Issue 03 Preview – Working With Kydex Ray Tirona Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Kydex was originally a low-cost alternative to custom-leather holsters. Several companies were established to make custom holsters that were handmade. In general, many Kydex holster manufacturers do great work, but at times, their designs will not fit all of their client’s needs. Promotion by popular firearm instructors can drive up the waiting times and costs of custom-made holsters as well. Kydex is a thermoplastic acrylicpolyvinyl chloride alloy that is manufactured in sheets exclusively by Kydex, LLC. Originally developed for aviation interiors, this strong, malleable material became the industry’s darling for knife sheaths and firearm holsters. Because Kydex is a thermoplastic, heat is used to form the material, and if done properly, will allow a secure ft for the intended piece of gear. This is where I started my quest to make my own holsters out of Kydex. Due to my law-enforcement background, I have been carrying a firearm for over 20 years and have four large drawers full of custom-leather and Kydex rigs. What I found was that the latest and so-called greatest designs will not ft everyone’s unique lifestyle. In my opinion, the holster has to be made to fit the individual—just as you should have a new suit custom fitted instead of just picking one up off the rack at a department store. Because making a holster for a gun is one of the more challenging things to do with Kydex, we use it as an example in the following steps. Learn to do this, and you should be able to make any pouch or holster you’ll ever need. The great thing about learning how to form Kydex is that you can finally make that holster for your one-of-a-kind handmade knife, trusty flashlight, mobile phone, or even that ninja katana you bought at the gun show. For the rest of this article, subscribe digitally here: RECOIL Issue 3 Explore RECOILweb:Escape from Tarkov: Best FPS Gun Customization?Report from the Front Line of VCDL’s Massive Second Amendment Rally in Richmond, VirginiaHaley Strategic Shift Gears DrillReview: Smith & Wesson Performance Center SW1911 Pro Series NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.