OT: Custom leather and interaction w/ two makers ...UPDATE

[86er]

I need a custom rig made and for various reasons it is important to me that it be made in Texas. I want a belt, holster, and two accessories. I narrowed down the makers to Kirkpatrick Leather and Black Hills Leather. Here's what has happened thus far: Kirkpatrick has nearly what I want with a few modifications. I called and was told to list the modifications in an e-mail for a quote. I did so. One week went by and I did not receive correspondence so I sent another e-mail asking about the status. After a second week I called again. I was told they did have my emails but were not able to assess the items yet. Four days later I got an e-mail stating Mike was out of town and would return on Tuesday when he could look at my e-mail. Here it is Tuesday at 11AM and I have not heard yet. Meanwhile, I e-mailed Black Hills Leather with a request for a quote on their products with my modifications. Only the holster is significantly different from the two companies, but my modifications are still the same. Black Hills offers different finishes and amounts of tooling and therefore the final cost is at at least 1/3 more than Kirkpatrick without my modifications. Bear in mind, Black Hills is going to be doing quite a bit more hand-work because of the type of tooling they offer. Black Hills responded with my e-mail within 20 minutes with price-locked quotes and an enthusiastic "no problem" to my modifications. Here is where I am torn. I do not know any first hand experience with either maker. I am sorely disappointed with the customer service and correspondence from Kirkpatrick, where Black Hills was impressively responsive. Kirkpatrick has "exactly" what I want assuming they will make the modifications. Black Hills is "very close" to what I want, and at a higher cost. Before I spend a lot of money and wait anxiously for several weeks (if not months) does anyone have any experience with either of these companies? Does anyone have a suggestion for an alternative company I should look into? Does anyone want to give their opinion/advice on how to proceed based on the information I have provided? Thanks in advance.

[2 dogs]

For my #5 project I needed special leather as well. While I'm no familiar with either of the 2 makers you mention, if you are looking for something special, I would suggest you have a look at barrantileather.com as he builds some fine wares. Im not sure he is taking orders at this time, nor is he from Texas, but he outta be!

[2ndovc]

I'm suprised. I've bought several items form Kirkpatrick Leather and they have all been delivered ahead of schedule.
Though none have been special order.
They may be behind.

I know we have a lot of cranky people out there after the floods this weekend. Just can't get to everybody all at the same time.

jb

[GonnePhishin]

You should try purdygear.com, as she is a SASS affiliate and does mighty fine work.

[J Miller]

Joe,

Just my opinion, but I'd go with Black Hills. Kirkpatrick is putting you off for some reason, so I guess they don't want your business. When they do get around to contacting you you can always tell them you took your business ... elsewhere.

Joe

[horsesoldier03]

I would go with Blackhills Leather! I have no knowledge about there operations, or Kirkpatrick's. However, life has taught me one thing. If you arnt being treated as a valued customer when your trying to order, your not going to be treated any better once your money changes hands. Sounds like the Folks at Kirkpatrick lack a good work ethic and arnt interested in your buisness! It must be nice, especially when times are as rough as they are, one would think they would be wanting your buisness. Definately good to know information as I will be looking for a holster soon for CCW.

Not sure what exact type of gun your lookin to holster, however, here are the resources that I use when looking. It comes from the Texas Concealed Carry Forum. Hope it is of some help!

Holster Reviews LINK: http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=24130

Holster Maker LINK: http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=6515

[RIHMFIRE]

Black hills...
From what I have seen the quailty looks better than kirkpatrick...
not to mention the responce thing would turn me off...

[GoatGuy]

I know you didn't ask and I'm sorry to add an option to your earlier research, ... but, for TX made holsters, I've always found El Paso Saddlery to have some of the best designs and quality. I own several dating back to the 1980's and have also gifted several friends and relatives with EPS holsters. None of us have been disappointed.

[klhill]

I would try El Paso Saddlery IF they have something that fit's your requirements.Great quality and tooling but I don't think they will do much if any custom work or variation from their listed patterns (other than the options). Might be worth a call to them to find out.

[Dave]

If you aren't being treated as a valued customer when your trying to order, your not going to be treated any better once your money changes hands.

I have found this to be true a lot.

[kimwcook]

Nothing fires me up than being ignored when it's usually the company requesting the information in their particular format. I wouldn't give them a second chance. I'd go with Black Hills.

