Fear & Loading: Custom Kydex Holster?

Synthetic holsters are popular and hold up well for those of us who carry concealed, but they’re traditionally a monotonous breed, fraternal if not identical twins and seen most often dressed in black—or your favorite shade thereof. That’s quickly changing, according to Rex Burgess, III, owner of Projectile Combat Kydex.

The family-owned-and-run West Virginia company may not be a household name, yet, but it produces quality holsters in Kydex, and “Custom work is 40 to 50 percent of our business,” Burgess estimates. His firm has even produced setups for stethoscopes, law enforcement walkie-talkies, speed loaders and magazines, although secure sidearm carry is the specialty.

“We’ve been doing Kydex for four years. ... ,” he said. Turnaround time is surprisingly short, too. “It generally takes 7 to 10 days for a customer to receive their custom order.”

Burgess cautioned, however, that owners should give it some thought before they call anyone to order custom. The role it will perform and preferred style, for example, should be determined long before you pick up the phone. Also, be ready to provide the exact make and model of the handgun it will secure. Once that bookkeeping is complete, then the fun begins. Projectile Combat Kydex allows you to determine color, texture, mountings, hardware and more.

He did issue a warning for anyone ordering a personalized polymer/Kydex holster. Fabricating a strong and functional version may look simple from the outside, but “Don’t tell the holstersmith how to make the holster. Tell them what you want and what you want it to do….Let them know if it’s right- or left-handed, know the make and model of your gun. Let the holstersmith do his job.” He also cautions, “Also, have a good platform to mount the holster to, meaning a good belt.”

Kydex is functional, rugged and reliable, all the ingredients that make it ideal for every day carry. Unfortunately, it’s yet to acquire the glamorous reputation of leather, although Burgess’ statement, “Do not hesitate to ask for new things or ideas,” indicates that may change, and soon. “The sky’s the limit,” he said.