adams484
Member
Try before you buy???
I make holsters but I can't speak for all those out there but I think most of us would be willing to send you a holster and if it doesn't work out for you if returned in new condition I know I would CHEERFULLY refund your purchase minus shipping. I would only require you to explain what it was that turned you off so I could learn from it. Or better yet fix it to suit your needs. Then both of us are happy!
For most of us holster makers the profit margin is so low we could not afford to cover the shipping unless we increased the prices.
Take the Milt Sparks holster this thread is about for example. I am assuming they use European leather, which is not cheap and does not last longer, and this holster looks to be about 1.5 to 2 square ft. of leather. Keep in mind that the cuts cause a certain amount of waste. Consider thread, dye, and if it has a spring steel stiffener I would estimate about $30 to $35 in materials and overhead. Don't forget we have to keep the lights on. That leaves about $65 - $70 to cover labor on a $100 holster and I would estimate it would take me at least 1.5 hours to 2 hours total in labor to make this holster if I was set up for these in a production holster. In all fairness to Milt's business I believe $35 / hr is a bargain for that quality. Try getting a plumber or and electrician for that, good luck!
But like I said in an earlier post if all you want is a good holster that draws well, wears well, and conceals well. You can get all that without the expensive leather, super dye job, and fake outside molding that has no real function other than looking pretty. The looking pretty as most of the LEO's here who carry all the time will attest does fade some over time. But heck that's just character added to your trusted holster.
I have been converting to all VM 2's for leather and tomrkba brand for kydex. I have found these holsters last far longer than the production holsters I have owned.
My problem with Don Hume is the very limited selection around here. My rule is to handle a holster prior to purchase to make sure it has the attributes I look for. Clip attachments do not work for me. I would love to find a local source so I could test a few.
I make holsters but I can't speak for all those out there but I think most of us would be willing to send you a holster and if it doesn't work out for you if returned in new condition I know I would CHEERFULLY refund your purchase minus shipping. I would only require you to explain what it was that turned you off so I could learn from it. Or better yet fix it to suit your needs. Then both of us are happy!
For most of us holster makers the profit margin is so low we could not afford to cover the shipping unless we increased the prices.
Take the Milt Sparks holster this thread is about for example. I am assuming they use European leather, which is not cheap and does not last longer, and this holster looks to be about 1.5 to 2 square ft. of leather. Keep in mind that the cuts cause a certain amount of waste. Consider thread, dye, and if it has a spring steel stiffener I would estimate about $30 to $35 in materials and overhead. Don't forget we have to keep the lights on. That leaves about $65 - $70 to cover labor on a $100 holster and I would estimate it would take me at least 1.5 hours to 2 hours total in labor to make this holster if I was set up for these in a production holster. In all fairness to Milt's business I believe $35 / hr is a bargain for that quality. Try getting a plumber or and electrician for that, good luck!
But like I said in an earlier post if all you want is a good holster that draws well, wears well, and conceals well. You can get all that without the expensive leather, super dye job, and fake outside molding that has no real function other than looking pretty. The looking pretty as most of the LEO's here who carry all the time will attest does fade some over time. But heck that's just character added to your trusted holster.
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