The Craft Holsters OWB Leather Belt Holster is the newest addition to my CZ 75 setup, and after spending some time with it, I’m impressed by how well it balances comfort, retention, and classic leather craftsmanship. I’ve used plenty of Kydex over the years, but there’s something about a well-made leather holster that just feels right – especially on a full-size steel pistol like the CZ 75.
In this review, I’ll cover fit, comfort, draw, retention, and everyday usability to help you decide if this OWB leather option from Craft Holsters is worth adding to your carry rotation. Note that this particular model is for the CZ 75 B and Omega variants. Craft Holsters offers custom-made holsters for just about any handgun you might have.
Holster Specifications
At its core, this is a traditional OWB holster designed for 4 o’clock carry with a slight forward cant. That design makes the draw feel natural while still keeping the pistol tucked close to the body. The holster is molded specifically for the CZ 75, so the fit is snug right out of the box.
- Full-grain leather construction (0.15″ thick)
- Steel-reinforced thumb break
- Forward cant for faster presentation
- Two widely spaced 1.5” belt slots for stability
- Open-muzzle design
- Available in mahogany or black
- Right- and left-handed versions
- Options for light, laser, or red dot setups
First Impressions and Fit
My time in the outdoor industry has made me a bit obsessive about quality. So the first thing I checked was the stitching, as that’s usually a good sign of craftsmanship. With a single row of stitching around the outside and perfectly spaced double rows of stitching around the pistol, it passes the quality test. All the exposed edges are smooth and treated with a chocolate brown finish that goes well with the walnut leather.
You can see that the holster is molded into a slight curve for a better fit on the hip. And the belt slots are spaced far enough apart to keep the holster locked in place, even when carrying a heavier all-metal pistol. The molding is also very precise. My CZ 75 seats cleanly with that satisfying “this is the right spot” feeling you want from good leather.
There is a short break-in period, which is normal for anything made from real leather. It took a bit of convincing to get my pistol in there the first time, and the thumb break took a little muscle. I left one of my pistols in it for about a week, and after that, the draw became smoother, and the thumb break was easier to secure.
Comfort and Everyday Carry
Despite being a traditional leather OWB holster, this one carries surprisingly tight to the body. That’s great for concealment with the right clothing, and it keeps the pistol from feeling like it’s flopping around on your belt. I typically use a Groove Life belt for my EDC, though my firearm-specific belt with a Cobra buckle is a great match for this holster. Because I’m using it at an outdoor range, concealment is a low priority. But a coat, jacket, or hoody would cover it well enough for colder weather carry.
Walking, sitting, leaning over – the holster stays put. The CZ 75 isn’t exactly a lightweight firearm, but the belt slot spacing and forward cant help distribute the weight so it never feels awkward or fatiguing.
Draw and Retention
The steel-reinforced thumb break adds a layer of security without slowing things down too much. I’ve got a similar rimfire holster, so it’s not much of an adjustment. After breaking in the leather slightly, the action becomes much more fluid. The forward cant puts your wrist in a natural angle for the draw, which really helps with presentation – especially from the 4 o’clock position.
Reholstering is also straightforward. The reinforced mouth keeps the holster open, so you’re not fighting the leather each time you put the pistol back. After several weeks, I can reholster easily and smoothly, though the thumb break still requires a quick glance.
Build Quality and Materials
Craft Holsters has a good reputation for using premium materials, and this one fits that mold. The leather is thick, I’ve already mentioned the clean stitching, and the holster holds its shape well. Everything feels like it’s built for long-term use, not just short-term comfort. Even the retention strap hardware looks better than what I’ve seen on some competing holsters. Instead of a simple snap, there’s a short piece of steel riveted in place to help keep its shape.
Who This Holster Is Best For
This OWB leather holster is ideal if you prefer:
- A traditional leather design with a molded, secure fit
- Stable 4 o’clock carry that stays put throughout the day
- Added retention from a steel-reinforced thumb break
- A holster made specifically for your firearm (not a loose “one size fits most” option)
- A holster available in configurations for lights, lasers, or optics
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable all-day carry
- Excellent molded fit
- Great stability from the wide belt slots
- Steel-reinforced thumb break adds security
- High-quality full-grain leather construction
Cons:
- Needs a short break-in period
- Leather requires some maintenance over time
- Not as fast as an open-top Kydex holster
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a comfortable OWB leather holster for your firearm that offers great retention, stability, and long-term durability, the Craft Holsters OWB Leather Belt Holster is a strong choice. It blends old-school craftsmanship with features that actually matter for everyday carry.
And for full transparency, this particular model is manufactured by Falco and offered through Craft Holsters. That partnership gives you the benefit of Falco’s handmade leatherwork with Craft’s excellent ordering and support process.
Overall, it’s a well-made holster that fits the CZ 75 perfectly, carries comfortably, and is built to last – exactly what most people want from a leather OWB holster. I’d like to thank Craft Holsters for providing their product for my testing and evaluation.