Is horsehide really better for holster making than cowhide?
Horsehide is an extremely dense, non-porous leather. Until the end of the 1930’s horsehide was the leather of choice for products that required extreme durability. The density and non-porous nature of horsehide which makes it such a durable leather, is also the reason that horsehide does not dye uniformly in colors other than black. If multiple pieces are crafted from horsehide and dyed tan or mahogany, there is a very good chance that each piece will have a slight color variations. Black will be uniform. These color variances are considered part of the natural beauty of horsehide and attest to it’s authenticity. Horsehide holsters will last longer and withstand considerably more abuse than a cowhide counterpart. U.S. Navy SEAL TEAMS use our horsehide rigs for extended salt water operations. Cowhide will not stand up this kind of use. YES, there is no question about it, horsehide is more durable than cowhide. This however, is not say that cowhide doesn’t make a fine holster that will p
