Horsehide or Cowhide?
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DougE
Member
I just read somewhere or another that horsehide is more resistant to moisture than cowhide. If one carries IWB ( especially with the holster against the bare skin )it was stated that horsehide would better protect your gun against perspiration and such.
sipowicz
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.
Broker50
Member
Just my opinion, but horsehide is easily worth an extra ten bucks!
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Andy's comments are worth considering.
http://www.holsters.org/index.htm
http://www.holsters.org/index.htm
Spotteddog
Member
10 bucks prorated over five or ten years is?
I'm glad I opted for horse on the body side of my new IWB. I'll probably be even more glad as the weather warms up! Aren't you worth it?
I'm glad I opted for horse on the body side of my new IWB. I'll probably be even more glad as the weather warms up! Aren't you worth it?
Pisgah
Member
If the price difference is $10, I'd opt for the horsehide -- it's, ounce for ounce, tougher than cowhide, and holds it's shape better. But if the price difference is $100 -- and I have seen it! -- then screw the horse you rode in on, I'll take cowhide.
sipowicz
Member
I have more than a few cowhides but only one horsehide...this Del fatti ISP-DD. One thing I have notice is that it is very stiff but a bit thinner than my Del Fatti cowhides, which is what I wanted for my j-frame. I'm sure Matt builds them in horse for that reason...
Pitdog02
Member
Milt Sparks web states that because horsehide is stiffer they don get as good of an impression of the gun transfered to the leather. So I guess what they are saying is cowhide allows them to get a more precise image and fit.Click on questions on the left hand side.
Milt sparks FAQ's
Milt sparks FAQ's
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Please allow an old holster-maker to weigh in on this one.
For the typical user, there is no practical difference between the two, horsehide or cowhide. The real concern is in the tanning methods used on the leather, chrome tanning or vegetable tanning.
Chrome tanning utilizes chemical salts, which remain in the leather and can cause corrosion of the pistol. Even stainless steel pistols can incur patterns of surface pitting from exposure to chrome tanned leather.
Vegetable tanning utilizes plant matter (typically oak bark), leaving no chemical salts in the leather. Properly finished, vegetable tanned leather (horsehide or cowhide) resists moisture quite well.
I recommend inquiring about tanning methods before purchasing any maker's products.
A related item of high concern is holster linings. Very popular for "protecting the finish" of fine firearms, typically suede leather but occasionally smooth leathers. Comments: Most of the suede leathers on the market are chrome tanned (residual chemical salts), as are many of the smooth leathers used for linings. Also, suede attracts and retains moisture much more readily than properly finished vegetable tanned cowhide or horsehide. So, the owner of a fine handgun may spend considerably more money for a lined holster only to be exposing his handgun to far more likelihood of corrosion and finish damage.
Also, most holster wear is caused by friction within the holster during carrying, rather than by inserting and withdrawing the weapon. A properly fitted holster is the real key to keeping holster wear to a minimum.
Final word: I recommend that a firearm never be stored in any leather holster or case, as leather is known to attract and retain moisture, even from the atmosphere. The user who gets into the habit of putting his weapon into the (properly fitted) holster when it is time to carry, then removing the weapon and wiping it down thoroughly, will enjoy a far longer service life of the weapon (with maximum original finish remaining).
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For the typical user, there is no practical difference between the two, horsehide or cowhide. The real concern is in the tanning methods used on the leather, chrome tanning or vegetable tanning.
Chrome tanning utilizes chemical salts, which remain in the leather and can cause corrosion of the pistol. Even stainless steel pistols can incur patterns of surface pitting from exposure to chrome tanned leather.
Vegetable tanning utilizes plant matter (typically oak bark), leaving no chemical salts in the leather. Properly finished, vegetable tanned leather (horsehide or cowhide) resists moisture quite well.
I recommend inquiring about tanning methods before purchasing any maker's products.
A related item of high concern is holster linings. Very popular for "protecting the finish" of fine firearms, typically suede leather but occasionally smooth leathers. Comments: Most of the suede leathers on the market are chrome tanned (residual chemical salts), as are many of the smooth leathers used for linings. Also, suede attracts and retains moisture much more readily than properly finished vegetable tanned cowhide or horsehide. So, the owner of a fine handgun may spend considerably more money for a lined holster only to be exposing his handgun to far more likelihood of corrosion and finish damage.
