Leather vs. Kydex

[GunnyGene]

A lot of folks choose Kydex for holsters. This is a reason to choose leather instead of kydex.

https://www.guns.com/news/2025/12/03/fa ... e-car-fire

Onetime falconry glove maker turned high-quality holster manufacturer Falco has offered assistance to a customer whose vehicle, firearm, and holster were engulfed in a gasoline-fueled explosion recently.

Customer Brett G’s truck was the victim of the explosion, which also landed Brett in the hospital for an extended stay. The truck itself was a total loss. Yet, somehow, his Stoeger STR-9, equipped with a gun light stored inside a leather Falco A122 holster, survived the blaze largely intact.

More at BA:

https://bearingarms.com/tomknighton/202 ... e-n1230818

[markiver54]

Interesting story. I do have both, but, I have always preferred leather over Kydex.

[Hatchdog]

That’s very interesting. I too prefer leather and don’t currently own any Kydex holsters. My EDC does have a kydex type product that is the paddle for belt attachment but the part containing the firearm is leather. Nice combination in my opinion.

[Steve51]

I have never owned a Kydex holster. I have always preferred a leather OWB holster but do have a couple Cordura Nylon holsters similar to the ones Uncle Mikes made. Never li9ked the plastic belt loop on the Uncle Mike's holsters.

[GFK]

Have not thought much about that. I like leather but not the price. So, I have been sticking with nylon. I don't recall using leather holsters while in the Navy. Then, that was many years ago. Yet, I do recall using leather holsters as a correctional officer. I suspect the major thing is upkeep. Leather requires more attention than nylon. And, I am trying to keep my list of things-to-do to a minimum. As for lost or damage, I do have insurance on most of my firearms. I think that I still have to add one or two though.

[dave77]

I have very nice leather holsters for my PX4c and my Ruger Blackhawk which I rarely carry. The PX4 is my everyday carry and I'm afraid it spends most of it's time in it's Kydex holster, it's a clip-on IWB and is so much easier to put on than the leather OWB. If I happen to go somewhere I can't carry it's very easy to take it off nonchalantly and lock it in the trunk. With the leather holster I have to take my belt halfway off. Also the gun rides a little higher in the kydex holster and being a IWB it conceals a lot better.

The leather holster does have loops and snaps but they are kind of difficult to deal with quickly.

[Ernie]

I have one Kydex that came with a gun, two nylon and all the rest are leather. Leather holsters and wood furniture are my preferences. I have leather holsters for guns I grew out of. I should probably pass them on to someone who will use them.

[undy]

IMO, Kydex is for "Tupperware guns". Leather for the rest...

[Hatchdog]

IMO, Kydex is for "Tupperware guns". Leather for the rest...

That’s a good conclusion.

[daytime dave]

I use a mixture of both. I prefer leather. I specifically love basketweave. My favorite is also the most difficult to find. I really like brown basket weave leather. There's just something about it.

[GunnyGene]

I use a mixture of both. I prefer leather. I specifically love basketweave. My favorite is also the most difficult to find. I really like brown basket weave leather. There's just something about it.

Basket weave is nice. But it's fairly common, unlike Nile Croc.

[5shot]

For IWB with a 1911 my favorite is the Garrett "Silent Thunder". Kydex shell lined with leather and IMO the best of both worlds.

My first choice for OWB is the Galco strongside/crossdraw on top. I also like the Bianchi 111 crossdraw for the woods.

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[BrokenolMarine]

I love leather. Wore it on duty for years. It looked great. But... A full duty belt was heavy. The complete setup was expensive. Sadly, few of the officers took as detailed care of their equipment as myself and a select few did. The Chief loved Safariland Basketweave, and that was what HIS people would wear.

My concealed carry gear these days? Leather. What can I say?

[Hatchdog]

For IWB with a 1911 my favorite is the Garrett "Silent Thunder". Kydex shell lined with leather and IMO the best of both worlds.

My first choice for OWB is the Galco strongside/crossdraw on top. I also like the Bianchi 111 crossdraw for the woods.

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Those brown leather holsters look great, right up my alley. I have always loved both Bianchi and Safariland products and have owned many over the years. Still have a few around.