rcsaddles Report post Posted February 5, 2010 Which saddle skirting is the best these days? I was told that Siegel has the best to use. Also heard that Waterhouse is good. Heard bad things about Hermann Oak. I'm gettting ready to make two saddles and would like other's opinions on which leather is the best. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jwwright Report post Posted February 5, 2010 Joe.........Herman Oak has been the gold standard within the industry for a long time, and probably more custom makers are using HO than any other, at least for those building ranch rigs. However, I sure don't mean to imply that it is the only good choice, or even the best. Of the various skirting leathers I've used, Herman Oak has been the most consistant, and that is what I continue to use. In the past few months, I have visited with other saddle maker friends who are using skirting from Thoroughbred, Sadesa, and Chahin. All were very pleased with these leathers for cutability, moldability and especially for yeild from the hides. JW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevinjohnson Report post Posted February 5, 2010 Herman Oak........Can be hard to work, depending on the wieght, but it pays off in longevity. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rcsaddles Report post Posted February 5, 2010 A little more infomation. These are going to be mule saddles that we use packing into wilderness areas. They are going to be more of a trail saddle with keeping weight in mind. I am using 10 - 12 oz leather. I am not going to drop names but was told by a well respected saddle maker and leather worker who has been in the business for more than 40 years that HO can be hard to cut and that he is now using Siegel's skirting. He would not tell anyone that if he did not use the leather and believe it. He would also not endorse anything he didi not use. With the amount of money that is invested, it is nice to know that a person is using the best material you can get. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BondoBobCustomSaddles Report post Posted February 5, 2010 Joe, I agree with Kevin and JW, there are lots of good suppliers out there, I like all of the leathers they have listed and would add Whickett and Craig to that list. They are my personal choice, however; if you use any of these, I am sure you will be satisfied. Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shelly Report post Posted February 5, 2010 I use Hermann Oak primarily - but, I currently have four sides of Wickett/Craig, that I will be using soon. I use 14/16 oz HO, and have it buffed. I used to use the next lighter sides from HO, but found they would be rather shallow, and the weight dropped off significantly pretty quick - going to the heavier sides has made a lot of difference, in that the hides are bigger, and allows me to actually have some fudge room, as well as the ability to cut good repair parts from what I have left. Since I have a band knife, I can take the small stuff I click out, such as spur straps - leave them heavy, or take them down so I can line and stitch them, for a 'dressier' style of strap. I've found the heavier hides have been more consistent for cutting lately - I've heard they've been working on that, so don't know if it's one or the other...better formulation, or just the heavier hides are always more consistent... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Brewer Report post Posted February 6, 2010 Joe,I have been using Triple C skirting for the past 10 years are so.I like it real well,tools good and seams to hold up well.I am like Shelly and order 15-17 oz.The HO and Wiggett & Craig are good leathers also,the price difference between then and Triple C is about $30 a side on the roll price. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Priam1 Report post Posted February 15, 2010 I used to use the next lighter sides from HO, but found they would be rather shallow, and the weight dropped off significantly pretty quick - going to the heavier sides has made a lot of difference, in that the hides are bigger, and allows me to actually have some fudge room, as well as the ability to cut good repair parts from what I have left. I've found the heavier hides have been more consistent for cutting lately - I've heard they've been working on that, so don't know if it's one or the other...better formulation, or just the heavier hides are always more consistent... I have had the same problem with the first saddle that I am building. From what I remember, I ordered 14/15 oz leather, and based on the way I cut out my patterns from the hide, I had some significant weight drop off. I certainly don't mind this in non structural items, but it has really gven me concern in that my saddle skirts are at different weights, and my inskirt rigging are not consistent weight thickness. My question is for someone that is a novice like myself and who is not as yet proficient on putting my patterns in such a way as to maximize weight thickness, would I be better off purchasing the thickest leather possible and having the distributor plane it to a consistent thickness? Or is this just not a big deal? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
