Tag Archives: concealment claw

Holsters

Are Concealment Claws Effective?

While not everyone wants or needs a concealment claw, let’s take a look at how they work, and how much extra concealment they provide.

What is a concealment claw, anyway?

Here is a typical concealment claw, pictured on a Werkz M6 holster. It attaches to the adjustable retention points and extends under the trigger guard.

A concealment claw is a device that is attached to or integrated with a holster. It is typically oriented so that it pushes against the belt, helping rotate the pistol into the body slightly. The idea is that by rotating the butt of the pistol inward, print is reduced. Claws come in many varieties, some attached under the trigger guard, some over the trigger guard, and some (like the picture above) attaching below the trigger guard and coming up.

Are Claws Effective?

The left side shows no concealment claw, and the right side with a concealment claw. Note that you can see more of the side of the pistol with the concealment claw.

As is shown in the picture above, claws can achieve their intended goal. The claw does help rotate the pistol into the body. You can see in the picture on the right that the claw (barely visible above the pantline) is pushing against the belt. This results in the butt of the pistol sitting closer to the body. The pictures are taken from the same angle, and more of the side of the Glock on the right is visible. Note that both holsters are similar designs, but the one on the right has the claw.
Claws perform a similar function whether the pistol is carried on the hip, or whether the pistol is carried in the appendix position. In both cases, print may be reduced.
In addition to helping reduce print, many claws are “grippy” and help keep the holster in place when drawing.
For myself, while I am not very concerned about print, I do find that the increased stability that the claw provides helps make my concealed carry just a little bit more comfortable. And for that reason alone, I do prefer a claw on my holsters.

One final note: I do not consider a claw mandatory. There are a lot of people carrying on the hip or appendix positions without a claw with no concealability or comfort issues. However, it is an option to consider for your next concealed carry holster purchase.

Werkz Holsters with a Concealment Claw

At Werkz, we have been attaching claws to our holsters for years. It started with the Bisect 2.0, originally using machined piece of Kydex. Now, the Bisect 2.0 has evolved to use a more refined carbon-fiber reinforced 3d printed part. The Bisect 2.0 features an attached magazine carrier, and is available for over 200 pistols and over 70 different light/laser combinations.
We then introduced the M5 holster with a slightly different machined Kydex solution, and it too has evolved to use a carbon-fiber reinforced 3d printed part. The M5 is a quick ship holster, and available in fewer configurations.

The Current Evolution – Werkz M6 Holster

Werkz M6 holster for a pistol with a light. In this case, the Glock 19 (gen3, gen4, gen5) with the Olight PL-Mini Valkyrie.

With the advent of strong carbon-fiber reinforced 3d printed parts, plus advanced manufacturing techniques, we have launched the M6 holster, pictured above. The M6 contains more modularity features, allowing you to switch out the single clip for dual tuckable hooks, or a single hook plus single strut strap for ultimate holster retention. Plus (of course), these feature a claw, even on the ambidextrous versions. These holsters feature adjustable retention, threaded barrel drop through capability, support for slide milled optics, and a precision fit.
Order yours today!

We need your feedback!

The M6 is currently available in limited configurations. What pistol / light / laser combination do you want us to build for? Let us know at products@werkz.com. We cannot guarantee we will build for your combination, but we will absolutely consider and prioritize your feedback along with everyone else’s!