Brooks125

Thanks everyone. I may be overdoing it. I'll steer clear of the banding for sure. I did grab some rawhide and did a test piece, which seems to be rock solid, and may keep that on the back burner if the leather-only method seems weak. Keep in mind, I and most of the guys I've been making pieces for are on the "solid" side, and we kind of test the limits of functionality for IWBs. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

I've begun making holsters and gun leather on a hobby / someday-business basis. It's gone well and I've started making holsters for friends and others. I'm getting ready to start my first IWB holster, and wanted some input on the best way to reinforce the top strap so as to make it stay open for re-holstering. Does a rawhide insert work well, or will I need to get spring steel or some other insert? I've heard some people use pallet banding, but does that really retain the shape well enough long term?