ca23pt Report post Posted March 1, 2008 I received a box of leather from a co-worker whose late father worked with leather, and was wondering how to tell vegetable tanned from chrome tanned. I have read several postings in the Holster section stating chrome tanned can attack the finish of your firearm and want to make sure I avoid this. Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Randyc Report post Posted March 3, 2008 If you look directly at the edge of leather, chrome tanned leather will have a grayish layer which is real easy to see. Vegatable tanned leather will not have that coloring on the edges. Hope this helps. Randy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted March 3, 2008 Vegetable tanned leather will absorb water and take tool impressions, chrome tanned leather will not. HTH Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ca23pt Report post Posted March 3, 2008 OK. Thanks for helping. I'm pretty new at this and I'm sure I'll have lots of questions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Davy Report post Posted September 17, 2008 There is such a thing as a retan too . its veg tanned leather then chrome tanned or vice versa . I forget the purpose of this leather but would it affect gun metal the same way ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
