Gear Review: What’s avant garde in holsters? Leather.

By Scott Gara

The JM4 Tactical RELIC (L), and Blackhawk Premium Leather IWB are new interpretations of an old material-leather-for 2018. (Photo: Eve Flanigan)
Two companies unveiled new leather holsters this spring, breathing fresh life into a tired market. I’ve had the opportunity to wear inside-waistband (IWB) models of both for a few weeks. What follows is my experience with both.
The angle of the belt clip on the RELIC helps reduce printing. (Photo: Eve Flanigan)
JM4 Tactical RELIC
This Abilene family business has been busy at the drawing board for more than a year before rolling out the RELIC—they call it their reliable, easy, light, individual carry holster. “Relic” is the last word that comes to mind when I consider this holster marks an innovation never seen before—the sewn marriage of boltaron and leather. Boltaron is a lighter, more flexible, and more weather-resistant polymer than Kydex. It’s also chemical- and abrasion-resistant.
JM4 Tactical chose Hermann Oak brand steer hide to line the holster. It’s not just glued in; it’s sewn in. There are no bubbles, waves, or irregularities in the leather, and because it’s sewn, there’s no chance of curling around the edges. The leather is tanned by a centuries-old, vegetable-based process that the company promises is

Source: Guns.com