Some gear earns your trust quietly. It doesn’t demand attention. It just works — day after day — and eventually you realize you’re relying on it without even thinking about it.
For me, that’s exactly what a holster should be. Secure, dependable, comfortable, and consistent. Whether I’m running errands, loading the truck, meeting friends for coffee, or heading into the woods, I don’t want to be adjusting, worrying, or second-guessing.
I’m a recent EDC girl, but the more the political climate has heated up, and with me living in the city, I have really felt the importance of not feeling helpless. I carry so I reduce dependence on others in emergencies, it will buy me time until help arrives, and it makes me feel prepared when traveling, hiking, or being in the city.
That’s what led me to try Craft Holsters, and specifically their Leather Open Top IWB Holster — Lynx.
I was curious whether it would truly deliver on comfort, fit, and durability, or if it was just another “premium leather” claim (if I hear premium leather again about holsters, I’ll DIE!).
Spoiler: it surprised me in the best ways.
First Impressions of Craft Holsters: Quality You Notice Immediately
When I opened the box, the leather said everything (and the box and packaging were nice, too).
Rich, structured, and clearly well-finished, not flimsy, not plasticky, and not something that would collapse after a few weeks of wear. The premium Italian leather feels like the kind that ages beautifully, not the kind that cracks.
- Double-stitched at stress points
- Reinforced top so it doesn’t fold during re-holstering
- Smooth finishing on the edges
- A subtle lacquer layer to protect the leather
And yes — like any real leather, it needed a small break-in period. After a few days, it softened exactly where it should and began to feel like it was made for me.
That “made for me” feeling only got stronger after wearing it consistently.
Why the Lynx Stood Out: Speed, Comfort, and Subtlety
Craft Holsters compares the Lynx to a bobcat — fast, stealthy, efficient. As someone who appreciates gear that works without fuss, that description felt pretty accurate.
The Lynx is designed for:
• IWB carry
• a canted draw
• best placement at the 4 o’clock position
The holster is thermo-molded to an exact replica of your firearm, which means the retention feels secure and precise, neither too tight nor too loose. It fits like a glove, holds when it should, and releases smoothly.
What stood out most in daily wear:
- Minimal shifting
- Low printing, even under thinner shirts
- A natural draw that feels intuitive
- A reinforced top that makes re-holstering controlled and simple
Add in the partial body shield (goodbye, metal rubbing skin – UGH!) and the adjustable, removable loops (compatible with 1.5” belts), and the Lynx checks a lot of boxes.
And because the loops allow three carry angles on each side, I could fine-tune how it sat on MY body. That matters, especially for women whose clothing fits differently from men’s.
A Quick “Around Town” Story
I knew I liked the Lynx, but it really proved itself during a normal day running errands. Grocery store. Target (of course). Gas station. Back in the car. In and out. Up and down. Carrying bags. Bending, reaching, moving.
And at one point, it actually hit me:
I hadn’t adjusted the holster once. No digging. No sliding. No awkward pressure points. No self-consciousness about printing. It simply stayed where it was supposed to — quiet, steady, and unnoticeable.
That’s when I realized: A good holster is one you don’t think about.
Comfort + Confidence = Peace of Mind
Carrying is something I take seriously. It’s not a fashion accessory or a statement; it’s a responsibility.
The Lynx gives me something important: confidence without distraction.
It balances:
- secure retention
- quick accessibility
- long-term durability
- true everyday comfort
And because Craft Holsters backs their craftsmanship with a lifetime guarantee, there’s reassurance that this isn’t a “buy it again next year” kind of product. They expect it to last.
Responsible Carry & Training Matter
I always want to say this clearly, especially for women entering the world of everyday carry:
A quality holster is only one part of the equation.
Regular training, safe handling, understanding the law, and continually educating yourself are just as important. Practice your draw safely. Get familiar with your gear. Know when, and when not, to carry. I always put mine away when entering my kids school property, when I’m heading into a bar, etc.
Confidence isn’t about bravado. It’s about preparedness, respect, and intention.
And in that context, having a holster that keeps your firearm stable, protected, and accessible is part of being responsible.
Final Thoughts (What to Expect) from Your Craft Holster
If you consider the Lynx, a few things are good to know:
- Real leather will likely need a short break-in period
- Your holster will be shaped to your specific firearm model, so it may look slightly different than the stock photos
- The comfort improves the more you wear it
- It is built like something meant to stay in your gear lineup for years
For women who live active, capable lives — who hike, hunt, travel, parent, work, and carry with intention, the Lynx feels like the kind of holster you settle into and trust.
If you’d like to see whether they make one for your model or browse their lineup, you can check it out at https://www.craftholsters.com/holsters.
I’m selective about what I recommend, because our community trusts us, and truly, this is a brand I’m glad I tried and feel comfortable sharing.
Sponsored: This post was created in partnership with Craft Holsters. As always, we only feature products we believe add real value to women who live boldly, responsibly, and outdoors-minded lives.
Check out their website: https://www.craftholsters.com/
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