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aboveandbeyond
07-07-2011, 08:04 PM
Searching high and low for the perfect kydex holster meeting my requirement of comfort, versatility, and concealment seemed to be an endless pursuit. It would seem to many that there is no holster that would meet all these requirements. Recently, I was contacted by Tony the owner of Secret City Weaponeers, a company known for leather holsters (as seen on the website). At first, I was curious as to why a leather holster company would contact me when I was specifically looking for kydex. Well long behold, Tony is venturing into the world of kydex. Knowing that the Kydex holster industry is exploding much like the AR industry, I was a bit skeptical thinking it was just like any other Kydex/Raven Concealment product. However, I was wrong.

The company name, Secret City Weaponeers derives from the location of the company, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a city that supplied enriched uranium for the World War Atomic bomb. SCW is in the process of finalizing plans for the K-25 holster. The “K” denoting for “kydex” and 25 degrees of cant for a VERY discreet IWB use.

Before anyone starts ranting that this is another copy cat of Raven Concealment (believe me, I thought so too), let’s examine the design that differs from Raven Concealment. Being optimized for IWB use, I could tell by the aggressive curve on the front end the holster that it actually hugs the body. Like many others, I have a problem with other kydex holsters “jutting” out of my pants. Anyone with RCS-like holsters know exactly what I am talking about ;) I prefer to carry my holsters at the 3 O’clock position, but in order to conceal, I had to carry at the 2 o’ clock position.

However, it proved problematic when I got into a car or sat down as the holster or gun tended to poke my ribs and stomach. With the K-25 holster, it just may solve that problem! With the curve, one can carry at the 3 or 4 o’clock positions. I have not seen a holster company that aggressively curves the front end holster like so. It appears the K-25 addresses this issue.

Another incredibly neat feature about these holsters is the ability to be used OWB. While the K-25 holster may be optimized for IWB use, Tony kept the platform versatile for OWB use as well. While he told me there were other “secret tricks” that he has shelved that could be used for the holster to aid in IWB comfort, he decided to shelve the “IWB secret tricks” to remain as modular as possible for the K-25 series. Sometime in the future, with enough requests, he will release a holster solely for IWB use that utilizes all these “secret tricks”. I asked him what these trick were…but being from Secret City Weaponeers, he wouldn’t disclose. The company name is very fitting!

The holes are placed purposefully for OWB versatility. Tony adamantly favors MALICE Clips so that the user can wear the holster on a war belt. I remember having to jerry rig my holster to fit onto MOLLE. While it worked great, its great knowing that K-25 is designed so it is readily available for war belt use. Turns out, Blade-Tech MOLLE Loks work too!

Holsters are priced at $67.50, with synthetic IWB loops (they can be un-cut or pre-cut to the users desired belt width) Kydex OWB are offered as well for $7.50 in 1.5” or 1.75”. Colors come in either OD/Black two-tone or Black. Tuckable loops are NOT offered. If the user does want one, the holster can accept tuckable clips from other companies such as Comp-tac. Another huge plus in my book!

As of right now, Tony is only making these for the M&P 9/.40/.357 and Glock 19/23/32, right hand. The K-25 is designed to accommodate M&P’s with a thumb safety and in fact, Tony says that the holster will engage the thumb safety if the user forgets to. Nice touch!

In a few weeks, the Glock 17/22/31 and M&P 45, right hand will be added. No worries left handers! Left hand models soon will be added. Tony is a self proclaimed perfectionist, we all know it takes time to perfect templates for holsters. By the looks of the pictures…he definitely is.

**Note**
These kydex holsters aren't up on the website...yet...

If interested, there's another lengthy thread on M4C that has a lot of good info, found here M4C SCW thread (http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=67563)


K-25


Video of the K-25 in use (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4-twmzIHCE)

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/Glock19Twins_03_web.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/Isotope13_front_web.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/Isotope13_back_web.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/Isotope13_OD_web_05.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/MP_OD_02_web.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/TwoGuns_01_web.jpg



K-25 with Mag Pouch

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/K-25MP9_web_02.jpg


Tony can be contacted at seraph@secretcityweaponeers.com, or isotope7holsters@secretcityweaponeers.com

EDIT: I have NO affiliation with this company nor am I paid. Just spreading the word on what seems like a very promising product!

aboveandbeyond
07-07-2011, 08:08 PM
Y-12


http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/Y-12G19_web_01.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/Y-12G19_web_02.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/Y-12G19_web_03.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/Y-12G19_web_04.jpg

P-Mag Pouch


http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/P-MagHolster_web_01.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/P-MagHolster_web_02.jpg


Some Colors!


http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/K-25BlueLine_01.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/K-25HKP30S_web_01.jpg


New Loops



http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Secret%20City%20Holsters/BeltLoops_web_03.jpg

Rains on Parades
07-07-2011, 08:26 PM
EDIT: I have NO affiliation with this company nor am I paid. Just spreading the word on what seems like a very promising product!

