Craft Holsters IWB Holster Review

This is the western traditional throw-back holster with a modern twist. You get all the new age perks with the old school appearance. You can whip it out in a jiffy or take your sweet time with it. I felt like a ninja in leather when wearing this holster.

First off, the packaging is cleverly done. I could tell Craft Holsters put a lot of thought into the product and wanted to carry it through in the packaging, as well. The manual instructions provided are in a creative old west style chronicle, as opposed to todays overexaggerated instructions. The manual, “The Holster Times”, provides ‘How to Care For’, ‘How to Maintain’, and ‘How to Break In’ instructions that actually related to the product with directness and accuracy, just like my bullet to the target.

Upon opening the package, the first thing that struck me was the deep, rich smell of bona fide leather. The smell and the quality double-stitching on the entire holster made me feel like I was living in the nostalgic era of the old-west. This is Westworld’s real-world counterpart and equal. I love the color of the stain of this holster too. But let me give you some details that I think attest to the quality of this baby.

So, I didn’t need it, but the retention screw is sturdy and allows for me to be able to adjust for the draw. I feel they really got this right straight from the factory. The buttons for affixing the holster to my belt or riggers belt are solid, good quality; they have never come undone. If you’re wondering about the versatility, this fits my work, dress and riggers belts (1.75’ width). To be honest, I really prefer the holster with my duty belt; it just feels more secure due to the rigidity of the belt. As I’ve mentioned this has double-stitching, and that helps provide not only a handsome holster but, one that is going to last you a long time.

Okay, let’s get to how much I enjoyed the practicality of wearing the holster and putting it to the test! This holster performed well. It was such a natural part of me I wore it all the time; and it really proves itself in all real-world scenarios. I tried it out at my defense lab class at Advanced Self-Defense Concepts in Claremont, CA.

When drawn here the holster allowed for a smooth as butter draw, and I’m not talking domestic butter, I’m talking imported Kerrygold smooth- possibly the smoothest draw! I wore it hiking, around the house, mountain-biking and even tried to take it to a Jiu Jitsu class simply because I felt that comfortable with it. On my first mountain bike ride the holster did get warm and sweaty, but it was to be expected as with any natural material. The natural material allowed for the sweat to disperse nicely, unlike a Kydex holster wherein one feels the sweat and the holster slides up and down a bit. If you’re a runner or a hiker, I could imagine this Craft product would be the holster for you too. This holster contoured to my body in a such a short period of time; I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. This holster accomplishes contouring so fast and it provides the comfort and ease of access I’m looking for in a holster.

This holster didn’t print either. It sits nice and close to my body. Who doesn’t love that? It didn’t feel awkward or foreign. After wearing it all day for the first time, it felt like a natural extension of my body. The shape of the holster helps with the printing. Because I’m a thinner guy it’s a little more difficult for me to conceal in the first place, but with a properly draped shirt or jacket this holster conceals perfectly, which all holsters should do, as it’s their job.

If you’re wondering, Craft Holsters offers a Bulletproof Guarantee for this beauty which basically covers everything you need. The craftsmanship of the leather is covered, functionality of the fit is covered, worldwide delivery is guaranteed, and the guarantee even provides a 30 day tryout feature. The holster retails for $59.95 at craftholsters.com.

Overall, I’m happy with the quality, old-world craftsmanship of this holster, and eager to see what Craft could come out next.

Check out all our past reviews on our Reviews Page. A special thanks to the folks over at ASD Concepts for letting us use their facility for this review.