CrossBreed Holsters is one of the newer names in (2005) tactical gear companies on the market and one we think you should pay attention to. Crossbreed Holsters uses a combination of Kydex with high-end, durable leather. Although they were created in 2005, it took a few years to break into the market because it’s so saturated, but Crossbreed Holsters has arrived in their own unique style. This blog will serve as the buyer’s guide to understanding what CrossBreed Holsters has to offer you. 

Mark Craighead

For a gun writer, it’s always cool to see the origin stories of different companies and how so many different American’s are drawn to guns and tactical gear. Mark Craighead was no different. He learned everything he knew growing up with a dad who valued the 2nd Amendment and took advantage to teach his son everything he knew. Before Mark created CrossBreed Holsters, he like many other entrepreneurs, saw a need for something more customized and unique in the holster industry. There are many quotes that speak about the importance of individual character, but before Mark passed at the age of 43, he gave an interview. I’ve never met him, but judging by his quote, he was a man of morals and integrity. I can always get behind a true leader like Mark and believe that our readers can support them too.

"Touching other people’s lives in a positive way and making a difference, because that, no matter where you are at in life, is really more important than business success, finances, any of it! I don’t care what your financial level is. When you learn to bless other people, you truly get blessed yourself." Mark Craighead

Why the Name CrossBreed Holsters?

Most of the time I research companies, I rarely see an explanation of why the company was named what it is. I may not be a devoutly religious man, but mark Craighead was and was unapologetic about it. I think this is a characteristic of an honest man who truly believed in who he was and what he believed in. The name CrossBreed has a dual meaning; first, it has to deal with the combination of Kydex and leather. The second meaning is based on Mark’s devotion to his religion and dedication to making people’s lives better than they were before. 

What Does CrossBreed Sell?

CrossBreed specializes in concealed carry (CCW) holsters, but they sell many weapon accessories, such as belts, magazine holders, carrying bags, K-9 collars, and apparel. CrossBreed sells all 5 holster styles, including chest holsters, ankle holsters, IWB, OWB, and pocket holsters for an incredibly discreet CCW holster. My favorite part of the store is looking through their Modular Systems page. This section sells unique products, such as the Purse Defender, Bedside Holster, and Belly Band Holsters. CrossBreed also sells flashlights and a really cool protection bag, called the Ark bag.

What Brands Will CrossBreed Holsters Accommodate?

As someone who researches gun companies, I often find it difficult to navigate some product pages. CrossBreed ensures that you get the exact fit for your pistol, light, and laser for each holster you buy. If your light, laser, or pistol is not on the list of accepted products, find another holster. However, CrossBreed will work with most Crimson Trace, Laser Max, Viridian, Laser Lyte, and Arma lasers. Two of those companies, Crimson Trace and Viridian are companies that we support a lot due to the quality and effectiveness of their product line. If you’re looking for a holster that accepts an RDS system, then make sure you enter the correct make and model of the accessory. It will work perfectly if you follow the directions on the product page. 

What is the Difference Between Standard Cut & Combat Cut Holsters?

Something to understand before you buy a holster is the difference between a standard and combat cut holster. A standard cut holster has a full-size leather backer for the holster to provide a comfortable barrier between the holster and your skin. This is great for IWB holsters and any other holster that is going to have direct contact with your skin. However, if you’re looking for optimal concealment, the combat cut is for you. The combat cut holster removes the leather from the grip area to provide a lower profile look and feel. The combat cut holster will offer easier grip access and cut down on the time it takes to draw your pistol. To recap, if you’re looking for comfort, go with the standard cut, if you’re looking for a tactical advantage with an easier draw, choose the combat cut. 

What Type of Leather is Used to Make Holsters?

 Leather that’s cheap and made with a subpar process and materials will fade, deteriorate, and fall apart much faster than you’d expect or want. That’s why I only buy leather products that I know are made with precision and care. CrossBreed uses 3 types of leather for their holsters that start with standard material and goes up to the premium and Founders editions. Each type of leather used in CrossBreed holsters is done with extreme care and precision to give their customers a holster to be proud of. 

Hand Dyed Cowhide 

The standard leather used in CrossBreed is hand-dyed cowhide that is tanned exclusively for CrossBreed Holsters. The Hand Dyed Cowhide is going to be the most affordable option for their holsters, but it’s in no way cheap. The leather feels soft, rigid, and durable enough to carry anywhere I’d need to carry, including the mountains or fishing on a river. Cowhide is not as thick as horsehide, so it won’t be as durable. I think the cowhide is more comfortable though and the leather conditioning process ensures the finish on your holster will last decades. 

Premium Horsehide

Before you turn your nose up at the idea of using horsehide as a holster, understand that horses are not being killed specifically for their hide. Horween Leather out of Chicago, IL takes pride in its sustainability standards. This ensures that horses are being protected until they die of natural causes or injury. Horsehide is incredibly dense with tighter grains than cowhide to offer more rigidity and durability. Horsehide may take longer to break-in, but similar to a baseball glove, it will fit like a glove on your body once you break it in. Horsehide should be used for anyone living in hot, humid, and wet climates because the horsehide is so incredibly dense. It’s able to shed water and keep form much better than cowhide and will last longer.

Founder’s Leather

The Founder’s Leather series is the most exclusive brand that CrossBreed offers and has many personal touches by the found, Mark. There are no dyes or lacquers used to make this incredible piece of equipment. Instead of using dyes, Crossbreed uses only 100% vegetable oil and offers natural oils, such as tallow to the finish for a unique feel and look. The Founder’s series has a faster break-in period than their Premium Horsehide because of the natural oils used in manufacturing. The natural wear of this holster is one of the unique features of it because it gives a rustic look that isn’t seen anywhere else in the holster market. To show the exclusivity of the Founder’s series holsters, CrossBreed stamps the cross logo and etches Mark Craighead’s signature on the holster for everyone to see.