Soteria Leather, partially taking it’s name from Soteria, who was the Greek goddess of safety, and of deliverance and preservation from harm, is a fairly new holster maker located in Portland, Oregon. The name Soteria is even more fitting when you consider that it is a company owned by a young lady named Cerisse. Now, there might be some of you reading this that are saying, “Wait a minute! Was it not just a few days ago that you were posting something about the customer service of this company?”
Yes, I did, and as you will notice, that post has been removed. Not only have I worked out my issues with the owner of the company, as you can see above, I have received the holster that I had originally desired.
As you may or may not know, my desire for a holster was because of the Smith and Wesson 686 .357 magnum revolver that is in my possession. While I did not buy it new, it is basically new and in unfired condition, despite having the original style hammer and lack of a safety locking system which places it as being manufactured before 1996. I’ll tell you, there is nothing like holding a 686 in your hand. Sure, it will never replace my higher capacity automatics as my primary weapon, but I would never feel under-gunned going into the darkest parts of the planet with this on my hip (as long as my primary is a long gun, but that’s another story).
So, let’s talk about the holster. This is the Thrasos model, and as you can tell by the name, the trend of taking Greek spirits or gods and goddesses as the names of her products is a running theme. Personally, I think that is quite cool and shows a sign of intelligence and thought that goes into her work. Thrasos was the Greek spirit of bold, or rash action and insolence. It’s a fitting name for this outside the waistband holster, as well as fitting of me and my recent actions, a little rash and insolent, definitely.
Starting with the leather of the holster, it is clear from first glances that great care goes into the selection of the leather used. There is nothing second rate about it, it is free of undesirable markings that are frequently found on thinner and cheaper leathers that come from Mexico or parts unknown in Asia. The artisan makes uniform and clean cuts in the leather she uses as there is not a spot visible on my holster that tells me she might have almost rethought a cut or two.
As you can see from the photo above, she takes great care in designing her holsters as to aid in the ease of holstering your weapon when the time comes. What impresses me the most is that she is able to do this without the aid of metal inserts or additional slabs of leather. I have already been practicing drawing and replacing my weapon and have found no real issues with getting the revolver back in the holster. Ideally, you should be able to do this with one hand, and that is exactly what I am able to do. Her stitching is nice, tight, and clean. Yes, there were a couple of spots that she pointed out to me that needed a little heat applied to it, but that was only because she was doing everything in her power to get the holster to me in a certain timeframe. Other than those little spots, the stitching is every bit as tight and clean as any Galco, Bianchi, Milt Sparks, etc. holster that I have ever owned.
My first thought when looking at the holster in person was, “Oh crap, those belt loops look way too small!” I have worn a Wilderness Instructor gun belt for years, and it is significantly wider than your typical dress belt out there. Shame on me, I should have had more faith in the artisan, as when I slid the straps around my belt at home, it was an absolute perfect fit. Speaking of fit, since it was my revolver that she used as a mold for this holster, it is a perfect fit, and damned if it doesn’t look good all wrapped up in the dark brown leather.
My main purpose for wanting this holster was as a range holster. When out shooting, I always like to have a weapon on me that is fully loaded with good defensive ammo, and the 125gr jacketed hollow point .357 magnum round is still more than effective, and damned hard to beat by any standard, despite being around since 1934. Let me tell you, Elmer Keith knew what he was doing. Anyway, Range Holster was the primary intent of this holster, but I am pleased to say that not only do I have a product that will fit my needs, it will also fit the bill for a concealment holster. No, a large frame revolver such as my 686 is not the ideal concealed carry pistol, but it will certainly do the job if I ever need to send my auto out for some work. Besides, can you imagine the look on the BG’s face when you whip out something that big and shiny? Like the old saying goes, “Beware the man with one gun, he likely knows how to use it”, can certainly apply to a man carrying a revolver.
In the end, there were lessons to be learned on both sides of this transaction. Neither party feels bad about how the transaction ended, and I for one will be in touch with her for a holster for my wife’s Glock 19 in the near future. Also, I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for some horizontal magazine holders….and a flashlight holder……and an iphone case…….
And most importantly, I will be looking forward to many more wonderful designs by Soteria Leather which are sure to come. For being so new at this, she shows an old eye to her work.
Tony
www.soterialeather.com
info@soterialeather.com
