Favorite exotic skin?

[Kevin]

I get the "Nice Beaver" jokes a lot....

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Wasabi]

I get the "Nice Beaver" jokes a lot....

Yeah, I started with one in my post and then deleted it.

[redrick]

I like American alligator , but it is more than I want to spend.

[wagglebee]

I like American alligator , but it is more than I want to spend.

If you get it as a trim, it's not too expensive.

[N-frame Smith]

I've always liked alligator/crocodile best, though I 've recently taken a liking to stingray. I've got a couple of gator trim holsters from K&D, as well as some more on order from other makers.

If you order the gator trim from K&D you may want to specify the type of texture/scales you want. The two I got were vastly different, with one looking great and the other barely recognizable as gator. Here they are:




Here's my latest, a Garrity full stingray rig:

[Wasabi]

Thanks for the input,

Yeah, I like the gator on top better. What kind of texture is that in case I need to ask? I still like the stingray also. What is the white diamondish shape that I see on a lot of stingray holsters? I'm not sure if I'd want that.

[N-frame Smith]

Thanks for the input,

Yeah, I like the gator on top better. What kind of texture is that in case I need to ask? I still like the stingray also. What is the white diamondish shape that I see on a lot of stingray holsters? I'm not sure if I'd want that.

I'm not sure exactly what part of the gator it's from. I think it's probably from the back or tail, while the other one is probably from the belly. Next time I would ask for a piece with well defined scales.

I have no idea what the "eye" on stingray skin is. I see it on holsters, boots, everything, sometimes just one and sometimes several in a row. I assume it's applied by the maker. On my holster, the texture in the white spot is flat instead of bumpy, so maybe it's sanded and painted or bleached.

[fatboy97]

Here is my K&D with Anaconda trim:

[Wasabi]

Ok, it's getting close to decision time on my Dakota Defender skin (if any). The black elephant and black beaver tail are the frontrunners. I already have a black elephant Beltman belt and black elephant trimmed K&D Pocket Defender so going with the elephant would keep me consistent but I really like the beaver (no jokes please).

Is the beaver or elephant skin going to make the holster thicker? I don't want to give up comfort for aesthetic reasons. Nobody will be seeing the holster so the exotic skin is just an extra pride of ownership type thing for me.

I also ordered a pocket mag pouch to go with this setup. I'm going to go with whatever skin I pick for the holster on that. I bet a beaver tail belt would look great. Hmmm.

Thanks for any input.

Also, thanks to the folks who posted pictures of their holsters that I used here.

[N-frame Smith]

Of the two, I really prefer the beavertail. It's got the nicest texture of any mammal I've seen (gator and stingray are my favorites). I've got both elephant and beavertail trim holsters from K&D and there's no noticeable difference in the thickness, though of course both add one more layer on top of the plain leather.

Here's a pic of my beavertail Eagle Defender:

[Wasabi]

Thanks for the reply,

Wow, that's a good looking holster. The beaver tail is definitely unique. I'm going to call today and get some prices. I think the beaver tail is the way to go.

Thanks again.

[cdwolf]

I have 3 shark trim holsters and belt , but I really like stingray!! Which will more then likely be one of my next! I just love the looks and class of the exotics, Does that make me a holster snob?

[Blademan21]

Great looking holsters. Lets start with the stringray- The white "pearl" in the center is created by sanding the hide into what ever pattern is wanted. The hide itself is VERY tough.This hide was used by the Japanese as body armour hundreds of years ago.Have 2 pair of boots that I wear when I ride my motorcycle. After years of toe shifting you can't see a mark on the toes.As a IWB carry it might scratch the skin a little. As a OWB the hide will last a lifetime. The stitching and color will go before the hide.The elephant is also tough and very good looking. Hard to tell what part of the elephant you are getting,I think it all looks good. Cost,the last time I bought a piece it was $45.00 sqft! Shark is also tough but has a different pattern compared to elephant.American alligator is a very good looking hide,try to get a belly cut,best pattern of scales,IWO.Stay away from croc. most hide on the market are camian croc and do NOT last and they are not as flexable as American alligator.Frog- that was a HUGE frog. Looks like a giant African frog skin. Not as tough as the others but come in lots of colors and make good holster trim for a contrasting color. Full quill Ostrich makes for a very good looking shoulder rig,holster and mag pouch. Sad part about this is that not many get to see ones exotics,but it is neat to show and tell when one can. My $ .02

[TwinCarry]

I want to say "Sharkskin" but it's the only exotic leather I have. Someday I would love to own Alligator leather like the one lance22 has.

I like that this is turning into an Exotic Leather Porn thread!!

[Wasabi]

Thanks for the replies everyone,

Yes, bring on the holster porn.

I also like the gator and stingray. I already have a Del Fatti black alligator PH-3 and also a black stingray pocket mag holder for it on order from K&D. Again, my belt is black elephant so to be different on this rig, I think I'm going black beaver for the Dakota Defender and mag holder.

TwinCarry, great looking holsters you have there. What holster is that for your Seecamp? It looks great in shark. I had a shark belt but sold it. Maybe I need some shark in the lineup for my next holster/belt/whatever.

Here's a pic of a fellow member's black alligator PH-3. After seeing it, I knew it would be great for the Seecamp. Mine is the exact same.

Also, I think the other pic is Hippo (from Del Fatti's site). Very nice.