JPG

http://users.adelphia.net/~ggr102/images/K&D%2075BD2.JPG

http://users.adelphia.net/~ggr102/images/K&D%2075BD3.JPG

[Gary in Pennsylvania]

And my now sold CZ-85 Compact:

http://users.adelphia.net/~ggr102/images/Nice%20Pair.JPG

http://users.adelphia.net/~ggr102/images/Stacked.JPG


By the way - that's Hakan's handiwork for the grips!

[G19Man]

Some other choices for you.

Give a look at Highnoon Holsters here (http://www.highnoonholsters.com) .

I've got a Hidden Ally for my P9 Covert and just ordered a Bare Asset since I wanted something with a cant.

Also, Fist makes some good holsters. I have a Kydex K1 Universal for my G19.

Good luck in your search.

[Nematocyst]

Howdy all,

A good Tuesday evening to you. ;)

First, thanks once again for the continued suggestions, pics, & stories. Very helpful. I'm much further along towards a decision because of all the helpful posts. Still not there yet, but i feel i may be closing in.
Give a look at Highnoon Holsters here (http://www.highnoonholsters.com/index.html) .G19man: that is one fine site. The most informative i've seen so far. Very nice holsters. Megathanks.

I've spent, probably 6 - 8 hours on line in the last 48 just focusing on holsters. I have communicated with (or attempted to) several via email, spoke by phone with fewer.

Have looked at somewhere between 189 & 17 billion images of holsters, flipping back forth, trying to compare this one with that one, my K9 in it instead of a 1911, and what it would look like in black. Descriptions and model numbers begin to run together.

Here's my thinking at the moment. I won't mention any short list names just yet, there are several running strong. But the initials of one strong contender are at lstrong contenders are HN. :rolleyes:

Who ever makes it, it'll be an open top with no thumb break; either a belt slide or a scabbard (rear slotted wing, belt channel behind pistol) with a forward ("FBI") cant.

Oh, and of course it will be black cowhide to match the black & stainless of the K9. :cool:

I like the snug fit of a belt slide, but still minor concerns about being a thin man. Some recommend scabbard style for thiner folks since strong curvature may cause fit to be too tight; still sorting that out.) My sense is though, that since i wear fairly loosefitting trowers (mostly Carhartts) slung low on the hips, and have a reaonably well defined waist, I think I can keep the tension adjusted for comfort and security.

I have two substantial question remaining about features:

1) Anybody have more coments about liners? Pros & cons?

Pros seem to be wear reduction, gun finish protection, including moisture wicking; at least one company claims it also improves stitching and look.

Don't know if there are any cons other than it jacks up the price a bit.

2) Have you ever ridden a road bike (bicycle) or mountain bike with low handle bars with an open top holster? When I'm on my touring bike, I tend to lean over to a point that my belt canters forward by about 40-45 degrees. Given that the holster already cants forward, I'm wondering if the additional lean of the rider on the bike will cause potential gun drop problems. (I'm also going to post that question over in the "bug-out bicycle (http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=151102) " thread.)

Looking forward to reading more suggestions & ideas.

Thanks,

NemA~

[Nematocyst]

I just ordered a High Noon Topless (http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Topless/_topless.html) for my K9.

The decision process was long & challenging. I looked at many fine, quality holsters (or at least pictures of them, with written descriptions), including several illustrated & discussed in this thread.

In the end, for me, what tipped my decision were the following, in no particular order of priority:

a "wow" factor when I first looked at an image of it
reviews
the High Noon web site, which I found informative & easy to navigate
an estimated delivery time of 8 - 12 weeks
price
lining & trigger-guard screw adjustment (to tighten holster as it wears)
recommendations by others


Thanks much to all who offered ideas and suggestions. I hope this thread helps others make a decision, regardless of what kind they buy.

NemA~

PS: if I remember, when I get it, I'll post a review about it.

[71Commander]

Here is the holster combo that Eric from HBE did for my HiPower. I have 3 of his pieces and a couple more being made as we speak. Great quality and all around nice person. http://www.hbeleatherworks.com/

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/tucker13/hp-1.jpg

[Chas]

Here is a link to a message I posted a few months ago. I can hardley tell I have the Versa Max on. I also bought a Don Hume H715-M T.B for my Para Warthog and it fits perfect. The Milt Sparks VM-2 is in Horse hide with Shark trim.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=122047

Charles Deaton

[Rinspeed]

I used Lou Alessi's CQC/S as an inspiration to follow when designing my holster. When I finished it, I sent pictures to Lou and asked if he felt my version may too closely resemble his. His reply, in part, was: "Kevin, Thanks a million for the courtesy of asking. I don't see a problem at all. That's a nice looking holster! If you want to mention that you and I talked about you making your own version of the CQC/S, that's perfectly fine with me. Thanks again for asking, I really do appreciate it very much. Lou"


That doesn't surprise me much Lou saying that. He is one of the nicest people I have met and he sure does make some nice holsters. I have one of his CQC/S holsters and it is very comfortable. K-Man, your holster looks very nice also. Thanks for posting.

[PCRCCW]

Lou is a vantastic guy......He helped me along for a long while when I started doing this. Just thought Id jump in with my .02$.........Gary B. is another stand up mentor of mine.
Shoot well.

[Frandy]

Another vote for Lou... When I was looking for an OTB holster for my Sig 228, I spoke with Lou by phone and had a great conversation about holsters in general and my needs in particular. I bought a CQC/S and liked it so much I bought another one for my HK USP45C. There are other great OTB holsters out there, but the Lou Alessi is my choice.