Kydex is a brand of thermoplastic designed to be used in aircraft interiors by the Rohm and Haas Company in the 1960s. In 1972, FBI agent Bill Rogers realized that the durable, lightweight material would be perfect for making gun holsters and invented the very first Kydex holster. Today, they are one of the most popular holsters on the market.
Custom Kydex holsters are made from thin sheets of plastic that are heated and molded around a gun to make a perfect fit. Unlike nylon or leather holsters, which can be used interchangeably among several different models, Kydex holsters are made to fit your pistol like a glove.
Thanks to the holster’s custom design, you’ll hear your weapon “click” into place each time you holster it and won’t need to worry about it riding up or slipping out of place.
The result is a lightweight, sweat-proof, waterproof, and scratch-resistant holster that holds its shape and won’t break down when exposed to the elements. Kydex holsters are also considered to be very low maintenance. It doesn’t matter if your holster gets a little dirty, since you can just wipe it clean with a wet rag and call it a day.
But how strong is Kydex? One of the key benefits of Kydex is its ability to be molded into complex shapes using heat. When heated, the material becomes soft and pliable, making it easy to form into a desired shape. Once cooled, it hardens into a rigid, durable material that can withstand significant wear and tear.
Kydex is also known for its high impact resistance and low flammability, making it a popular choice for applications where safety and durability are critical. It is also resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for use in harsh environments.
Overall, Kydex is a versatile and durable material that is ideal for a wide range of applications – and that is certainly true in the world of holsters.