What is the best way to contact Alsaker Custom Leather with questions?
We are a family owned and operated small business. In addition to starting Alsaker Custom Leather, I have regular full-time job and am raising a family. I make every effort to respond to your inquires in a timely manner, but please be patient and understanding.
Email is the most efficient and preferred way to reach me with questions. I generally check email daily. However, I find email to be impersonal. Trying to translate or reading too much into an email may cause the wrong message to come across. If communicating by email is not working out, I will make arrangements to get into contact with you by phone. Please email me at: matt@alsakercustomleather.com
My firearm is not listed with the makes / models you offer holsters for. Can I loan you my firearm to make a custom holster for it?
Unfortunately, no. I am not willing to assume the risks (mainly accidental damage or theft) associated with taking possession of your personal firearm. I discussed having a liability waiver drafted with my attorney, but there are still risks and I have chosen not to offer this service.
Do you make holsters out of horsehide instead of cowhide?
No. We stay busy producing high quality products made from cowhide.
How should I break-in my new holster?
I recommend just placing your unloaded firearm (nothing in the chamber and the magazine removed) into the holster and wearing it around the house. During this time, slowly draw the firearm from the holster occasionally. The fit will be very snug to begin with. Another option is to place the unloaded firearm in a plastic bag, then holster the bag covered firearm. Let it sit overnight. Do NOT oil or put conditioners on the leather.
How do I clean my holster?
Do not put water, oil, conditioners, or solvents on your holster. Improper use of these products may damage the leather or cause the holster to lose some of its retention properties. I recommend gently cleaning your holster with a soft slightly damp cloth. Let the holster dry, then apply a very light coat of Kiwi Neutral Shoe Polish to the leather. The wax should be applied in a thin coat, the excess wax wiped off, the wax allowed to air dry at least 24 hours, and then the wax should be buffed lightly.
Will the dye wear off the leather, onto my clothing or firearm? Will the holster rub the finish off my firearm?
I use premium leather dyes designed to penetrate the leather, not paints that sit on the surface. I hand buff the leather to lift any dye being held in suspension off the leather. My leather goods are then sealed with two coats of a premium sealer. This helps protect the leather and keep any dyes / oils off of you. That being said, any time two objects (your body and the holster) rub together there will be friction. Friction will occur between you and the leather and between the holster and your firearm. My holsters are designed with the hope that you intend to use them, wear on any holster is inevitable. Moisture (water, high humidity, sweat, etc.) is the other big contributor to dye transfer. If a bunch of moisture gets into the leather the water is going to force the oil dyes to go somewhere.
You may clean and wax your holster following the directions in the above question.
Do you make anything other than firearms related gear?
I occasionally will make custom checkbook covers, wallets, and small handbags. These items are individually quoted.
Do you repair saddles, horse tack, or other leather goods?
I get asked this a lot since we ride and someone in our household likes to continually acquire more tack. I don't repair or make modifications to goods made by others, so I don't make repairs to horse tack. I recommend Jamie Lynch at Jaime's Saddle Restoration & Repair in Fitchburg, WI, for saddle and horse tack repairs.