REVIEW: Sickinger leather combination holster for G17 and Mk3 pepper spray

Sickinger is one of the last major companies that manufactures products like holsters and bags in leather. The product range includes handcuff cases, pepper spray holsters, and old shoulder leather holsters for revolvers. The Sickinger Kombi Holster, developed by Lic Tec, is designed to bridge the gap between a concealed holster and the operational belt worn by Austrian police officers. The idea behind this is that colleagues in the criminal police as well as other law enforcement personnel often switch between uniform and plain clothes, and it is important to maintain secure access to their equipment.

In this context, the employer (Ministry of the Interior) dictates that the pepper spray must be positioned on the duty belt before the firearm. Since many police officers in plainclothes service use private holsters and rarely carry a pouch for the pepper spray or remove it from the duty belt, they constantly struggle with the issue that the pepper spray is never where it is supposed to be on the belt.

This should no longer be an issue with the Sickinger holster - above the backside. The holster is made of full leather and is worn on the outside of the belt. You can easily thread belts up to 45mm through the holster. The holster for the pistol is connected to the holster for the pepper spray by two screws. These screws are not prominently visible, as a leather tab that accommodates the belt ensures that the holster fits closer to the body.

The pepper spray holster by Sickinger is similar to the old model of the pepper spray leather holster on the duty belt. The Ministry of the Interior has replaced the leather holster with a Cordura model.

The weapon is securely held by the Sickinger holster, almost a bit too tight, with no room for wiggling. The initial few draws are quite stiff. The weapon retention system is the same as with the old Glock Polymer Sport and Duty Holster. It is easy to open, unfortunately not as easy and quick to close, and the push button closure often gets stuck.

Why leather instead of Kydex or plastic, this question is not easy to answer. The decision lies more in the preference of the observer. Personally, I am a fan of Kydex and plastic holsters, having used brands like Safariland and Raven Concealment for years. But I must say, the Sickinger Kombi Holster has shown me a different perspective. It is comfortable to wear, and the combination is very well thought out.

Since it is worn on the outside of the belt, a T-shirt is no longer sufficient for concealed carrying. A vest or sweater is necessary. The only downside that may concern many opponents of leather holsters is the leather around the trigger guard. There are images where the soft leather has been pressed into the trigger mechanism, causing shooters to accidentally fire into their thighs with holstered guns. In this case, one would hope that the manufacturer would use a reinforcement or a plastic device to protect the trigger mechanism.

However, I have tried to forcefully press the leather to simulate trigger activation while holstering, but without success. The manufacturer Sickinger has done a great job with their craftsmanship. I hope that through prolonged use and leather care, this issue will not arise.

CONCLUSION: A very well thought out holster that is relevant to those law enforcement groups who must carry their equipment concealed. With this holster, they have a good and much better alternative than what the employer currently provides. I can only hope that the government will eventually opt for truly innovative solutions and acquire and supply this holster.

The Sickinger Kombi Holster is available in brown or black leather, for right and left-handers, and for pistols such as Glock 17/19/22/23, Steyr Mannlicher M-Series, Heckler & Koch USP and P30, SIG 226/227/229. The pouch for the MK3 pepper spray can be exchanged for handcuff, magazine, or flashlight pouches upon request. The holster costs 95 euros (shipping in Europe 3.60 euros). For individuals who carry weapons professionally (military, customs, police, etc.), discounts are available when purchasing the holster privately. Orders, more information, and dealer inquiries to LICTOR TECHNOLOGIE.

Comparison between duty belt (here with Safariland holster) and Sickinger Kombi Holster.