By Todd Bernhard on Sat, 05/20/2017
Years ago, I reviewed and raved about the beautiful, functional leather belt clip holsters from Blacksmith Labs. In fact, I called them "heirloom quality." The only problem with that phrase is that iPhones have gotten bigger, so the old cases can't be used with today's iPhones. Fortunately, the folks at Blacksmith Labs have built larger iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus cases and I had the opportunity to try Leather Belt Clip Holster (starting at $119.95) with a modern iPhone.
Related: Best Protective Cases for iPhone 7 & 7 Plus: Rugged, Waterproof, and Tough
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As before, I appreciate the beautiful design and quality leather choices, including crocodile embossed versions. As with the original, they come with a serious metal belt clip, in different finishes. Blacksmith Labs also sells a version for the iPhone 6/6s/7 and another for the Plus-size phones, but I would recommend that you order the Plus size even for a non-Plus iPhone, if you use a bulky case. If you have a Plus phone in a thick case, you might not be able to use the holster.
Besides the size, there's a subtle but important difference from those original models. The older model closed using a button hole. Now they use a magnet on the flap. It's a good move. Here's hoping Apple's phones get smaller and thinner and not thicker, so I can use the Blacksmith Labs holster for future phones!
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Quality leather
- Serious belt clip
- Numerous choices
Cons
- Need to order a size larger if you use a thick case
Final Verdict
The Leather Belt Clip Holster from Blacksmith Labs is an elegant way to carry your phone on your hip, and you can pretend to be a cowboy, just like in Westworld!
