The first holster I ever owned was an OWB kydex paddle holster. It worked great for USPSA or IDPA competitions, but it wasn’t very comfortable or concealable, and it sure as hell wasn’t anything to look it. When I started carrying more – at the time I had a CCW permit, but was not yet in law enforcement, I realized if I wanted something more comfortable and stylish – a real man’s holster, I’d need to look at leather. Afterall, would John Wayne carry a kydex holster? Hell no. So, with a referral from a close friend, and some internet research, I bought a Milt Sparks Versa-Max 2 IWB, and never looked back. That is until now……
Matt Alsaker is full-time deputy sheriff who began Alsaker Custom Leather LLC in 2012. Though Alsaker had done some minor leather work and repair in the past, remarkably, it wasn’t until 2011 that he made his first holster. I say remarkably, because one look at the quality and worksmanship in his products and you’d think he’d been hand-crafting holsters for 20 years.
A while back Alsaker sent me a couple holsters to test for my Glock 26. One was an IWB, the other was his OWB “model S,” often referred to as a “snap-loop” or “snap-cake” style holster. In addition to those two models, Alsaker also makes an “H” model OWB, which is designed as a mid-ride concealment holster available with or without a thumb break. I’ll talk more about my experience later, but first let me tell you more about Alsaker and his holsters.
Alsaker is passionate about holster making. He’s always seeking input from his customers, many of them cops who carry a gun nearly 24/7, on and off duty. His goal is not to just be another holster maker or production shop – Alsaker wants his name to be mentioned in the likes of Milt Sparks, Lou Alessi, Sam Andrews and John Bianchi. As he grows he wants to maintain the handcrafted quality he offers now.
One of Alsaker’s “exotic” models: black leather with cognac Louisiana Alligator Inlay
The excellence in Alsaker’s products begins with the leather. He only uses premium naturally vegetable tanned hides from Hermann Oak Leather Company in St. Louis, MO, which is considered one of the finest tanneries in the world. He never uses economy or imported hides, and only uses the shoulder and back sections because of their firmness and strength. Alsaker dyes all the leather himself, using only premium oil dyes and acrylic based sealers. Friction and moisture (think about the conditions your holster is exposed to) are no friends of leather. After the dye has dried, Alsaker hand buffs the leather to remove any remaining dye held in suspension prior to sealing, greatly reducing the chance of dye transfer.
As mentioned above, Alsaker Custom Leather currently has three styles of holsters available, in a variety of different guns. Matt makes all of his templates from scratch – none are store bought kits or patterns, and he has each of his designs field tested thoroughly, making numerous revisions until his final product meets his exacting standards and is ready for sale.
Alsaker makes two models of OWB holsters. The model “S” I mentioned above, and the model “H” which is a flat-back holster. This eliminates “pinch points” that are problematic with traditional pancake style holsters (for that reason, not a style of holster Alsaker makes). The design of the “H” model allows for belt slots to be closer to the firearm, reducing holster tilt (keeping it closer to the body) and reducing the profile of the holster when worn under a concealment garment.
Alsaker’s IWB holsters include a piece of laser-cut, 20 gauge, stainless steel that wraps around the mouth of the holster, beneath the leather reinforcement, to keep the holster open for one-handed holstering. Alsaker even shapes the leather reinforcement piece to keep the stitch line from crossing the ejection port of the firearm when holstered – reducing the chance of the firearm rubbing on the stitching inside the holster. The belt lops are secured with Pull-The-Dot three-way locking snaps to prevent the belt loops from unsnapping during movement or vigorous activity which could put pressure on the snap. By having the belt loops positioned as they are, Alskaer is able to create a holster with greater stability and slimmer-profile.
Alsaker Custom IWB holster
Back side of the IWB holster
A proper grip on one’s handgun is critical to speed and accuracy – and the strong hand must obtain that grip while the gun is still in the holster, during the first stage of the draw. Alsaker explained he designed the holster to sit as deeply as possible inside the pants, while still allowing a full grip on the firearm. The shape of the sweat shield and rear tab is designed to allow for a full, strong-hand grip without interference from the leather. The shape of the sweat shield allows for the user’s thumb to rest in it’s natural position when gripping the firearm, and the shape of the rear tab allows the user’s middle finger to sit tightly against the trigger guard. There is just enough room so your knuckles can comfortable get between the grip and the leather of the holster.
Details like this mean Alsaker’s holsters aren’t just comfortable and appealing to the eye – Alsaker designs and builds his holsters knowing one day his customer’s life could depend on it.
Alsaker Custom gun belt
So what were my impressions? I wore the IWB model holster Alskaer sent me for my Glock 26 nearly ever day for three months straight. I wore the holster to and from work, for trips to the range, running errands, hiking, on plain clothed assignments, and out to dinner. I wore it with jeans, BDUs and even a suit. The holster stayed secure and concealed well even wearing just jeans and a T-shirt. I wore it in the car on a nine-hour drive to South Dakota and hardly noticed it was there. I wore it five days in a row, walking through fields of thick brush chasing pheasants with my labs. The holster proved to be extremely comfortable, very durable and it kept my weapon secure even during the most rigorous activities. Despite being soaked by rain and sweat, there was no dye transfer or deformation. I put it through some tough conditions over those three months, and when I was done, the holster looked as good as the day I got it.
I didn’t test the OWB quite as thoroughly, just because I am generally more of an IWB carrier, but the OWB shared the same attributes. It was very comfortable, sturdy, and concealed my pistol well. I found the OWB model to be a bit tight when I first drew my pistol from it, but like other leather holsters I have owned, it smoothed out a bit as I drew the gun from it more. Both holsters allowed me to get an excellent strong hand grip on the handgun while still in the holster, which is critical for anyone who carries a gun for self-defense. I was pleased with my draw times from concealment with these holsters, with their overall comfort, durability, and looks.
Alsaker Custom OWB “H” model holster, brown with airbrushed finish and USMC logo.
Alsaker’s holsters have a base price of $79.95, which is an excellent price for a hand-made, high-quality leather holster with this kind of craftsmanship. For a bit more, Alsaker can also build you a holster with custom tooling, designs, airbrushed finishes and even “exotic” hides such as elephant, stingray, shark, alligator or caiman. As you can see in his photos, some of his holsters are works of art. In addition to holsters, Alskaer makes high-quality, sturdy gunbelts starting at $69.95 and a few other personal leather items.
If Alsaker’s goal is to one day be mentioned among the greats like Lou Alessi and Milt Sparks, I’d say he is well on his way. If you are looking for a quality, hand-crafted, professionally built leather holster, check out Alsaker Custom Leather.
You can order a holster from Alsaker Custom Leather, and check out more photos of Matt’s work at http://www.alsakercustomleather.com/