I noticed they have a detailed boning option for 10 bucks...wondering if it is worth it or just cosmetic...is that the standard model in the above pic?
Good question, sir. The major part of fitting a holster to the handgun is forming the interior to the contours of the weapon. Properly done, this adds significantly to the ability of the holster to retain the handgun, and also eliminates any movement of the handgun within the holster (the primary cause of holster wear). This work can be done relatively quickly (assuming that the holster has been designed, assembled, and sewn properly) with the hands, fingers, knuckles, and a couple of smooth tools at the time the holster is initially formed.
Detail boning involves working the exterior of the holster's surfaces using a variety of tools to compress the leather and achieve the finest possible fit to the handgun. During this process the moisture content of the leather, as well as temperature, must be within a narrow range, so considerable time is spent on the process over two or three sittings. The results do, in fact, improve interior fitting to the handgun, while also providing a pleasing effect on the exterior.
This work cannot be rushed, as explained above. That is why I have decided to offer it as an optional feature for those who wish to pay a little extra for the time involved. The benefits are both cosmetic as well as functional.
By making this work optional I can keep my general production prices down for the many customers who are happy with a very good fit and finish at a very competitive price for a very functional product.
As an additional note, detail boning is not recommended on carved or tooled leather products as the boning process damages the detail of the carving or tooling.