While we were doing research on holsters made in the USA a while back, we came across a brand that really caught our eye, making holsters and mag carriers from custom leather and molded KYDEX, and doing it the right way with all American-sourced materials. That brand was Hidden Hybrid Holsters. They’re a small team in Canton, Ohio, and we got the chance to speak to their team recently.
They have an amazing story and incredible attention to detail in their manufacturing, resulting in holsters you can trust when you need them most. Below is our interview with Dave Kerry, a founding team member, who discusses their history, manufacturing process, what makes their holsters unique, and more. Our questions are marked with an “AAO” beside them, and Dave’s answers with a “DK.”
We hope you enjoy reading about their story as much as we did! Make sure to check out their brand profile on AllAmerican.org and their website if you’re interested in learning more about this great manufacturer.
Behind the Scenes of Hidden Hybrid Holsters
AAO: Give us a look inside the history of Hidden Hybrid Holsters. How did y’all grow up into the company you are today?
DK: Hidden Hybrid Holsters started in 2011. Wanting a holster that was the best fit for us, we started tinkering in the garage, building and rebuilding different designs until we had something we trusted. Once we had something we were proud to hand to friends and family, we listed some on eBay and on our own website, and it started to grow into something bigger. From the beginning, the focus has always been on comfort, retention, and reliability. If a holster isn’t comfortable, people won’t carry it every day.
In the early days, everything was done by hand in a two-car garage with workbenches made from old kitchen countertops. We had one bench on wheels so we could move it at the end of the night, so my wife didn’t have to park in the rain or snow. There was no room or budget for fancy equipment, so we made our own molds and learned as we went. I still have the Smith & Wesson Shield from 2012 that we used to form some of our early Kydex shells. After repeatedly molding hot Kydex onto it during testing, the magwell tightened enough that the magazine started sticking. I ended up having to carefully reheat it and shim the magwell back into shape. It’s still running fine today and makes for a pretty good reminder of how DIY those early days were.
At the time, I was working full-time at FedEx, so most of this happened in the evening. Thanks to Mark and Ryan, and too much fast food, we were able to get holsters built and shipped. I am very happy that Ryan and Mark remain part of the team, and we still eat more burgers and fries than we should.
In our first year, we sold about 150 holsters. The second year, closer to 1,500. We weren’t breaking any records, but the feedback was strong enough that we kept pushing forward.
Today, we’ve put over 100,000 holsters into people’s hands. We’ve added better tools and technology to make us more efficient, but the mindset hasn’t changed: build something you’d trust your own life with, and stand behind it.
AAO: What made you want to get started?
DK: We started from the instinct to protect family. We looked for a holster we trusted to be safe yet comfortable, but couldn’t find one that truly fit. The primary motivation was necessity. We couldn’t find a holster that balanced comfort and retention the way we wanted. Leather was comfortable but lost shape over time, and full Kydex offered retention but wasn’t comfortable for all-day carry. If a holster isn’t comfortable, people won’t carry it, and that defeats the purpose. Our hybrid style felt like it could be the solution, not just for us but for many others.
AAO: How many U.S. based employees do you have and in what locations?
DK: Hidden Hybrid Holsters is proudly based in Canton, Ohio. We’re a team of 14, all from the local area. Ryan and Mark are still with us after all these years, and I’m proud to now have my two oldest sons as part of the company. They run our engineering and CNC department, working on ways to make our processes more efficient while handling the daily operations of the CNC machines.
AAO: Why do you choose to manufacture in the U.S.?
DK: Mostly because we are patriots and proud of what we do, but manufacturing in the U.S. allows us to maintain quality, consistency, and accountability. It also lets us work closely with craftsmen who take real pride in their work. Our Amish leather partners have been perfecting their craft for generations, and that experience shows in the durability and comfort of our holsters. Keeping production local ensures every product meets our standards. We wouldn’t make them if we couldn’t do it in the U.S.
Our Favorite Hidden Hybrid Holsters Products
Below are some of the standout products from Hidden Hybrid Holsters, along with some notes from Dave on what makes each one so special.
Hybrid IWB Holsters
DK: Our core product, combining Kydex retention with premium leather comfort. Each holster is molded specifically to the firearm for secure, consistent retention.
Shop Their Hybrid IWB Holsters
Mag Carriers
DK: Designed with the same commitment to durability and comfort, offering adjustable retention while remaining comfortable for daily carry.
Heavy Duty Leather Gun Belts
DK: Built to properly support a concealed carry firearm while providing stability and longevity without sacrificing comfort.
Reliability When You Need It Most
AAO: What do your customers love most about Hidden Hybrid Holsters and your products?
DK: Comfort, reliability, and trust. Customers consistently tell us they carry more often because our holsters are comfortable, conceal well, and hold up to daily use. We hear “I wish I would’ve found you guys first” all the time, and that’s a great compliment. People appreciate that our products are built with intention and backed by a company that genuinely stands behind them. Many are surprised to learn that they can actually talk to us on the phone to get help with an order or find the best holster style for them.
AAO: What makes your products unique vs. the competition?
DK: Our hybrid design combines a model-specific Kydex shell for consistent retention with a premium leather back for comfort. The leather and suede back helps the holster stay in place and wicks away moisture throughout the day. We focus on building holsters that work when they’re needed most because this isn’t just gear, it’s life-saving equipment. Everything we make is designed to be worn all day, every day.
The Future
AAO: What gets you excited about the future of Hidden Hybrid Holsters? Where are you headed?
DK: What excites us most is continuing to refine what we already do well, building products people trust with their lives. As long as we stay focused on comfort, quality, and customer care, the future takes care of itself. We’re committed to standing behind everything we make and continuing to serve our customers with products they can rely on.
Thanks so much to Dave and the rest of the Hidden Hybrid Holsters team for sharing their story! We are excited to continue to see your great American made business flourish.
