Molded My First Holster

**springfield24** · April 29th, 2011, 01:21 PM

I just finished making my first Kydex holster. It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be...
...IT WAS SO MUCH WORSE!!!

After melting several pieces of Kydex, and trying several press designs, I finally got the right setup. The retention is great, and the holster is very comfortable. The thing I like most about my design is that I can secure it to my belt with 550-cord (paracord), and that I can easily convert it between IWB and OWB carry. All I have to do for IWB carry is pass the 550-cord loops through the top rivets. To carry OWB, I just pull the top loops out and attach the holster to my belt with the lower loops (you can't see them very well in the picture but there is a second set of 550 loops in the back). I was surprised to find how securely that setup held the holster in my belt.

I'm actually so pleased with the way this holster turned out that I'm going to retire my Minotaur Spartan that I bought from Comp-Tac. The holster is made from plain black Kydex. I added the camo paint-job after I finished the holster.

What do you guys think.

**spblademaker** · April 29th, 2011, 04:26 PM

It looks good and the more you do the easier and better they become. Keep up the good work.

**phillykev** · April 29th, 2011, 04:41 PM

Very nice! Based on your experience, would you say that most that are sold are reasonably priced for the material/effort involved?

**springfield24** · April 29th, 2011, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by phillykev

Very nice! Based on your experience, would you say that most that are sold are reasonably priced for the material/effort involved?

Well, yes and no.
Yes, because it is a lot of work and IMO you're really paying for the companies/individual's know-how.
No, because most companies that manufacture holsters no doubt have the speciality equipment to make the job easier, and probably can obtain supplies at a bulk discount. My shop consisted mainly of a $20 toaster oven, a razor blade, and a few scraps of plywood. A more advanced shop probably has special tools and presses and can crank out dozens of holsters in the time it took me to make one.

I know that wasn't really a clear answer, but I hope it helps.