A kydex holster is a holster made from a sheet of kydex thermoplastic that has been heated and pressed over a specific handgun, so it holds that gun's exact shape. When you holster the gun, the kydex flexes over the trigger guard and snaps back, which is the click. That click is the whole idea: the gun is held mechanically, by shape, not by friction or a strap. This guide explains how a kydex holster works, what to look for in one, and how ours are made.
How it works
The mold captures a lip of kydex just past the widest point of the trigger guard. Pushing the gun in spreads the kydex over that lip; once the guard passes, the kydex closes behind it. Pulling the gun out reverses it. Retention screws pull the two halves of the holster together, which sets how hard the lip grips. Tighten for more, loosen for less.
What to look for
- Molded to your gun, not a size range. A holster for "compact 9mm" does not click.
- Full trigger guard coverage, with kydex, all the way around.
- Adjustable retention with screws you can reach.
- A sweat shield running the length of the slide, to keep the gun off your skin and your shirt out of the trigger guard on reholster.
- Finished edges. Folded or polished, not cut square.
- Adjustable cant on the clip, and screw spacing that takes a claw.
How ours are made
Each holster starts as a sheet of .08-inch kydex, heated and pressed over a mold of one gun with no excess material, so it is as slim as the gun allows. The edges are folded, the sweat shield runs full length, the clip cants 20 degrees either way, and the retention screws are spaced to accept a claw. Handmade in the U.S.A. by a military veteran, right or left hand, black or carbon-fiber pattern, lifetime guarantee. The Glock 19, P365 and Hellcat holsters are the most carried; the whole line is in the holster collection.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a kydex holster click?
The kydex is molded with a lip just past the trigger guard that snaps closed behind it.
Will a kydex holster wear out?
No. It does not stretch, soften or collapse, and there is no stitching.
Can I adjust how tight it is?
Yes, with the retention screws.
Is kydex safe for the trigger?
It is the safest common holster material, because the trigger is covered by something rigid that cannot be pushed in.
Can a kydex holster be used IWB and OWB?
Ours are IWB. OWB paddle versions are a separate product.
The bottom line
A kydex holster holds the gun by its shape and tells you so with a click. Buy the one molded to your gun.
Related reading
What is kydex?
What makes a good concealed carry holster
Does kydex scratch your gun?
