I think Alan MacKenzie has it right on this.

I'm all in favor of going to saddlemakers or bootmakers and telling them what you want made...their work is normally as good or better than anything that is mass produced, and it keeps them in business, which comes in handy when you need a saddle and find out none of the mass produced ones fit your horse or your rear end.

Remember saddlemakers and bootmakers make all manner of leather goods. Saddlebags, holsters, belts, cartridge carriers, even belt carriers for your mobile phone if you want...

Richard.