Tucker’s optional lining is smooth cowhide, not suede. Since some customers have asked for suede I thought I’d quote one of the legends in holster-making in response.

Here’s what he says.

“Any smooth vegetable tanned leather would be good for a lining. Suede is definitely not recommended for a lining. It absorbs oil, and then dirt, and powder residue stick to the oil, get embedded into the suede, and act like sandpaper on your guns finish.

 

Most suede is also chrome tanned, which is a process of tanning using chromic acids to soften the leather. All garment leather is chrome tanned for softness, but unless specifically treated to neutralize the chrome salts in the leather, (which most aren’t), the chrome tanned leather will eat bluing off a gun in no time. Stick with vegetable tanned leather for a lining.”

 

— Lou Alessi