Sven
Senior Member
What are the differences between horsehide and cowhide as a holster material?
I see horsehide costs more for Milt Sparks holsters - better stuff?
I see horsehide costs more for Milt Sparks holsters - better stuff?
horsehide vs. cowhide holster comparison
- Thread starter Sven
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sm
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Lots of quality Holster Mfg's out there. Here is a link , got to ? and this explains pretty well:
http://www.highnoonholsters.com./index.html
http://www.highnoonholsters.com./index.html
Sven
Senior Member
Phil in Seattle
Member
From the FAQ at www.kramerleather .com
"Is horsehide really better for holster making than cowhide?
Horsehide is an extremely dense, non-porous leather. Until the end of the 1930's horsehide was the leather of choice for products that required extreme durability. The density and non-porous nature of horsehide which makes it such a durable leather, is also the reason that horsehide does not dye uniformly in colors other than black. If multiple pieces are crafted from horsehide and dyed tan or mahogany, there is a very good chance that each piece will have a slight color variations. Black will be uniform. These color variances are considered part of the natural beauty of horsehide and attest to it's authenticity. Horsehide holsters will last longer and withstand considerably more abuse than a cowhide counterpart. U.S. Navy SEAL TEAMS use our horsehide rigs for extended salt water operations. Cowhide will not stand up this kind of use. YES, there is no question about it, horsehide is more durable than cowhide. This however, is not say that cowhide doesn't make a fine holster that will provide many years of hard service if properly cared for. But, if you want the ultimate in holster leather, horsehide is the answer.
"
"Is horsehide really better for holster making than cowhide?
Horsehide is an extremely dense, non-porous leather. Until the end of the 1930's horsehide was the leather of choice for products that required extreme durability. The density and non-porous nature of horsehide which makes it such a durable leather, is also the reason that horsehide does not dye uniformly in colors other than black. If multiple pieces are crafted from horsehide and dyed tan or mahogany, there is a very good chance that each piece will have a slight color variations. Black will be uniform. These color variances are considered part of the natural beauty of horsehide and attest to it's authenticity. Horsehide holsters will last longer and withstand considerably more abuse than a cowhide counterpart. U.S. Navy SEAL TEAMS use our horsehide rigs for extended salt water operations. Cowhide will not stand up this kind of use. YES, there is no question about it, horsehide is more durable than cowhide. This however, is not say that cowhide doesn't make a fine holster that will provide many years of hard service if properly cared for. But, if you want the ultimate in holster leather, horsehide is the answer.
"
El Tejon
Member
Neigh, neigh from the sacred cow, stay away!
There is no reason to feel bad about cow hide either but dead equis makes a pretty good carry rig. Case in point is this completely first rate rig from Kramer. The belt, ammo pouch and holster are all horsehide. Almost makes you wish for open carry.
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Walosi
Member
Years ago, during a 'phone converation on an order, Milt Sparks told me in very definite terms that GOOD quality cowhide is equal to horsehide in every respect. The trick is finding a maker who can judge the quality of the hides he buys, and has the talent to get the best out of them. Several (Sparks [and Kanely], Alessi, for just a few) are in this class. Kramer began working in horsehide. His early cowhide offerings were substantially below the line, IMO, and have improved a great deal since - just proves that he pays attention, and remains quality conscious.
Dave Williams
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wow mec
Very cool rig, and nice revolver, that's the Thomas Perfectionist, correct?
Dave
Very cool rig, and nice revolver, that's the Thomas Perfectionist, correct?
Dave
Duane Thomas
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mec,
I read your article on the Perfectionist and thought it was very well-written. I did notice however there was one person in particular whose name was not mentioned in it. :lol:
Duane
I read your article on the Perfectionist and thought it was very well-written. I did notice however there was one person in particular whose name was not mentioned in it. :lol:
Duane
Big Boomer
Member
Just what the above post says, spend the extra $20-40 and get horsehide for all your primary carry rigs.
Horsehide feels more like a soft kydex in a way my guns literally "snap" into place .
I can hold my holster upside down and shake it and my gun will not come out. I can still draw and reholster with ease.
One of these matched with a good gun belt are simply unbeatable. Here is a pic of my primary carry. The "bumpy" leather is shark skin even more durable and rugged.
The belt is Shark, the mag carriers cowhide (if you look closely at the grain you can tell the difference) and the holster is horse/shark
Horsehide feels more like a soft kydex in a way my guns literally "snap" into place .
I can hold my holster upside down and shake it and my gun will not come out. I can still draw and reholster with ease.
One of these matched with a good gun belt are simply unbeatable. Here is a pic of my primary carry. The "bumpy" leather is shark skin even more durable and rugged.
The belt is Shark, the mag carriers cowhide (if you look closely at the grain you can tell the difference) and the holster is horse/shark
This thread is like how many years old?
Slow day spent with google there Duane?
Slow day spent with google there Duane?
Duane Thomas
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Exactamundo!
bl4ckd0g
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Night of the Living Thread.
nra-life-member
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Back to Life..
I have been looking for a nice IWB and OWB. Going with the Horsehide by Kramer for the Glock / Sig and HK..
I have been looking for a nice IWB and OWB. Going with the Horsehide by Kramer for the Glock / Sig and HK..
Rogue6
Member
Mr. Arratoonian's (Horseshoe holsters) take on the issue
http://www.holsters.org/which.htm
Similar to that attributed to Milt Sparks, above.
http://www.holsters.org/which.htm
Similar to that attributed to Milt Sparks, above.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
You're kidding, right? This thread originated in 2003 and it's now 2010. Even the zombies forgot about this thread... wow
R3dundantC
Member
I like this thread. It lies dormant for a few years, and just when you think it's gone, BAM! it's back.
DammitBoy
Member
So sharkskin is better than both cowhide and horsehide?
THe Dove
BOOMER SOONER!!!
Get ready boys cause I'm gonna stir the pot. Here it goes!!!! Cattle have hides and horses have skin. Hides are tougher (critters with hides sweat out of their noses not their bodies, cattle, deer etc). Skin is not as tough (critters with skin sweat out of their bodies, ie horses, mules etc) This has been explained to me by several old timers. I don't know for a fact but this is what I've been told.
Now I will sit back, sip my Jack and see what ya'll come up with.
The Dove
Now I will sit back, sip my Jack and see what ya'll come up with.
The Dove
BullfrogKen
Moderator Emeritus
Old thread . . .
I don't know about "better". Sharkskin is unique. I've owned a sharkskin belt for some 6 years now. Shark doesn't scratch or scuff. If you take your thumbnail and scratch across cow or horse leather, it will scuff. Shark won't.
I don't know about "better". Sharkskin is unique. I've owned a sharkskin belt for some 6 years now. Shark doesn't scratch or scuff. If you take your thumbnail and scratch across cow or horse leather, it will scuff. Shark won't.
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