Inventing the Kydex Holster - Gun Guys Special Ep. 24

Published on May 22, 2020
Duration: 14:55

This video details the invention and evolution of the Kydex holster, pioneered by Bill Rogers. It covers the initial challenges with materials like fiberglass and Norrell, the discovery and application of Kydex, and the subsequent development of leather-lined Kydex holsters to protect firearm finishes. The discussion extends to the creation of retention levels for law enforcement and the transition to injection-molded nylon holsters, highlighting innovations in durability and non-abrasive design.

Quick Summary

Bill Rogers, an FBI agent, invented the Kydex holster in the early 1970s after experiencing failures with existing leather holsters. He patented the process, which involved using Kydex and a unique leather lining solution to protect firearm finishes, and later developed retention levels for law enforcement.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction with Bill Rogers
  2. 00:47The History of Kydex Holsters
  3. 00:51Early Holster Materials: Norrell
  4. 01:00FBI Issued Holster Issues
  5. 01:16Developing a Better Design
  6. 01:19Fiberglass Prototypes
  7. 01:29Experimenting with Norrell
  8. 01:41Introduction of Kydex
  9. 02:00First Kydex Holsters
  10. 02:09FBI Adoption and Challenges
  11. 02:35Solving Firearm Finish Wear
  12. 03:14Tire Recapping and Adhesives
  13. 03:57Nitrile Rubber and MEK Solution
  14. 04:26Leather Selection: Belly vs. Shoulder
  15. 05:09Patent Application
  16. 05:38Competitor Holsters (Snick)
  17. 06:15Leather Inside, Suede Outside
  18. 06:52Advantages of Kydex Holsters
  19. 07:12Early Holster Forming Process
  20. 07:44Navy SEALs Holster Contract
  21. 08:32MOLLE and Boltaron Material
  22. 08:53Expansion to Injection Molding
  23. 09:15Developing Non-Abrasive Nylon Holsters
  24. 10:02Corrugation for Rigidity
  25. 11:12Safariland Partnership
  26. 11:27Creation of Retention Levels
  27. 11:44Royalty Agreement with Safariland
  28. 12:47Sale of Rogers Holster Company
  29. 13:10Developing Injection Molded Holsters
  30. 13:59Selling Back to Safariland
  31. 14:08Safariland's Growth
  32. 14:24Market Dominance

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the Kydex holster?

Bill Rogers, an FBI agent in 1972, is credited with inventing the Kydex holster. He patented the process after experiencing issues with existing leather holsters and experimenting with various materials like fiberglass, Norrell, and eventually Kydex.

What materials were used in the early development of Kydex holsters?

Early Kydex holster development involved fiberglass, which lacked flex, and Norrell, which was difficult to work with due to its high heat forming temperature. Kydex itself was chosen for its temperature resistance and manageable forming properties.

How was the issue of firearm finish wear solved in early Kydex holsters?

To prevent Kydex holsters from damaging firearm finishes, Bill Rogers incorporated a leather lining. He discovered that using the belly part of cattle hide, treated with a nitrile rubber and methyl ethyl ketone solution, provided a durable and non-abrasive interior.

What are retention levels in holsters?

Retention levels, such as Level 1, 2, and 3, refer to the degree of security a holster provides against unauthorized weapon removal. Bill Rogers pioneered these levels for law enforcement, with Safariland later adopting and popularizing them.

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