Lou Alessi, Respected Holster-Maker, Succombs to Cancer
Lou Alessi, one of America’s leading holster-makers for four decades, passed away this weekend in New York after a struggle with cancer. Lou was a great designer, and a master craftsman. He invented many holster designs that were copied by other holster-makers. Alessi’s classic ankle holster design was “the standard against which others are measured”, and the Alessi Talon, in this Editor’s opinion, is simply the best IWB (Inside Waist-Band) design ever. The Talon IWB is thin, comfortable, durable, easy-to-deploy, and affordable. This editor once asked Lou why he maintained affordable pricing on the Talon while other holster-makers were selling copy-cat designs for twice the price. Lou replied: “I’m not in this to get rich. I want to sell at a fair price so law enforcement officers can afford good equipment.”
D.M. Clark, moderator of the 911 Jobs Forum, noted: “Lou was well known to all those in law enforcement, who found his gear to be beautifully made and durable beyond belief. Almost all custom holster craftsman today credit their designs and skills to the generous advice and support of Lou Alessi. [He was] truly a real gentlemen. RIP Lou.”
Jim Shepherd of the Shooting Wire adds: “[Alessi’s] reputation among his fellow holster-makers was a man who led by example…. That’s the same kind of reputation Alessi had among fellow holster makers coming up in the past two decades; if there was a question about how to do something, Alessi was always willing to share his insights. Insights many others considered their trade secrets.”
