Though DeSantis is better known for its leather line of holsters, we decided to give their small Slim-Tuk Kydex offering a test drive with a not-so-tiny Glock 17. After carrying it regularly for several months inside the waistband, this minimalist little companion has proven to be a high-value yet budget-friendly IWB holster option.

In the ever-growing sea of holsters, it can be a bit tricky to figure out what options are fads and marketing hype and which ones perform well in daily use for a reasonable price. While there were a few shortcomings – mostly due to the size of the test gun – the Slim-Tuk honestly surprised me as a daily carry option, especially at the price point. Here’s why.

Where It Shines

Even though the holster is considered “minimalist,” it actually offers adjustability for both the angle and carry depth. It was also quite nice to find out it was incredibly easy to adjust both the cant and depth of the holster, which offers a wide variety of options using a simple but effective 360-degree ratchet-like system for locking in the belt clip angle. The holster is fully ambidextrous.

Retention strength is also easy to adjust, and I found it very positive while still allowing for an easy draw. You can hear an audible click when locking the gun into the Kydex shell, and a good upside-down shaking didn't dislodge the gun. Though I would normally recommend a drop of Loctite on your holster screws for secure rigidity over time, the padded washers between the screws have proven effective at retaining the angle, depth, and retention without adjustments so far.

I would also give the holster great marks for concealability with one caveat. Given the size and shape, I have almost solely carried this in the appendix position. I’ve done so without issues concealing a Glock 17 while wearing just a tank top, so take that for what it’s worth. The edges around the Kydex shell are rounded, and I didn’t notice any scraping, while the mold shape slipped into the beltline easily. Should you choose, you can tuck your shirt in around the belt clip. 

Carrying at the 3, 4, and 5 o’clock positions is doable, but it’s not nearly as comfortable as the appendix position. Because it’s a minimalist design, there is less space to spread out the weight, and it is noticeable (not unpleasant) if carried around the hip. That said, it’s fairly comparable to other Kydex options I’ve tried with similar sizes. Just don’t expect the Kydex to mold itself to your body or feel like your gun is wrapped in a cotton-candy cocoon. 

What’s the Catch

As stated, I did favor carrying this holster almost exclusively as an AIWB option with a Glock 17 because the appendix position offered more comfort and easier concealment. If I was forced to sit beyond a 90-degree angle, like when I was tying my boots, the depth of the holster could intrude into uncomfortable places. It wasn’t unavoidable, just something to be aware of before you suddenly decide to slump deep down into a recliner.

That is a solvable issue that I will accept, particularly given the gun I picked. The Slim-Tuk managed most sitting tasks, including long driving periods, with relatively minor adjustments. Keep in mind, if you are putting a Glock 17 down the front of your pants that those 8 inches have to go somewhere. Plus, you can always adjust the height of the belt clip to raise it higher.

My bigger issue is that, given my preferred carry angle, I did notice the belt clip rubbing my middle knuckle. That could have impacted my draw if I had chosen to keep that angle and lower the holster even more for extra-deep concealment. 
 

Final Thoughts

No holster is going to be perfect for every body type, carry position, and firearm. But for my money, the concealability, price point, retention, and simplicity of the Slim-Tuk is well worth it if you are looking for an AIWB holster that can also move to other carry positions when needed. 

The fact that it turned my Glock 17 into an easy daily concealed carry option for less than I generally spend on a holster was a nice bonus. I’ve had other holsters for smaller guns that I liked more, but they also cost more and were considerably bigger. So, if minimalist and concealable is your angle, then checking out the Slim-Tuk is a solid place to start.