Cowhide vs. Horsehide

Cowhide and horsehide are both popular choices for gun holsters, but they have different characteristics. Horsehide is generally considered more durable and water-resistant, while cowhide is more readily available and often more affordable. Horsehide holsters may also be stiffer initially and take longer to break in, but they can offer better shape retention and resistance to wear over time. 

Here's a more detailed comparison: 

Horsehide: 

  • Durability:

    Horsehide is known for its strength and durability, making it a good choice for holsters that need to withstand heavy use. 

  • Water Resistance:

    Horsehide naturally resists moisture, which can be an advantage in various environments. 

  • Stiffness:

    Horsehide is generally stiffer than cowhide and can take longer to break in, but this can also contribute to its shape retention. 

  • Cost:

    Horsehide is typically more expensive than cowhide. 

  • Appearance:

    Horsehide has a unique grain pattern and can have more variations in thickness. 

  • Sweat Resistance:

    Horsehide is more resistant to sweat and humidity, making it a good choice for those in high-sweat environments or humid climates. 

Cowhide: 

  • Availability: Cowhide is more readily available and therefore more affordable. 

  • Flexibility: Cowhide is generally more flexible and breaks in relatively quickly. 

  • Cost: Cowhide is typically more affordable than horsehide. 

  • Durability: Cowhide is still a durable material and can last for many years with proper care. 

  • Moisture Resistance: Cowhide is more susceptible to moisture than horsehide. 

natural

Vegetable tanned leather in its most natural state of color.

Whilst natural Russet coloured leather is, initially, a very slight Beige color (see Leather Color Chart above), it will, over time, gradually patina into a deep luxurious and beautiful natural Saddle Tan color.

Chocolate

A rich deep shade of brown reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar.

The rich brown color is uniform throughout the entire article but is not so dark that it masks the unedited natural grain variations characteristic of fine full-grain USA Vegetable tanned leather.  

Cordovan

Best described as a deep rich shade of dark brown with burgundy and eggplant undertones. Its’ deep sophisticated color is the result of our own in-house blend.

black

Is a true black color. The leather is immersion dyed a process where the leather is fully submerged in a dye bath to achieve a uniform and deep color penetration.

After the leather has been dyed and left to air dry they are treated with a light application of Pure Neatsfoot Oil which is a 100% natural preservative for leather articles subjected to rugged use and outdoor exposure.

After the oil has been absorbed into the leather, the leather is then hand buffed with a soft horsehair buffing wheel which draws out the natural beauty of the leather with a lustrous sheen.