Everyday Carry
By Robb Manning
Cleveland’s Holsters: Homegrown Wisconsin Company
Beer, cheese, and... holsters? That’s right, in the land of cheese and brew -- where cheese curds are ordered by bulk lot and taverns outnumber grocery stores -- we have a modern holster maker for strapping on that hog leg, or whatever pistol you’re carrying.
I first heard of Cleveland’s Holsters from a buddy, last spring. My first thought was that he was from Ohio. But he’s not; Bobby Cleveland is from right here in Milwaukee. Cleveland’s Holsters make inside the waste band (IWB) holsters comprised of leather, Kydex and metal fasteners. At first glance it might look like another, more famous holster brand. I can assure you it’s not, it’s better. It’s more adjustable, and more comfortable.
Bobby made me one of his fine holsters for my Walther PPS. Upon picking it up, I got a chance to see where he makes his holsters. So, I’m following my GPS, through this residential area, looking for the big building with the company name on it. I can’t find it, so I call him up, “Hi, I’ve been driving all over the place, and all I can find with your address is a house that I’m sitting in front of right now. Is there another street with the same name in Milwaukee?” I asked.
“I see you, come on in,” said Bobby. Turns out, that was it. Cleveland’s Holsters is a little shop set up in Bobby’s basement. As an entrepreneur starting up my own small business, I think that is really cool. He showed me around his shop, and showed me the quality materials that he makes his holsters with. He also showed me some of the other things he’s working on -- for such a young business, he’s very active in the Gun and Concealed Carry advocacy community.
When you purchase from Cleveland’s Holsters, not only are you getting a well made product, but you can feel good about buying the product. First, as I said, it’s a Wisconsin small business. Second, Bobby has taken a painstaking effort to ensure that every part of his holsters are made in the U.S. From every screw, nut and even the thread tightener that he includes (he found out the market leader, Loctite, is made in Canada, so he went with Vibra-Tite), everything is made in the US.
As for the holster itself -- you’re going to like it. It’s constructed of horsehide leather, so it’s tough and sweat-proof, yet it will mold to your body for excellent comfort. Also for comfort, Cleveland burnishes the edge of the leather so it doesn’t cut into your skin. The Kydex is attached to the leather using screws, not rivets, so it’s fully adjustable. This is important as your leather molds to your body and stretches with wear -- the screws can always be adjusted to regain the desired tension.
The holster is as concealable as it gets, and it’s as comfortable as an IWB holster can be. I thoroughly love mine. Buy American. Buy Wisconsin. MSRP: $79.00. To order, go to: clevelandsholsters.com.
For a full video review, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=13oSoUXY0UU