[86er]

...still no response from Kirkpatrick Leather! I sniffed around and found out the original owner is about 90 years old. His kids are running the shop (or not). One has a gun shop and the other has some kind of clothing line. I guess they are not interested or committed to the leather business, as is reflected in their customer service.

Black Hills Leather's owner Rudy Lozano responded to all my e-mails within an hour. I had my phone # in the e-mail signature line. He called me personally today and asked if I had any questions or needed any help deciding on products. He took nearly an hour to coordinate our phone call with e-mails where we went over every specific of a custom order. He took notes and we reconcilled my requests and his notes with an e-mail exchange of words, photos and sketches. He offered a small price break since I was running up a tab pretty quickly. He also provided his personal phone # and told me to call any time I had a question, thought or concern about my order. Rudy asked a lot of questions about how I carry my gear and the placement of it so he could understand where every item would be carried. This was so he could make sure each item worked in conjunction with one another including the belt. I am reassured 10X that the products would be exactly as we described and provided a verbal and e-mail guarantee that anything that needed adjustment, tweaking or just did not come out as expected would be modified or replaced at no additional charge. I was invited to stop by the shop to see the progress or pick it up in person if I want to. Black Hills Leather and Rudy Lozano are stand-outs in customer service! I anticipate the product will meet or exceed my expectations. I'll post the results when they arrive. I was quoted 4-5 weeks which was extremely reasonable to me. Thanks for all the input!

http://www.bhlstore.com

[Griff]

Sorry I'm tardy to the dance... but you asked opinions... my only personal experience w/Kirkpatrick is from about 20 years ago... they had just introduced a women's belt rig. I ordered it for my wife. What I received was slick tanned inferior quality cowhide and some synthetic materials sewn in. I sent it back and got my money back.

In a nutshell, I thought I was getting "inexpensive," what I got was "cheap".

I don't know of Black Hills... But if El Paso Saddlery ain't got close to what you want, sounds like at least BH wants your biz!

[Marlin32]

Customer service in this country is thing of the past. I am right now trying to get someone, anyone to repsond to my emails and phone calls about loading some custom ammo for me.

Right now, there a few out there, that even if they call me back, they don't want to.
One for sure is member of this forum. I guess I expected better. Not a good way to run a business. What do I know, I guess they have enough business without mine, and it will stay that way.

[Hobie]

Let's take the custom ammo question to another topic. There are liability issues that apply there and nowhere else.

[piller]

I have read this with some interest. If I ever want a custom holster or such, I will remember Black Hills. As a Pharmacist, the only real difference between me and the Pharmacist down the street is the customer service. Good customer service is worth the difference in price.

[JReed]

WOW with that sort of service I will for sure be watching to see how your rig turns out. I already bookmarked his site.

[buckeyeshooter]

I have had terrible customer service from Kirkpatrick's. I will never buy from them again!
I bought a belt and holster set and a single action shoulder holster rig several years ago.

Then when I started SASS, I ordered a left hand holster only for the belt holster rig. They promised a delivery date--- did not meet it! After they were a week late I called. They said they would send it 'right out'. A week later I got a holster ---- right hand not left hand.
I called again and asked for the correct holster---- not in stock-- we have to make it.
I explained I needed it within 3 weeks for a Cowboy Shoot. Was told by the 'manager' I would have it.
The holster finally arrived 6 weeks later.

I wrote a letter to the owner (George?) Kirkpatrick listed in the companies business license filing.
The company never responded, called or wrote a return letter offering and explaination or apology.


Pi$$ on them, take your business to a company that appreciates it and gives you proper service!

[Borregos]

Nothing fires me up than being ignored when it's usually the company requesting the information in their particular format. I wouldn't give them a second chance. I'd go with Black Hills.

+1

[sullkat]

Kirkpatrick has gone down-hill from what they used to be, I live a couple miles away and stopped in to get a CC holster for a colt double eagle, the old man started going through hundreds of bags trying my gun in each one saying "this one is close" finally I said make me one, he says I know I got something somewhere, at that point I said bye.
They are actually involved in three different stores, the leather shop, where it is hard to find anybody that speaks english other than the old guy or Mike. They moved the gun sales to another location because of so many break-ins, somehow they are involved in a western wear store.
For my needs I now go to Black Hills.