Come on man.

Seraph
07-07-2011, 10:15 PM
Hello. A friend, and fellow holster maker, just pointed me at this thread. I'm sorry to say I didn't know previously of the existence of this forum. In any case, while this isn't the way I'd prefer to make my first post here, I thought I'd hop in, to point out the the member who posted this thread is, in fact, not me, and not in any way affiliated with my company, which currently employs all of two people. I will say that I suspect I know who he is, and, if I'm right, he's a customer of mine (one of the first, and moreover a repeat customer). Some of the information provided above is slightly outdated, but I appreciate the enthusiasm for my wares.

Edit> I just noticed the video. Now, I'm sure I was right about the identity of the OP.

VolGrad
07-08-2011, 06:39 AM
I'll vouch for Tony of Secret City Weaponeers, for what's that's worth. :o

I found him on M4C as well ... you'll see I've posted in the thread linked above ... and have exchanged e-mails with him a good bit. We have tried a couple of times to get together for a pizza & beer when I'm back home in E. TN but haven't quite worked it out yet with our schedules.

His K-25 I tried was VERY well made. I found it quite comfortable and it was probably as well molded (or better) than any other kydex maker I've seen/tried thus far. That's a pretty bold statement as I've tried tons. In the end the K-25 cant (at 25 degrees) was more than I personally care for so I moved on. It would be great for someone that wears their rig behind the hip, farther back than 3-4 o'clock.

I was pleased when Tony released the Y-12 (at 12 degrees) so I could get something that would work better for me. I am sitting my the mailbox each day waiting for mine to arrive. I got the exact thing in the pic above ... G19 IWB light carrier in gray.

Here's a pic of a G19 in the K-25.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/guns%20and%20gear/fa886be5.jpg

aboveandbeyond
07-08-2011, 01:04 PM
Come on man.

Hah I'm really not affiliated with SCW. In no way am I under the employment of Tony's business. If I was, the review would be considerably more lengthy and the video quality much better.

Some of info may be a bit out-dated as the holsters aren't malice compatible anymore unless requested.

Waiting until I finally get my Y-12 to write up a newer review with up to date features.

Yep, I'm aflin on M4C!

SmokeJumper
07-08-2011, 01:16 PM
Just reading here and on the other forums, sounds like a good rig for a decent price. The design kind of reminds me a little of a MS VMII, but in kydex, not to take away from the designer of course. I'd like to see a Y-12 with the 12 degree cant rather then 25 degrees. I had also heard mention of a possible AIWB holster at one time (correct me if I'm wrong, could have been another maker), anything on that?

VolGrad
07-08-2011, 01:18 PM
I'd like to see a Y-12 with the 12 degree cant rather then 25 degrees.

The Y-12 is 12 degrees.
The K-25 is 25 degrees.
The # in the name says it all.

Re: the AIWB ... curious too. I'm sure Tony will chime in but I know the health issues with his daughter side-tracked him quite a bit so the AIWB project might have been shelved for a bit.

Shellback
07-08-2011, 01:57 PM
I wear the K-25 every day. I own most major kydex brands and will tell you this is my favorite out of the bunch. It conceals better than any other brand and model I've tried and that's due to the aggressive cant and the design of the holster. I'm in no way affiliated with SCW or Tony and am just a happy customer.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/4083/014gkn.jpg

Kyle Reese
07-08-2011, 02:27 PM
I got to try a K25 a few months ago. Very nice holster, my only "gripe" was the aggressive cant which I did not care for.

Shellback
07-08-2011, 02:53 PM
Very nice holster, my only "gripe" was the aggressive cant which I did not care for.

It does take a little bit getting accustomed to the grip angle and drawing the weapon, slightly more forward movement and a little more rotation to bring the weapon to bear. However, I think what it provides in terms of concealability is a great trade off for me. One of my major concerns is being incognito and blending in without a telltale print and this holster does just that for me.