Also, most holster wear is caused by friction within the holster during carrying, rather than by inserting and withdrawing the weapon. A properly fitted holster is the real key to keeping holster wear to a minimum.
Final word: I recommend that a firearm never be stored in any leather holster or case, as leather is known to attract and retain moisture, even from the atmosphere. The user who gets into the habit of putting his weapon into the (properly fitted) holster when it is time to carry, then removing the weapon and wiping it down thoroughly, will enjoy a far longer service life of the weapon (with maximum original finish remaining).
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Srigs
Member
I have horses and like them a lot so I don't use horsehide.
I only use cowhide.
I only use cowhide.
If you are looking for an IWB, pay attention to the reinforcement built into the holster to ensure it retains it's shape for one-handed reholstering. In my experience, unless there is a metal reinforcement strip stitched in, you could encounter problems with most cowhide holsters, while the toughness of horsehide really helps in this.
Karmer is the pioneer in the use of horsehide I believe, and their holsters do in-fact not collapse if the gun is out and the user is rolling around on the ground, allowing for fairly easy re-holstering with one hand.
Just food for thought. An extra few $$ for horsehide is a good investment, IMO.
Karmer is the pioneer in the use of horsehide I believe, and their holsters do in-fact not collapse if the gun is out and the user is rolling around on the ground, allowing for fairly easy re-holstering with one hand.
Just food for thought. An extra few $$ for horsehide is a good investment, IMO.
george minze
Member
Talk about a name out of the past I haven't heard Any Arratoonian for years. I hate to admit I thought Horseshoe Leather was out of business. At one time He was an I guess still the benchmark for horsehide and holsters in general. His boneing and detail were the sharpest and most detailed of any around. Lou Allesi running a close second. Getting holsters (custom) made is like buying 9mm ammunition. Thank goodness there are some new guys on the block. Or should I say not new to the business but now marketing to the gun fraternity. Often you can buy a certain pistol faster than the custom leather to go with it. I was glad to see Lobo is now making holsters for the always popular SW 39.
Matt Del Fatti
Member
It's really a matter of personal preference. Either can be made into a very functional holster. Premium cowhide will generally net a more attractive finished product because it's more consistent tannage. Some horse hide strips can be smooth, some rougher (on the top), some will dye a consistent color, and others not. The "tiger striped" look can be very attractive to some and objectionable to others (eye of the beholder). Although there are variations in every tannage, horsehide seems to vary much more than premium cowhide. While vegetable tanned horsehide absorbs moisture at a much slower rate than vegetable tanned cowhide, it's more of a concern during the building process than with the finished product as a result of the acrylic sealers many holster makers now use.
Overall, I think that soft rolled and hard rolled horse can make a good holster but successful marketing have somewhat overblown its virtues. Especially hard rolled.
Overall, I think that soft rolled and hard rolled horse can make a good holster but successful marketing have somewhat overblown its virtues. Especially hard rolled.
george minze
Member
What is the difference between hard and soft rolled and what is the difference in final product....Thanks
Here's Mitch Rosen on the topic:
Q: Is there any advantage to horsehide?
Q: Is there any advantage to horsehide?
A: There is absolutley no advantage to horsehide as a material for high-quality holster manufacture. All of our standard products are constructed of best quality cowhide. However, we do keep some horsehide in stock for those who have been successfully advertised to.
http://www.mitchrosen.com/rosen_FAQs/rosen_faqs.html
Q: Is there any advantage to horsehide?
Q: Is there any advantage to horsehide?
A: There is absolutley no advantage to horsehide as a material for high-quality holster manufacture. All of our standard products are constructed of best quality cowhide. However, we do keep some horsehide in stock for those who have been successfully advertised to.
http://www.mitchrosen.com/rosen_FAQs/rosen_faqs.html
Matt Del Fatti
Member
Hard rolled is what most folks who have horsehide holsters are referring to. The tannery rolls or compresses it when wet to futher compress the hide fibers. Soft rolled is, well, a softer or a not as rigid product. If a holster is made using a press as part of the process, even soft rolled can feel fairly hard but probably not as rigid as hard rolled. I hope that wasn't too confusing.
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