REVIEW: Blade Tech Nano IWB Holster

[Wolfman]

(Glock 23 in Bladetech Nano Holster - Stock Picture)
NANO IWB :: Competition Series Products :: Blade-Tech Industries

I recently purchased the Bladetech Nano IWB holster fit for the Glock 23 and have been wearing it off and on for a little over two weeks. So far I'm really happy with it. After doing a lot of research on IWB holsters, and finally talking with another FBI SA who had his (the model just before the Nano) for years and only had to replace the belt straps at around the 4 year mark or so, I decided to give it a try.

Cost: $59.99 + S/H
Processing Time: 3 weeks (as of 02/21/2011)

Pros:
-Thin
-Lightweight
-Sweat guard
-Adjustable cant/height/tension
-One-hand reholster ability due to rigid construction

Cons:
-Zero retention
-Possible high-heat warping

My Review:

Size/Comfort: This holster is extremely thin, basically take your pistol add about 1/5th of an inch (1/10th inch each side) and you have the thickness. It is about as close to wearing your pistol in your waistband without a holster as I have found. The disadvantage to this is that it will warp in extreme temperature, described to be around 160 degrees - i.e. don't leave it in the car during the summer. Even though the holster is thin, it still keeps the pistol tucked in tight to your body, and securely holds the pistol in place, the straps prevent the pistol from changing position as you move throughout your daily routine.

The holster has a sweat guard covering the in-facing portion of the pistol which both protects the pistol from sweat and adds a greater deal of comfort to the wearer as the weapon is not constantly rubbing against your inner shirt or skin.

Concealment: As mentioned, the holster keeps the pistol tight into your body without being uncomfortable. I wear my pistol at somewhere between the 3 o'clock - 4:30 position and have not felt any discomfort save for one. I initially placed my holster at a slight cant which caused some discomfort concerning the bottom sight-covering portion of the holster (which has a slightly curved point) when wore rear of the 3 o'clock position, but I believe this will vary with everyone's body type and preference of wear.

I have wore the holster with a collared shirt and with a t-shirt. The shirts are one size larger than normal and seemed to hide the silhouette of the pistol well. The straps attached to the belt were not an issue due to the shirt covering them, and they did not bulge under the shirt.

Adaptability: The straps themselves are adjustable snap loops and can be affixed to the holster using one of three pre-drilled holes on the strap; the straps attach to the holster using the rear holster hole (around the trigger guard area) and your choice of one of two vertically aligned holes just forward of the slide area of the holster. Using this arrangement you can adjust the holster's vertical clearance from the belt, set your desired canting, and adapt your holster to fit your desired belt size ranging from 1.25" - 1.75".

Officer Safety: There is zero retention. The pistol locks in place well (with enough adjusted tension) and you can turn the holster upside down and shake it and it will not fall out, however nothing about this holster is designed to prevent a gun-grab from succeeding except for your manner of wear and personal safety. Due to this, it is obviously not recommended for open carry. My preferred manner of wear is either covered with an untucked shirt or covered with a jacket.

So far I am liking it a lot - if something happens to change my mind, I will update the site.

Thanks for reading my two cents