It's finally time to replace my Uncle Mike's nylon holster with a "good" quality leather holster. (It's a fine gun and deserves the change.) I recently purchased a Bianchi Cylone Model 111 for my Ruger Speed Six. I am very pleased with it. Might as well stick with Bianchi.

I definitely want a holster that has the option for both strong side and cross draw.

Bianchi makes three that will work for the Model 36 -- the Cyclone 111 Hip Holster, the Piranha Pancake Holster and the Shadow Pancake Holster. Any difference in these two pancake holsters?

Is there any advantage of a pancake holster over a straight hip holster?

What about a suede lining? The Cyclone has it. The pancake holsters do not.

For what it's worth, I do not "carry" all that much. Don't feel the need to most of the time.

Somehow, I acquired an old Brauer Bros. IWB with a clip. It's a
neutral cant, and I find that it digs in when I bend. I'm thinking that
a canted holster will be the hot ticket, and it'll probably give better
access, too. You need a professional to jump on this question.
Have you queried the holster-makers that are listed in the new
forum section? I've only talked to Lobogun leather, and Bell CharterOak.
Both were very helpful. TACC1

I'd definitely check out the Simply Rugged Silver Dollar.

__________________
"I'm your huckleberry."

+1 on the Simply Rugged Silver Dollar. Mine got here 3 days ago. I've been wearing it constantly to get the feel of it and I really like it. I got the detachable belt loops and it wears comfortably both as IWB and OWB. As an IWB, it hides under a T shirt. It is under one as I type.

I've about swore off Bianchi when the last item I bought from them was marked "Mexico".

First off, I personally have never been a fan of suede lined holsters because they actually make the holster thicker and bulkier, and most importantly, they are dirt and junk collectors. So when the holster is new, it might be nice and soft against your guns finish, but shortly thereafter, they actually help the embedded junk to help scratch up your guns finish. You are much better served by a plain SMOOTH leather holster that tend to not collect junk and dirt.

As far as the dual holster goes, I personally prefer a specific holster for each type of carry. It seems to me that whenever you get a piece of equipment that is multifunctional, it is always a compromise, and not the best for either situation. Get a good quality strong side and a good quality cross draw. The only time I really am interested in a cross draw my self, is when I will be in the car driving on a very long trip and want easier access to my gun. Other than that, I like a speed scabbard strong side holster made from Horsehide.

Chief38

"Is there any advantage of a pancake holster over a straight hip holster?"
The pancake gives you more surface area against your body that assists when carrying a heavier firearm. I like your choice of the Piranha. The 3-slot holsters does give you more options for carry: good idea...For myself, I actually prefer a specific carry holster in a belt slide. If you have a good belt, cinched up good; no problem with weight as an issue...

Thanks for the suggestions. Any others?

I'm fond of the price of Gould & Goodrich 3-slot pancakes. And the angles are correct for me to use them both strong side and cross draw. I own one for my 64 snubby and one for my 3954 auto. They're both serviceable but the workmanship is not near that of the custom makers in the vendor area here.