Opinions on Kramer Leather

[Wilmoor]

I have 5 pistols that I use for concealed carry. I have ordered two Kramer IWB #3 Holsters one for my Sig P-239 and one for my Para Ordinance 6.45. If I like them I will order for the rest of my collection. I ordered mine in Horsehide and just want anyone's opinion and experiences with Kramer Leather products. Thanks!

[SPLATT1911]

I have an IWB#3 for my SW1911 and love it. It's comfortable and tough as nails. I've had mine for about a year and doesn't show any significant signs of wear. I think you'll be pleased with your investment.

Steve

[RickB]

I use a Kramer #3 for competition and occasional carry, and I love it. Very comfy, and for me, the rake is just right.

[Chris196]

I own Kramer horsehide IWB and belt holsters for my 1911s, Brownings and SIGs. They are thin, tough, beautifully made and fast.

[Richard]

I am a little put back by Kramer of late. I own several of their holsters and was interested in having one made for my Bersa Thunder 45. I doubted they had a mold but I called asking if they could make a holster using my friend's pistol for a mold? This friend lives close to Kramer's and also owns a Bersa Thunder 45. I received a flat no for an answer. I guess Kramer only does custom work for people that can advertize their products, gun hacks. Regards, Richard

[P7]

Just curious, what is the wait time for Kramer?

[Chris196]

Originally Posted by Richard

I am a little put back by Kramer of late. I own several of their holsters and was interested in having one made for my Bersa Thunder 45. I doubted they had a mold but I called asking if they could make a holster using my friend's pistol for a mold? This friend lives close to Kramer's and also owns a Bersa Thunder 45. I received a flat no for an answer. I guess Kramer only does custom work for people that can advertize their products, gun hacks. Regards, Richard

I didnt realize that they advertised the ability to make holsters for whatever odd handgun someone could come up with

[tonerguy]

Originally Posted by Chris196

I didnt realize that they advertised the ability to make holsters for whatever odd handgun someone could come up with

If the maker is not already set up to make a holster for a particular handgun he needs to order a form gun or buy the actual gun, make a pattern and hand cut the leather.

If the pattern wasn't just right, he just wasted leather. Then he remakes the pattern, get's it right and hand cuts the leather again, sews and wet forms the holster, let's it dry and then double checks that it meets all his quality and fit criteria. Meanwhile he could have made 3-5 other holsters he already has in backlog.

Standard model holsters can be cut with "clicker dies" saving all the hand cutting. A new and infrequently made holster isn't worth having a clicker die made so it has to be hand cut.

BTW, the form gun is necessary for creating the pattern and then molding and forming, not just to see how long and how wide.

I have been told that some makers will charge hundreds of dollars just to make a pattern they don't already have because it takes them away from other work in house. The customer hears that and gets upset. After a few upset customers, it get's easy to say, "we don't make a holster for that gun," and leave it at that.

Tucker has been pretty accomodating so far. If he can get the gun, he'll usually make the holster with no pattern charge, but due to backlog, who knows what the future will bring?

[Wilmoor]

P7, I was told verbally, about 3 to 4 weeks. The guy that answers the phone seemed to be very nice and knew what he was talking about. I had a question about which guns I could have a holster made for since it was not one their website. He indicated they fitted for many more than what was listed. They even have the mold for my newest gun, the Springfield XD, the subcompact 9mm, so I went ahead and ordered a IWB #3 for that one while I was at it.
Thanks for your comments everyone, I feel better about the substantial investment I have placed with Kramer.

[Saab1911]

Originally Posted by Richard

I am a little put back by Kramer of late. I own several of their holsters and was interested in having one made for my Bersa Thunder 45. I doubted they had a mold but I called asking if they could make a holster using my friend's pistol for a mold? This friend lives close to Kramer's and also owns a Bersa Thunder 45. I received a flat no for an answer. I guess Kramer only does custom work for people that can advertize their products, gun hacks. Regards, Richard

Kramer is a brand name if there's any in the holster business. So, the
backlog of 2 weeks is extremely short.

Kramer web-site says that he doesn't make holsters with thumb-breaks for
individual orders. So, the level of customization allowed is very minor.

I'd rather have my holsters from Kramer for my 1911 in two weeks
than in eight weeks.

Cheers,

Jae

[XTrooper]

Originally Posted by Wilmoor

I have 5 pistols that I use for concealed carry. I have ordered two Kramer IWB #3 Holsters one for my Sig P-239 and one for my Para Ordinance 6.45. If I like them I will order for the rest of my collection. I ordered mine in Horsehide and just want anyone's opinion and experiences with Kramer Leather products. Thanks!

