Is There Such A Thing As Kydex Holster Law?

This is America and we have laws for everything.  There are definitely rules and regulations we have to follow when we manufacture our premium Kydex holsters.  Some people have asked us if they have to worry about state and local laws for them to own a Kydex holster.  Ok no one has actually asked us that but I thought it would be something interesting to write about.  When I was thinking about the topic it made me a bit nostalgic for 80’s commercials.  As usual, bear with me and all will be explained.

It’s Not “The More You Know”

A lot of midwits on social media like to write the platitude: Knowledge is power.  This is false for two reasons.  First, knowledge is not neutral.  There are a ton of facts out there that don’t do anything for your life.  Like, the average viscosity of liquid hand soap.  In order for you to gain any kind of power it has to be applicable to your life in a positive way.  Second, once you get your hands on said knowledge you have to actually apply it.  You can read all the self-help books in the world but if you don’t get off the couch, the only thing that is going to change is the amount of Dorito dust on your fingers.

This is why I will never understand the fond memories people claim to have about "The More You Know" TV spots from back in the day.  Everyone remembers the campaign but if you press people on what they actually learned, things get really spotty.

I did about 5 minutes of research but I couldn’t find the most watched episode of “The More You Know” but I do know the least-watched one was with Tom Llamas because I have no clue who that is.  Fun Fact:  El Poder de Saber (The Power of Knowledge) is the Telemundo version.  

We here at FDO Industries try to learn things that are useful and then apply them.  This simple but effective process is how we came to the conclusion to choose Kydex for our holsters and not leather like your grandpappy.  (You can check out our thoughts on that specifically here:  What you should look for in a Kydex Holster.)

There are always things you can geek out on in the firearms world for fun, but we definitely want to mix in some practical knowledge on top of your 10mm versus 9mm against a bear debate.  One such area of interest is Kydex Holster law.

Did You Just Say Kydex Holster Law?

Yes.  Yes, I did.  Ok, there is no such thing as Kydex holster law.  They are not regulated in the same way that firearms are.  Not that you can tell that to the social media platforms who barely let us advertise for so much as a Leatherman Kydex holster, which you can find here: Kydex Sheath For Leatherman Surge & Wave and look like this:

That said, there is something that you put into your holster that has a deep and complex relationship with your firearm.  This may seem obvious but just like it is not enough to buy a gun and then not train with it, it is not responsible to get a holster and not know when or where you can carry legally.  I know that there will always be people who carry regardless of what the local laws are . . . in Minecraft.  Still, it is important to be up to speed on what’s what if you ever find yourself in the middle of an unplanned police contact (which they all are).

With that in mind, here are a few things to think about every time you break out the Kydex holster and its close friend, your firearm.

Don’t Depend On “Rules of Thumb”

There are lots of things in life you can sorta get right.  College exams and go-kart driving come to mind.  Laws and regulations regarding firearms are not one of them.  The reason is that the hammers are very big if you get this wrong and find yourself having to explain yourself to the local magistrate.  Especially if you have to travel to one of our more communist-leaning states, countries, or cities that think the Second Amendment is a suggestion and not the codification of our God-given right to self-defense.  

Everyone has their own level of risk tolerance but consider rechecking each state's laws that you are going to when you are traveling.  Politicians are a sneaky bunch.  Things can change from year to year without a lot of fanfare.  This includes your own state.  Don’t get complacent.

If you don’t have a concealed carry permit, consider getting one.  I know that this irks a lot of people but if you carry a cell phone, the government already knows everything about you if it wants to.  Having a CCW might very well end up being a get out of jail free card if you find yourself in an unplanned situation.  A CCW also gives you the benefit of reciprocity with other states.  Think long and hard about this option.  Lots of upside.  

That said, know what the laws are for “gun free” zones in your state.  There are certain areas that you may not be able to carry, even with a CCW: Schools, government buildings, and certain private businesses come to mind.  Again, I’m not telling you what to do.  I am just telling you to know what the rules are so you are at least making an informed choice about when and where you carry.

Another thing you might want to consider is practicing what you would say in different scenarios if you had to talk to the police, or how you would politely decline to talk to them if the situation called for it.  I am not a lawyer but there are lots of resources out there to assist you in this area.  You practice dry firing in your garage every day, why wouldn’t you practice how you would handle a police contact? (Note: I’m of the school of always being respectful in these situations.  De-escalate in the moment. Sort the rest out later with your lawyer.)

An informed and armed citizen is a powerful thing.  Make sure to know your rights because our Kydex holsters don’t magically imbue you with knowledge, even though they may look like it.  Now that we have that under control, go ahead and Forge Your Own Holster and then go read some regulations.  I guarantee you, it will cure your insomnia if you have it.

Have a good one,

Jake

PS - Amazon is getting a bit squirrely with delivering holsters to certain states that rhyme with Washington.  OK, it is Washington.  Currently, do not see any regulatory issues so we will ship there for orders on the website.