Seraph
07-08-2011, 03:17 PM
...Re: the AIWB ... curious too. I'm sure Tony will chime in but I know the health issues with his daughter side-tracked him quite a bit so the AIWB project might have been shelved for a bit.

I did get set significantly back, twice, with back to back spinal surgeries for my daughter, the second of which came as a surprise (read emergency). That delayed, not only my delivery of items already developed, but also development of some other products. I'm really only just now getting fully back on track to catch up. The AIWB project is one that got seriously back-burnered, but I have tried a few things. It's a tough niche to serve. I've found that my most successful attacks on the AIWB puzzle always come out strongly resembling existing products, made by other guys. Not sure how I feel about that. I'd like to produce an AIWB holster that's as distinguished from others as my K-25 is from other "hip holsters." I just don't know yet if I'll be able to make a really successful AIWB that's not redundant to existent stand-out examples.

aboveandbeyond
07-08-2011, 03:59 PM
It does take a little bit getting accustomed to the grip angle and drawing the weapon, slightly more forward movement and a little more rotation to bring the weapon to bear. However, I think what it provides in terms of concealability is a great trade off for me. One of my major concerns is being incognito and blending in without a telltale print and this holster does just that for me.

It took me a while to get accustomed to the 25 degree cant, but like as anything new, it takes some time to get used to. Now its second nature. With the K-25 holster, the draw is quite unique in its own respects. Instead of drawing the weapon straight up than angling the muzzle towards the target, the K-25 requires the user to draw forward instead of upwards. It's really quite efficient and fast once the user get's used to it. The video posted depicts the draw of the K-25.

Super J
07-08-2011, 06:37 PM
I'll vouch for Tony as well. I came across him on another forum and corresponded with him quite a bit. I tried out the k25 holster and was thoroughly impressed with his craftsmanship and innovation. The holster fit and finish is far superior to my other big name kydex holster and his holster was very very comfortable with minimal printing.

I prefer appendix carry and I could not get used to carrying my pistol behind my hip which is where I had this holster.

All in all, I'm patiently waiting for Tony to get his appendix holster ready so I can get one.

On another note, I am not affiliated nor related to him.

All the best

J

Seraph
07-26-2011, 10:09 PM
Really appreciate all you guys, for your very nice reviews and compliments.

Seraph
08-05-2011, 02:11 PM
This came out pretty well.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/Trisagion/Y12TacticalLightHolsters/I-13_MP9TLR3_web_02.jpg
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/Trisagion/Y12TacticalLightHolsters/I-13_MP9TLR3_web_03.jpg

karmapolice
08-05-2011, 04:47 PM
ahhh I can't wait to get mine, its been a tedious wait but I know it will be worth it.

Seraph
08-05-2011, 05:19 PM
ahhh I can't wait to get mine, its been a tedious wait but I know it will be worth it.

I've got some stuff coming right up for you. Volgrad, too. Thanks for waiting, friends. You won't be disappointed.

Super J
08-06-2011, 09:26 AM
This came out pretty well.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/Trisagion/Y12TacticalLightHolsters/I-13_MP9TLR3_web_02.jpg
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/Trisagion/Y12TacticalLightHolsters/I-13_MP9TLR3_web_03.jpg

Looks great

superr.stu
08-06-2011, 01:16 PM
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/Trisagion/Y12TacticalLightHolsters/I-13_MP9TLR3_web_02.jpg]

I'm really digging this one

Tamara
08-06-2011, 09:01 PM
That's some sharp-looking work. What've you got for a G34 (http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?1460-G34-IWB)? :)

Seraph
08-06-2011, 09:07 PM
That's some sharp-looking work. What've you got for a G34 (http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?1460-G34-IWB)? :)

Hey, Gal! Long time, no see, and all that jazz. I don't have a G34 yet, but, if you could bring yourself to send me your top end assembly, I'd be super happy to make something for you. Hit me with an email, at seraph@secretcityweaponeers.com, and we can get it rolling. Look forward to hearing from you!

dookie1481
08-13-2011, 10:50 AM
Hopefully Tony can chime in here, or someone can verify; the Isotope 7 is basically the same as the Max Con V, is that correct?

Shellback
08-13-2011, 10:55 AM
Hopefully Tony can chime in here, or someone can verify; the Isotope 7 is basically the same as the Max Con V, is that correct?