I've owned several models of Kramer horsehide holsters over the years and they've all served me well. I also expect all of them to outlast me.

Here's the old Kramer IWB I currently carry my Ed Brown Kobra Carry in.

[Dan Hardy]

got a kramer IWB with the rough side in. when i put my 5" kimber in it, i can't pull it out. the oxide finish is like glue. any way to combat this. love the holster but right now, it's worthless.

dan

[thelovedaddy]

Still have & use his belt, IWB, & spare mag carrior from 9 years ago. Great quality.

[bigboyhf]

I have a Kramer OWB belt scabbard. Great quality! I forget how long I waited but whatever...it was worth waiting.


H

[Richard]

Saab1911, reread my post I offered to have them use my friend's Bersa for a mold and received a flat no! It had nothing to do with waiting time or thumb breaks. In regard to Kramer quality I own a #2 IWB for my G19, a MSP paddle for my G19, a Duane Thomas for my BHP, belt holster for my 4" S&W Springfield Commemorative, and a belt holster for my G27. I am not prone to making repeat mistakes and the number of Kramer holsters I own attest to the respect I have for their products. Regards, Richard

[P7]

They seem like nice rigs but since they don't seem to offer anything over and above what the makers that post here on our board do, I will patronize them first since they are always ready to answer questions and give excellent advice...well worth a little more wait time and/or price.....

[fremont]

I own a couple, incl. an IWB #2, but, when compared to the Sparks Versa-Max 2, there's no comparison. Kramer's belt loops directly on the inside of the gun put it at a distinct disadvantage IMHO.

[jmcneil]

In a recent Horsehide/Steerhide discussion, someone mentioned that the stitching can't be pulled below the surface on horsehide. For all of you who've had your Kramers for a long time, has the stitching started to fray yet, or is it mostly a theoretical concern? Thanks

[JimC]

Four Kramer holsters, all horsehide construction and I would buy another in a heart beat if I needed another holster.

My IWB #2 for my Walther P5C sees the most use/wear. The stitching is just fine so far.

My Belt Scabbard for the FS 1911 has seen a lot of range use and again, the stitching is fine.

I don't think I've waited more than two weeks for any of my Kramer holsters.

[XTrooper]

Originally Posted by jmcneil

In a recent Horsehide/Steerhide discussion, someone mentioned that the stitching can't be pulled below the surface on horsehide. For all of you who've had your Kramers for a long time, has the stitching started to fray yet, or is it mostly a theoretical concern? Thanks

A non-issue as far as I'm concerned. I have several of their holsters including the one pictured above that after years of hard service are still going strong with no signs of quiting anytime soon and certainly no frayed stitching.

[Saab1911]

Originally Posted by fremont

I own a couple, incl. an IWB #2, but, when compared to the Sparks Versa-Max 2, there's no comparison. Kramer's belt loops directly on the inside of the gun put it at a distinct disadvantage IMHO.

That's just the Summer Special style, and some people actually prefer that
style over the more stable but wider VM2 style.

Kramer holsters are top notch.

Cheers,

Jae

[Gldome]

That is unusual for Kramer's to be blunt. I had a similar request for a handgun, and Mr. Kramer explained to me that he was not set up at the time for this particular weapon due to lack of large sales to create a market. He had a couple of suggestions,(which I took him up on), and took care of the problem. I have 4 of his holsters and am VERY satisfied. Mr. Kramer also said if popularity of the handgun increased, he would set up production for it. A first class gentleman. As a businessman, he is right. It does cost to set up a new mold.

[Saab1911]

Originally Posted by Gldome

That is unusual for Kramer's to be blunt. I had a similar request for a handgun, and Mr. Kramer explained to me that he was not set up at the time for this particular weapon due to lack of large sales to create a market. He had a couple of suggestions,(which I took him up on), and took care of the problem. I have 4 of his holsters and am VERY satisfied. Mr. Kramer also said if popularity of the handgun increased, he would set up production for it. A first class gentleman. As a businessman, he is right. It does cost to set up a new mold.

Yes, I also found that Greg Kramer will take the time to discuss options with
me.

Cheers,

jae

[fremont]

Originally Posted by Saab1911

That's just the Summer Special style, and some people actually prefer that
style over the more stable but wider VM2 style.

Kramer holsters are top notch.

True. My comment was around the style, not the company. That being said, I put an almost new Kramer IWB#2 in the holster box for a VM-2.

[1001001]

I've got a verticle scabbard and belt produced of Horsehide from them. Incredible products. I got these about 1995 or 96 and the holster is in the same basic condition as when I received it (barring normal wear marks, etc.) and the belt I've literally worn every single day since.

I'm completely sold on their products.