There are two things you should do with your new Madhat leather holster to ensure a long useful life. When you first get the holster, you'll want to perform a proper break-in. After the break-in period, proper care should help it last as long as you'll need it.
Break-In
Never use leather conditioners, cleaners or oils to soften or clean molded leather; it will ruin the finish and the molding. Break-in is best accomplished using a Ziploc bag. Place your safety-checked gun in the bag and holster it (still in the bag). Gently massage,pinch and twist the leather around the gun for a minute or two and, with the gun still in the bag, holster and draw the gun 10 times. Remove the gun from the Ziploc and check the fit. The holster will loosen up a bit with use, but if it's still a bit tighter then you would like, repeat the ten-draw process using two Ziploc bags wrapped around the gun.
I recommend the 100-draw technique. This is accomplished by placing your holster on your body where you intend to carry it. Once you've found your carry location, simply practice your draw 100 times. Start off drawing and holstering your gun slowly (MAKE SURE YOUR GUN IS UNLOADED). This will aid in muscle memory, familiarize yourself with how your gun is situated and also teach the proper method to draw from your particular holster (examples: pushing off with your thumb, reaching across your body with your off hand to add resistance against your pocket/holster to draw against, "digging in" to your pocket with the hooks on the holster, etc). As you practice your draw, you'll speed up naturally, break in your holster and become more familiar with your gun... it really is a winning combination!
Caring for Your Holster
Caring for your holster is simple and low maintenance. As long as the holster stays dry, it shouldn't need any special care. During summer pocket carry, there may be a fair amount of moisture in contact with the leather. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture. If your holster gets wet or is in contact with moister for an extended period, once you are ready to put your gun away, simply inspect your holster to make sure it is in the proper shape. If it is a bit distorted from being in contact with moisture, simply pinch the leather back into the proper shape using your fingertips and remove your gun (clean and dry your gun if need be). Place the holster on its rim upside down in a cool, shaded area. Don't put it in direct sunlight or near a heater or fan; this will cause the leather to shrink. When leather drys too fast or under heat, it will shrink.
From time to time (I recommend once monthly), it's a good practice to hold the holster upside down and give it a good tap. This will knock some of the lint and fuzz out. You don't need to clean your holster regularly, but if it does get excessively dirty, it's ok to take a lightly moistened rag and wipe the exterior of the holster off. Keep it at a fast wipe down. Don't do this on a regular basis, but only when the holster gets excessively dirty
--Mr. Madhat
When I first received my holster from Jason, the fit was so perfect, I didn't need to do the Ziploc break-in. The holster is so high quality, you'll find yourself fondling it in your pocket. -Reggie
