By: Jeffrey Clark

Carrying with Confidence and Class

Whether you’re a daily concealed carrier, a law enforcement professional, or a firearms enthusiast, the value of a dependable, stylish holster cannot be overstated. For those who favor the iconic Glock 17, finding a holster that delivers in both performance and appearance is crucial. That’s where the Glock 17 Open Top Leather Belt Holster by Craft Holsters steps in.

Designed for outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry, this holster strikes a masterful balance between functionality, aesthetics, and comfort. In this article, we’ll walk you through the unboxing experience, examine the materials and craftsmanship, and provide an in-depth review of its performance in real-world scenarios. If you’re shopping for a classic, quick-draw holster that blends Italian leather luxury with everyday practicality, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive in.

The Unboxing: A First Glimpse of Handcrafted Excellence
Upon arrival, the holster is neatly packaged in a protective wrap inside a sturdy box bearing the Craft Holsters logo. There’s an immediate sense that you’re opening something special—like a piece of artisan gear, rather than a run-of-the-mill mass-produced product.

As you peel back the wrapping, the scent of fresh, high-quality full-grain Italian leather hits you—a rich, earthy aroma that leather enthusiasts will instantly recognize. The first visual impression is equally impressive: deep color tones, a sleek polished finish, and meticulous hand-stitching that hints at the holster’s handmade origins.

What sets the unboxing experience apart is the attention to detail. The holster comes with a product card highlighting care instructions and a note about a short break-in period, something leather holster users know is both normal and expected. Everything from the packaging to the final product presentation gives off a premium vibe.

First Touch: Construction, Feel, and Finish
Crafted from 0.15” thick full-grain Italian leather, the holster feels sturdy yet supple in hand. The double-stitching using high-quality German thread is clean and precise, clearly built to withstand long-term use without fraying or weakening.

What really grabs attention is the wet-molded shaping, formed using exact gun replicas to ensure a snug, glove-like fit for your Glock 17. The contours are impressively accurate, offering natural retention without needing any additional retention devices. While this is an open-top design, the tension and form of the holster hold the firearm securely in place.

Another standout feature is the protective seal coating that not only gives the holster a smooth, shiny finish but also protects the leather from moisture and surface wear. The colored, burnished edges further enhance both the durability and aesthetic value.

Design & Carry: Slim, Sleek, and Purposeful
The holster is designed with a canted carry angle (approximately 15 degrees), placing the firearm in a 4 o’clock position—perfect for strong-side hip carry. This slight tilt promotes an intuitive, swift draw, especially important for those trained in defensive carry techniques.

Despite its robust construction, the holster maintains a slim and low-profile design, allowing for excellent concealability under a jacket, untucked shirt, or loose sweater. The open-muzzle cut also contributes to both comfort and practicality, especially when seated or driving.

The two belt slots are positioned to accommodate standard 1.5” wide, 0.25” thick belts, ensuring stability and preventing unwanted shifting throughout the day. However, if your belt setup varies, Craft Holsters offers customization options, a thoughtful feature not often seen in off-the-shelf rigs.

Real World Performance: Drawing, Comfort, and Concealment
Draw Speed & Retention:
Thanks to the open-top configuration and the slightly canted angle, the draw is incredibly natural. After a brief break-in period, the leather molds even more snugly to the contours of the Glock 17, creating a near-perfect balance between retention and accessibility. There’s no snap or thumb break to fumble with—just a clean, reliable pull.

Comfort for Daily Carry:
The curved back panel of the holster hugs the body in a way that minimizes printing and maximizes comfort, even during long hours of wear. Whether walking, driving, or bending, the holster moves with you, never digging or jabbing. It truly earns its title as a “pancake-style” OWB holster, distributing weight evenly across your hip.

Concealment & Profile:
Thanks to its slim silhouette, the holster does an excellent job of reducing the telltale bulge associated with OWB carry. With the right clothing, it practically disappears. This makes it ideal for concealed carry, even though it’s designed for outside-the-waistband use.

Why You Should Buy It
The Glock 17 Open Top Leather Belt Holster is more than just a functional firearm accessory—it’s an extension of personal style and responsible carry. Here are several reasons why it stands out in a crowded holster market:

• Elegant, Handcrafted Design: Handmade by skilled artisans, this holster merges traditional aesthetics with modern functionality.
• Reliable Performance: Whether you’re at the range or in everyday situations, it offers secure retention and lightning-fast draw.
• Comfort and Concealment: Thanks to its slim, low-profile design and natural 4 o’clock carry position, it’s incredibly comfortable and easy to conceal.
• Durable Materials: Crafted from premium Italian leather and double-stitched with tough German thread, this holster is built to last.
• Custom Fit: Wet-molded using the exact shape of your firearm, it guarantees a tailored fit. It also offers options for gun belts and light/red dot attachments.

Simply put, this holster is for those who want performance without compromising on appearance or comfort.

Bonus: Have a Custom Setup?
For those carrying firearms equipped with lights, lasers, or red dot optics, Craft Holsters offers specific variants tailored to those configurations. Whether you need a Light & Red Dot model, Red Dot only, or Laser-compatible variant, they’ve got you covered—ensuring that function never takes a backseat, no matter how your pistol is outfitted.

This level of adaptability is rare and reinforces Craft Holsters’ commitment to user-specific needs.

Break-In Period: What to Expect
As with any high-quality leather gear, don’t expect the holster to feel like an old baseball glove right out of the box. The fit will initially be tight, but this is by design. The natural molding process will gradually conform to the unique wear pattern of your Glock 17, creating a truly personalized fit.

A few draws a day, coupled with body heat and normal usage, will expedite this process. Think of it as your leather gear earning its character.

Small Note on Aesthetics
Let’s not ignore the elegant presence this holster commands. Whether you’re showing it off to fellow enthusiasts or simply appreciate craftsmanship, it looks every bit as good as it performs. The color integrity is stunning—deep, rich tones that reflect the quality of the dyeing and finishing process.

This is not a plastic or nylon utility item—it’s a statement piece for the discerning gun owner.

Final Verdict: Premium Gear, Reasonable Price
With prices that offer exceptional value for what you get, Craft Holsters delivers a standout product in the Glock 17 Open Top Leather Belt Holster. It’s tailored, tough, stylish, and practical—what more could you ask for?

If you’re looking for a high-performing, elegant OWB holster handcrafted with care and backed by a company that values detail, then this one deserves a spot on your hip.

Where to Buy
You can order the Glock 17 Open Top Leather Belt Holster and explore other models and customizations directly from the official Craft Holsters website: https://www.craftholsters.com/glock-17-leather-holsters