From my understanding it's a slightly less "polished" version. The Isotope 7 is made by Gary Brommeland, although it's sold by SCW, from what I've been told.

dookie1481
08-13-2011, 11:49 AM
From my understanding it's a slightly less "polished" version. The Isotope 7 is made by Gary Brommeland, although it's sold by SCW, from what I've been told.

Thanks dude

Seraph
08-13-2011, 03:35 PM
From my understanding it's a slightly less "polished" version. The Isotope 7 is made by Gary Brommeland, although it's sold by SCW, from what I've been told.

Sorry, guys, that I didn't see this question earlier. IRISH is correct. I would add that, while I have a few odd I-7's on hand, I will not be restocking any of them, anytime soon.

dookie1481
08-13-2011, 06:21 PM
Sorry, guys, that I didn't see this question earlier. IRISH is correct. I would add that, while I have a few odd I-7's on hand, I will not be restocking any of them, anytime soon.

Are the "in stock" notices on your site up to date (R hand G19).

Seraph
08-17-2011, 02:55 PM
Are the "in stock" notices on your site up to date (R hand G19).

No, they're not supposed to be showing as in stock. We've zeroed the inventory a couple of times, to have it somehow get reset to a previous version. Sorry about that. That whole site will be taken down, and replaced with a new one, showcasing the Kydex line (hopefully tonight).

VolGrad
08-18-2011, 06:04 PM
Rec'd mine today. Looks fantastic, molding is excellent as is the retention. I haven't threaded it on a belt yet as I was already sans belt by the time I opened the mail.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/guns%20and%20gear/3f410490.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd208/volgrad/guns%20and%20gear/fee0eb87.jpg

aboveandbeyond
08-24-2011, 03:54 PM
wicked pics volgrad. How's concealment for you on the Y-12?

VolGrad
08-24-2011, 04:09 PM
wicked pics volgrad. How's concealment for you on the Y-12?

I'll report back more later after some more use but initially .... the holster conceals very well. I am shocked how easy it is to hide a light carrier IWB. It holds extremely snug to the body as well. Now, the down side is the wide footprint of the holster is making my pants very tight. I carry IWB almost exclusively in either a Comp-Tac CTAC or a Personal Security Systems holster and have never had to "up-size" my pants to accommodate a holster. It is very noticeable.

However, the issue I'm having is NOT a knock on the quality or design. I find the molding and retention on this holster as good as ANY I've ever seen. I thinks it quite remarkable actually. I am just not sure I want to have to worry about whether or not my pants are going to fit each time I holster up.

TheLaw
08-24-2011, 04:53 PM
What are your thoughts on that mag carrier with so much of the mag covered up? I like to have a little more "meat" to grab on when indexing my mags so I wanted to see if it has hindered your draws/reloads.

VolGrad
08-24-2011, 05:53 PM
What are your thoughts on that mag carrier with so much of the mag covered up? I like to have a little more "meat" to grab on when indexing my mags so I wanted to see if it has hindered your draws/reloads.

I agree and have discussed with the maker.

karmapolice
08-26-2011, 04:37 PM
any chance mine has made it out in the mail Tony?

jlw
08-26-2011, 08:27 PM
I'd appreciate more details on the OWB offerings.

VolGrad
08-26-2011, 09:39 PM
I'd appreciate more details on the OWB offerings.

Remind me Sunday and I'll bring this gear for you to look at. Not OWB except the pouch but you can still check it all out.

jlw
08-26-2011, 10:54 PM
Remind me Sunday and I'll bring this gear for you to look at. Not OWB except the pouch but you can still check it all out.

Funny, I was going to ask you to remind me not to forget things...

VolGrad
08-27-2011, 08:44 AM
Funny, I was going to ask you to remind me not to forget things...

Don't forget your WALLET .... again.

karmapolice
09-28-2011, 10:15 PM
I got my y-12TL and magazine pouch in today, it was a long wait but after receiving the final product well worth it. The fit and finish on the holster and magazine pouch is flawless, the retention is good and it is very comfortable for me to carry. I wore it tonight once I got off work allowing me to drive with it as well as carry it while watching a movie at the theater with my girlfriend. The whole time the holster maintained it postion and comfort level and it has a smooth draw as well, I am supper happy with it so far and will post pictures when I get a chance and give more feedback once I have some more time with it.

Keltoi
09-29-2011, 02:27 AM
Karma just out of curiosity when did you order yours?

ubervic
11-06-2011, 03:43 PM
I'm in the market for something very like the Y-12. Anyone have any further commentary/feeback to share?