Holster Question

[JoshDuvall]

I know this has been asked many times but I have to ask a follow up question. I see alot of people saying they're using 7/8oz 8/9oz leather on their holsters. To me this just seems extremely thin and lightweight. Am I just totally confused or mistaken on something or what? When I think 7/8oz leather I think maybe like 1/8" thick. Does that thickness sound right to ya'll or am I completely lost?

Thanks for all the help.

[BigRiverLeather]

I know this has been asked many times but I have to ask a follow up question. I see alot of people saying they're using 7/8oz 8/9oz leather on their holsters. To me this just seems extremely thin and lightweight. Am I just totally confused or mistaken on something or what? When I think 7/8oz leather I think maybe like 1/8" thick. Does that thickness sound right to ya'll or am I completely lost?

Thanks for all the help.

That thickness is about right. Much of it has reinforcement etc which will add to the thickness. Of course tese are mostley concealment holsters, especially IWB which thin is good. Cowboy action holsters will be considerabely thicker, totallying 12-14lb

[TwinOaks]

Hi Josh,

In leather terminology, 1 oz = 1/64th of an inch, so 8oz = 1/8th inch. The idea behind a holster is to securely hold the weapon, with an added benefit of keeping it from getting dinged up. While duty holsters are often thicker (I've seen some pushing 3/8" per side) most of our members are making for concealed carry, whether it's IWB or OWB. The holsters don't have to be really thick to be very strong and durable. Part of the process for making the holster (most of the time) is molding the holster to the gun model it will carry. The wetting of the leather helps to harden it to a point (search the term cuir boulli). Then there's the mouth band which reinforces the mouth of the holster. That typically doubles the thickness of the top of the holster. Sometimes that is further reinforced with polymers or metal. So while it may not seem like a lot of leather, it's been worked to a very firm temper....without being too stiff.

For IWB holsters, thin is not a bad thing. Remember, we're talking about a holster that fits inside the waistband. A really thick holster that doesn't flex would be rather uncomfortable. An IWB holster really just needs to keep the weapon in the same spot, keep it from falling out, and provide for a smooth draw, and provide a safe way to carry concealed. Looking good while doing it is just an added bonus.

I've personally made a few holsters out of 7/8oz leather that are pretty dang hard to sqeeze closed. My IWB holsters are generally much more flexible, with a reinforced mouth for one handed holstering. My philosophy on that is as follows: Except for a range scenario, if a person is wearing an IWB holster, and the weapon IS NOT in it, they probably want to be able to crouch, crawl, wiggle, squirm, lay down, roll, dodge, and run away very fast....without having a holster digging into their hip or leg.

I hope that's cleared it up a little.

[dbusarow]

8 0z leather would be 1/8" thick. 7/8 would range from 7/64 - 1/18".

How thick it needs to be really depends on the style of holster you are making. I have been using 6/7 for both IWB and pancake holsters. I've had good results personally and my customers like it too. For concealment holsters any added bulk is going to work against concealbility.

For a field holster or CAS holster 8/9 or even heavier might be more appropriate.

Dan

[Lobo]

In my experience, 8 oz. veg-tanned is pretty much ideal for most applications. This weight has plenty of strength to retain the shape formed to, and sufficient flexibility to resist cracking under stress.

Holsters intended for duty use, field use, or competition use can be made quite easily using leather in the 8-9 oz. weight range and lining with leather of 2-5 oz. weight. The resulting combinations are very durable and will withstand a great deal of pressure without deforming in any way.

Some applications actually call for lighter weights. I make pocket holsters of 5 oz. veg-tanned cowhide with very good results. Some IWB customers prefer 5-6 oz. veg-tanned for minimum bulk inside the waistband.

Overall, if I could only buy one weight of leather it would be 8 oz. from Hermann Oaks or Wicket & Craig. I can produce just about anything from those fine products.