If you know anything about Boker knives you've probably heard that their small chopper "Gnome" comes in a junk sheath. I sent James at Backwoods leather some photos of what I thought would a huge improvement over the stock sheath, James did not disappoint as a matter of fact he exceeded all my expectations. Please understand that James work is all hand custom work so if your in a hurry get a prefabricated one off the Web, but if you want something that truly set off your knife it's worth the weight, oh and the price for his work was unbelievably low. read more

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Best holster maker in the country! James has made numerous holsters for me of all types, (including STI 2011 where there were none on the market). Maybe 7, including outside the jacket winter Air Force heavy jacket. James has decades of experience on all types. Has learned the needs for particular holsters over the years. Many people attempt to copy Jame's designs but don't get the materials, the angles, or other things right. James is a jewel of holster makers. The shoulder hosters are designed from years of experience to make the comfortable wearing all day long. (Bird Colonels for example.) Example: a simple 1911 holster that has a formed tang to capture the safety, keep it in place, and prevent slide grease from getting on your clothes. Rot resistant sinewed (sp?) quality stitching threads, well tanned etc, not too thick like some that try to get an alleged quality from thickness rather than quality leather. Accolades for Premier Holster Maker James Kirk!. . . . Best in the business. read more

Genuine handmade leather holsters. Perfect fit and wide variety to choose from. Jim is the owner and nice gentleman that will accommodate your leather needs, wether it's motorcycle leather cuts, belts, holsters, anything leather, this is a craftsman that knows his materials. If you're looking for a custom made piece this is also the place to go. Prices are reasonable for genuine leather merchandise. Absolutely a necessary place to go for any prize gun holster. The customer that was being waited on before me also raved about his quality products. read more

I have many holsters and belts made by James at Backwoods. They are exceptionally well crafted and designed. No pistol of mine rides in any other holster. They are that good. read more

I've purchased several products (holsters and a belt) from Backwoods Leather over the past several years. I'm very satisfied with the selection, pricing and service. Their location is now in Windsor, VA, contrary to an obsolete listing in Portsmouth. read more

Excellent quality did a set of custom western holsters for some ivory handled Colt single actions and matched the leather to an existing gun belt. . Have several inside the belt holsters light weight and fit perfectly. Have dealt with Kirk for years good people. read more

I had been shopping around the web ( I like to buy local whenever possible) for somebody to make me a left handed holster for my vintage colt all steel commander but I could not seem to find a thumb break style, until I met James at the Hampton gun show. I originally thought an old style belt loop drop holster would be just fine until I saw James paddle style. What I liked about this was that that the paddle portion was well thought out. It had a flat sheet steel core on the holster side where it attaches to the holster and the same steel core that slips over your belt. The bottom of the actual paddle has a thick leather portion sewn on to prevent the holster from riding up and coming off your belt, until you want it to. Then you just reach down with your other hand and help it over the belt. Mind you this is all covered with the same leather that the holster's made of, stained, stitched and glued with all the edges finished so it looks good. He was even able to adjust the cant for me which made it easier on my worn out wrist. I customized the holster buy having him suede line the holster, use a darker thread and putting my initials on it, the matching double thick belt and 1911 double mag holder. I will tell you that this holster feels good on my hip. It's rock solid in proportion with the weight of an all steel 1911 style pistol. While he was at it I had him make a right hand rig for my wifes vintage Smith &Wesson model 49. This had the paddle scaled down to meet the size of a j-frame revolver. Perfect ! The rig included a belt and custom (I hand drew some dimensions on a piece of paper) strip loader ammo carrier. He waited until I picked it all up to set the thumb snaps. Even though I waited quite a long time (I knew this going into it), it was worth it. Not only in craftsmanship but value. I think you'd be hard pressed to find better. Kudo's James read more

I work at gun shows and go out of my way to send him business. Over the last 15 years if I have sent him two leads a month, that is 24x15= 360. Let's say only 10% bought. Still 36 sales plus I have bought that many myself. I recently tried to exchange, not return, a brand new holster. He refused saying it had holster wear and belt wear. If it did it was before he sent it to me in the mail. I don't think I am as mad as I am just bewildered that for some reason I have received such a terrible response from someone I have gone out of my way to promote over the years. Worst part of this situation is now I have to find a new holster maker I really like as much as him. I guess he makes so much money that losing 80-100 sales over the next 10 years will not phase him. Worst part was his uppity attitude. read more

Excellent quality with comfort and good looks. All holsters are custom fitted and double stitched. Better prices than the commercial brands and better quality. You would be crazy to buy anywhere else. read more

Over the last several years I have purchased numerous holsters from Backwood Leather and have been fully satisfied each and every time. Jim is by far a master leather smith for any leather product. Breaking in a leather holster can be a task if the leather is not well treated prior to construction of the holster. I have never had this problem with any holster or belt purchased from Jim. Many of the holsters are used on a daily and or weekly bases, not once has any of the stitching come loose nor has the leather degraded in anyway. Good leather products improve with use by becoming more subtle and pliant. I highly recommend visiting the shop for your next holster, belt, or perhaps a secail order item. read more

Recently Bought a OWB holster from them for my Smith and Wesson 642 at the gun show in Chantilly. Great craftsmanship and the cost was reasonable. I'm going to call them and get another one for my Glock. read more