A few years ago a group of New Yorkers started making annual pilgrimages to Shootrite for training. These guys are squared away, with good gear and skills to match. Each time they came I kept noticing their holsters and, on asking, learned they came from Ritchie Leather. I didn't know the name. They told me it was Skip Ritchie, who used to be partners with Lou Alessi. This name I knew. Lou Alessi is one of the godfathers of holsters. His work was especially popular with the law enforcement and military communities. When it came to quality, fit and function Alessi was a fanatic. Every holster was well designed, thoroughly tested, then cut and assembled by hand. In the 1970's Skip needed a holster for his first handgun. He had heard about Alessi holsters and decided to check him out. "At the time this was a hobby for Lou," Skip told me, "and he made holsters at night and on weekends." Skip liked his holster, became a regular customer and eventually asked if Alessi needed any help. As Alessi's business grew he taught Skip more and more, and in 1984 Skip became a partner in the business. "Under his careful supervision," Skip says - with well-deserved pride - "the day came when he said to me, after I had boned an order of holsters, that he could not tell if it was my work or his!" Ritchie had become a master craftsman. After about a decade Ritchie left the holster business to pursue other interests. Then, in 2009, Skip learned Lou was sick and returned to the shop to help out. After Lou passed away Skip and his brother Bob started Ritchie Leather Co in 2010. Ritchie Leather offers a holster to fill every need. Their work reflects the traditional influences and old school work that's rare these days. But he's also not afraid to experiment. I've been working with him on an idea for a new type of revolver holster. I came up with the concept, but Skip is making it reality. Another unique example of his work is the two-pistol holster for the "J" frames in the picture above. There are several reasons for this story. First, it's a cool, interesting story. Next, it's an example of the American way of life. Skip was a gun guy, became interested in the art of making holsters so he volunteered his time. By studying under Alessi Skip became a master, a partner in the business and then opens his own shop. Not only is this America's story, but it also illustrates the relationship between teacher and student. If you want to become good at anything find someone who obviously knows more than you do, volunteer to help. Listen, imitate and learn all you can. By the way, desire is a mandatory part of this process. Oh yeah, the other reason for this story - Ritchie Leather is good stuff. Anyone looking for quality leather would do well to check them out. GTT. (Bonus points for those who know what this means.) Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of "The Book of Two Guns" - http://shootrite.org/book/book.html writes for several firearms/tactical publications, and is featured on GunTalk's DVD, "Fighting With The 1911 - http://shootrite.org/dvd/dvd.html Website: www.shootrite.org http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shootrite-Firearms-Academy/156608611038230?ref=ts