Hello folks,
This is my first post here and I’m quite new to leatherwork, I introduced myself in the new members section. Naturally I have me a load of questions. I won’t bug you too much all at once, so I start with one that’s on my mind at the moment, as I’m in the process of ordering me a couple of hides of 6/7oz and 9/10oz . Some info ahead, while I live in northern Canada I’m currently in Germany and will be here a few months. Anyway, in Canada I could’ve gotten some Hermann Oak or even try some Wickett and Craig but it seems that it’s a bit difficult to find that here. I found a couple spots but the prices are so much higher than in North America that I just can’t justify it. Thankfully there are good quality options from Italian and even German tanneries.
So after some trial and error test buys I think I found a contender with what I assume to be good veg tan, all natural leather. It’s got a slightly goldish-tan hue to it and stamps and burnishes well, I’d say.
Now, as I mentioned I’m still green and only worked with the typical bleached stuff until I tried some A grade Hermann Oak (what a difference) and now this stuff. This here stuff is slightly tallowed. It’s easy enough to case, but it doesn’t absorb the water as quickly as other leather I’ve worked with so far. I tried dying a bit of it and it takes some getting used to. So what are the advantages vs disadvantages to that, if any? Before I buy a couple hides of this I’d like to find out what I can. Anything I need to about it?
Another question would be what exactly is a Croupon? I guess it’s a term for a back part of the hide. Do any of you know this term? Does it include part of the butts/bends? I haven’t heard this word in English before.
Anyhow, I attached a quick picture I took of part of a “Croupon” that I cut in half. It’s 6/7oz and there’s a 4” strap of 10/11 oz as well.
Any help with this would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch in advance, guys.