Bianchi Leather

Mule Packer

Mule Packer

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Is it just me? Maybe I'm behind the times, but I just picked up a new holster from Bianchi and, for some reason, it just doesn't seem to be the same quality as their leather goods from several years ago.

Of course, maybe I'm just imagining that their holsters and belts used to be of better quality. Has anyone else noticed a change in their products or is it just early onset senility on my part?:)
 
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CHANGING TIMES

As above, what I have has some age on them. Nothing made in Mexico I know of. Seems nothing changes for the better. I dont need or want any of the new choices, so I guess I am off the hook there. To top that off, you just dont see any of their stuff around here like you used to. :rolleyes: Maybe thats a good thing. :)
 
I think you folks are absolutely right! I just checked one of my older Bianchi holsters. The leather on this newer, "Made in Mexico" one is grainier. The older one is smooth. Big difference in leather quality.

I guess no one is to blame but me. I usually go with some of the craftsmen who are here in the Forum, but most of them are still three months out. I figured I'd send for this Bianchi one and get it in a few days. Plus, it was on sale. Little did I know that the quality wasn't like it used to be.:(

Like the old adage...you get what you pay for.
 
Recently got a new Bianchi pancake holster for a 1911. It notes on the back “made in Mexico” and it is leather outer layer with Kydex inner layer. It was cheaper than an all leather holster and got to me quickly, so I’m not unhappy with it; I will not confuse it with a top quality all leather holster, but it does the job OK.
 
I don't find the use of the word 'quality' very helpful because EVERYTHING has a quality; the question is, 'good' or 'bad'. And as is being noted, some 'qualities' are neither good nor bad, such as the grain of one leather vs. another. LOTS more qualities that are to be considered than such a small thing.

Our original Bianchi gunleather indeed was first-quality (1970-1990) and their current product indeed is second-quality. That it's second-quality is not related to it being made in Mexico, but to the owners not knowing first quality leather, or workmanship, or performance of the product, when they see it. So they haven't maintained the systems that guaranteed first-quality, and so they can't get it. I doubt they even know the difference.

On the other hand, one won't necessarily get first quality from makers who advertise or promote themselves. Many/most are small players who have not ever had the benefit of being trained in first quality production methods by the big makers (most are self-taught which is no way to run a railroad).

Personally I'd be buying Galco, as the heir-apparent to Bianchi's qualities (because they copied the styles and their qualities, too) and not today's Bianchi gunleather.
 
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I remember back in the late 1980s or early 1990s the gun shop I worked in had a used BIANCHI Western gun belt and holster and a customer said he had to have one that would fit him and we looked it up in the Bianchi Catalog and ordered the same holster and belt numbers except for sizes. The customer was very disappointed that his new holster and belt were much cheaper looking than the original used holster and belt. I got him to take the rig he had ordered but he was not happy.
 
Mule Packer said:
Is it just me? Maybe I'm behind the times, but I just picked up a new holster from Bianchi and, for some reason, it just doesn't seem to be the same quality as their leather goods from several years ago.

Of course, maybe I'm just imagining that their holsters and belts used to be of better quality. Has anyone else noticed a change in their products or is it just early onset senility on my part?:)
Click to expand...

The same thing can be said about Galco. Picked up a brand new thumb break leather holster for 2.5" K Frame. The material seems very cheap
-Sam
 
WCCPHD said:
Bianchi is owned by Safariland. Safariland has done a great job of destroying those companies that it acquires. Customer service and quality go out the window in the pursuit of the almighty dollar.
Click to expand...

WAY BACK......John Bianchi and Neal Perkins were sort of partner holster makers. Later on they split and John had his BIANCHI brand of leatherware and Neil Perkins started Safariland. Guess both are dead now and the NEW owners only care about the $$$. Safariland had a neat holster called the "Klipspringer". Was a conventional leather holster with a big metal loop on the back that you just slid down inside your pants.
 
Don't know about Neal, but John is still very much alive.
Here for a couple of samples:
On the left a 5BH Made in Mexico to fit K frames with 2"-2.5" barrels.
On the right is a vintage Model 3 Made in the USA for K frames with 4"
barrels. I don't see a lot of difference in the quality, but then I am not
very smart.
 

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I like to match period holsters with period firearms, strong preference for vintage Bianchi and Safariland holsters.
 
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