Just received a new custom holster from Eric at HBE. I'm sure some forum members are familiar with the company but I wanted to add my 2 cents. Terrific holster, thin, light and from what I can tell, well constructed with the pistol fitting nicely. The holster is hand boned and dyed so perhaps the only critisim I might have is a slight color variation in the dye throughout the holster. Personally I like the effect; it sets it apart from mass-produced holsters and allows it that "custom" look. The site has a wide selection of holsters and is worth a look for anyone seeking something a little different.
I am awaiting 2 more holsters from another custom manufacturer, Horseshoe Leather Products. Located in the UK but allows payment in USD. Again, looks like a one-man band dedicated to the production of fine quality holsters. Will update when I receive them.
Congrats.
Eric always did make some beautiful and great fitting holsters.
It was mighty tough getting ahold of one of them for a while. :biggrin2:
But, he is really doing it right these days.
I already had holsters for the various firearms that I'd place custom orders for so I wasn't in that much of a hurry to receive them. I think if I didn't have a alternative, I'd be anxiously checking the mail each day. If you order a quality custom holster, the wait is well worth it. Andy at Horseshoe specifies very clearly that he is back-ordered. I wrote him and advised that I already had a Ross, Galco and Crossbreed to use in the meantime so not to hurry or worry.
I'm so glad to hear positive things about Eric and HBE. I'm expecting my first one from him early next week, so this is great news.
He sounds like a great guy on the phone, very real and down to earth, just wants to make the best holster for YOU, not what he thinks you should wear. I liked that.
I told him I was in the process of locating & purchasing a particular firearm that has a "love it or hate it" repuation, and he thought that since I'd never fired one, I should get the gun first and make sure it was a keeper before I ordered a holster for it.
It's a top notch kind of guy that will turn down an immediate sale in interest of making sure the customer's spending money on the right thing.
I had some other ideas too, and he shared experience without telling me what to do. My conversation with him suggests that he knows how to treat people. No experience with his holsters... yet.
I have two from Eric. They are great. I would caution you that if you have an idea for a custom color or style, send him a picture. If you e-mail it, he will not see it since he reads his e-mail on a Blackberry. He'll make what he thinks you want, which may not be what you actually were thinking.
The quality is first class.
I recently obtained a great IWB holster from Eric for my PF9. It's comfortable, conseals well and is top quality. I would certainly recommend HBE leather to everyone. This one is black leather and sharkskin.
Just got my holster from HBE today. The man surely knows what he is doing. The holster is light, yet supports the gun well. The color I chose is black, and, contrary to what I've heard, the dye is consistent throughout the entire thing. A nice, deep, soft yet resilient black. Tucks perfectly. Very reasonable prices too. If there's a better holster, regardless of cost, I'd sure like to see it. (I'm sure y'all have had great holsters, and I'm not putting down your choice if it wasn't HBE. I'm just saying I am impressed.)
Yes, well made custom holsters are worth both the price and the wait but this seems to be one of the hardest points drive into the thick skulls of.....
Im just saying it is hard to convince people the importance of good holsters and belts. It seems their high dollar guns should ride in fobus plastic or uncle mikes nylon for the sake of saving a few dollars even though they just paid out for their Kimber, HK, Springfield, etc.
Eric is like Harley Davidson. Either you love him or hate him. I think he generates more forum chatter than all the other holster makers combined. I'm glad he is doing well, because he is an artist and sometimes not the best businessman.
I think/hope thats mostly in the past. I've read the previous bad reviews but my dealings with Eric (the past 14 months; 4 holsters, 1 belt) have been nothing but great.
Oh, what the heck, let me chime in here. Eric does outstanding work and is a pleasure to do business with. He took responsibility for and resolved issues he had in the past, and is doing a great job of taking care of commitments and quality.
Here's my HBE collection:
COM III for Browning Hi-Power with mag/flashlight holder - shark trim.
And, a bit more unusual, a custom shark guitar strap.
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