Hidemechanic Report post Posted June 4, 2008 Any one had good luck using something besides pearl split(mule hide) for shoeing chaps? I know some of you were talking about using elktan for horn wraps, just curious if something else would work as well for farrier chaps. Thanks, GH Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leerwerker Report post Posted June 5, 2008 The deertan cowhide from Tandy - seen it proven. It is tough, but it has give. Seen a farrier kicked five yards away and thought the apron would be ripped for sure. just slightly marked. He swears by that apron ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted June 5, 2008 GH, At least for me, the pearl apron splits just are the better choice. I have had guys try the cordura ones, and had nails stick through the weave and pin a guy to the hoof. I have had guys try the thinner chap leather ones with mulehide knee patches and had nails stick through the softer leathers. These same guys say they haven't had a nail penetrate mulehide. I am sure someone has, but it just seems the mulehide has stood the test of usage a little more. Any of the grained leathers are going to wear away with a rasp, and the softer ones are maybe going to open up there. The grained leathers get rough and look worse, and the roughout mulehide wears smooth and looks better. What's up with that?! The biggest complaint is that some mulehide is pretty stiff and some isn't. The stiffer stuff is a pain to deal with sticking out in front of your knee until it breaks in and drapes. I buy my mulehide from Siegels. I use the lighter weight for the body, and ask for them to pick something more to the soft side. I use the heavier weight for the leg patches. Mine are actually a stripe that cross the entire thigh rather than a patch inside and just over the knee. The stiffer and wider patch seems to give them some relief for the guys who don't use a hoof stand, and finish off on their knee or crawl under the back and finish the outside of the hoof on their thigh. I can then make the magnet covers and knife pockets from the softer light weight trimmings. I also like the larger scraps of the softer stuff for lining strainer plates. It lasts way longer than what some companies stick under there. The long pieces I cut horn wraps from, and the heavier ones I can split down to wrap easier. Finally mulehide is pretty cost effective compared to some of the other leathers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg gomersall Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Caledon Sales in Calgary Alberta sells a brown apron split that is the toughest stuff I have ever used. Way tougher than mulehide. I have sent sample pieces of this stuff to several leather suppliers here in the US but NONE of them seem interested in carrying it. It is tanned here but the tannery needs a 10,000 square foot order to make it. Call Ken at 403 252 0232 and he will ship it to you. I also use it to make some of the toughest garment and rigging bags you have ever seen. Greg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve mason Report post Posted June 5, 2008 I agree with Greg, the brown apron split that Caledon has would be the best stuff for shoeing apron. http://www.caledonleather.ca/index.html check their website, they have an 800 # here is a bag made out of it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hidemechanic Report post Posted June 5, 2008 Bruce, you and I seem to think a lot a like on a lot of things. I just thought I'd see what others had to say. I had the the same thoughts about the softer leathers handling rasps and nails. I hadn't even thought of cordura for the reason you mentioned. I have a cordura bib style apron I use for slaughtering that works well in that application but I wouldn't care to use it around nails and rasps and such. Greg and Steve, what is the cost after shipping stuff across the border to us? I might like to try the brown mh if it's not to costly to ship. Thanks for the replies. GH Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elton Joorisity Report post Posted June 5, 2008 I shipped 6 bucking horse flanks from here to Great Falls for $45 and they probably weighed 25-35 lbs. I live 4 or so hours north of Calgary if that gives you an idea. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted June 6, 2008 Steve and Greg, Thanks for more info on the brown apron split. I need to try some, it sure looks better than the grey-blue of the pearl splits. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites