Search the Community

Hi all, I have lung issues and am concerned about working with chrome tanned leather. I know that it can be made so that it is safe to use but I don’t know who offers it for sale that way. I imagine US manufacturing would be the best way to go but how do you know? I know US manufactures would be the safest for the environment too.I don’t even know if there is any chrome tan made in the USA. I am interested in mostly pull up types and some upholstery types. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to purchase and how to identify when buying on line. I don’t typically see where it is made in the add to cart page. I plan on being at the 2022 Sheridan show and will be looking. Thanks in advance, and if this has already been talked about please direct me.

A little information from a reddit post about chrome tanned leathers and chromium salts possibly causing corrosion. Copied the text below in case the post disappears or is otherwise inaccessible. Use at your own risk as there is no chemical information to back up the statement, but was made in good faith by the OP based on his research and conversations with a person that should know. Tom https://www.reddit.com/r/Leathercraft/comments/4y005l/solved_can_chrome_tanned_leathers_be_used_for/ Posted byu/B_Geisler Old Testament Mod 4 years ago [SOLVED] Can chrome tanned leathers be used for knife rolls/ sheaths, holsters, etc.? OR Are residual chromium salts/ alum/ iron salts in tanned leather corrosive, and if so, to what metals and to what degree? Tips & Tricks Can chrome tanned leathers be used for knife rolls/ sheaths, holsters, etc.? OR Are residual chromium salts/ alum/ iron salts in tanned leather corrosive, and if so, to what metals and to what degree? This question gets asked here with considerable frequency, especially when it comes to making items that will come in direct contact with metals-- sheaths, knife rolls, holsters, &etc. Barrels and blades, folks. Conventional wisdom says that we don't make these items from chrome tanned leather, supposedly due to the corrosive nature of residual chromium salts in the leather. I'm guilty of this one. I've said it, I've heard old timers say it, and you can't swing a cat without hitting an internet 'expert' that will agree. Chrome tanned leather is bad for barrels and blades. Right? I've asked chemists, leatherworkers, wholesalers, and retailers and the most common answer by far is "Chrome tan is supposed to be bad for barrels and blades, but I've never SEEN it." I've researched this topic extensively and, until now, have yet to find a definitive answer on the topic. I made a few calls and ended up on the phone with Tim Howes. Tim has worked in the leather industry for decades and has, at one time or another, worked for about every major tannery in the business. Tim currently works a technical sales consultant for Tannin Corp, a manufacturer and supplier of oils, waxes, fillers, slip agents and syntans for leather tanning, processing and finishing applications-- these are the guys that sell tanning liquors to essentially everyone in the business and Tim's the one answering the technical questions that make that possible. Per my conversation with Tim, there's a short answer and a long answer to the question. The short answer according to Tim, is no. Chrome tanned leathers from any of the big-name tanneries use such advanced tanning processes that the risk of corrosion or blueing from residual chromium salts is essentially none. The long answer is, no. The reason that so much gear was originally made with veg tan leather was due to animals (especially horses) and humans experiencing adverse skin reactions to the chromium salts-- and not a corrosion issue at all. While the salts ARE corrosive, they don't appear in high enough concentrations in tanned leather to pose any risk except possibly as a skin irritant. He said that he couldn't recall having corrosion issues arise with ferrous metals, brass, nickel plates, etc. and that copper is going to corrode anyway. After a thorough discussion with him about modern tanning processes, it became clear pretty quickly that the likelihood of residual chromium being an issue is very, very low. That said, he did caution that the same doesn't go for leathers tanned in non-commercial settings and tannages from less developed countries that don't follow modern tanning processes. The reason for this is that "you just don't know what these guys are doing, there's some, uh, pretty funky stuff out there. I mean chemically its all backwards, but it works somehow." Any corrosion risk comes from storing the gun/knife/etc. in leather-- the leather absorbs moisture from the surrounding air and creates a damp environment. Damp environments and metals don't mix. That's it. TLDR; For practical purposes, as long as you're buying your leather from a reputable tannery, feel free to make knife rolls/sheaths/holsters from whatever tickles your fancy-- chrome tan, veg tan, oiltan, etc. are all safe for use. EDIT: We're talking about this in the context of typical leather applications from reputable tanneries.

FULL (Chrome Tanned) WINTER BISON HIDE = $1025 (+shipping) We run a Bison Ranch out of Colorado and Arizona and offer the hides for sale as well as the meat. We just got back our Winter Hair-on Hides and they are absolutely stunning! The hair is thick and soft! Fully tanned, so all you have to decide is how to display it! I still have 1 more left in our Colorado Store and a few left in our Arizona Store! If interested, please contact us ASAP. Limited quantities available.

I work on a Bison ranch in Colorado and we currently have a variety of tanned Bison Hides available! We have both full size and 1/2 size in stock! All the tanning work is done, all you have to do is add your creative tough to turn them into something special!! Leather is thick, soft, and flexible- perfect for making clothing, moccasins, upholstery, or whatever your creative mind can think up!! 1/2 Size: Measure roughly 14 sq ft (give or take). 2 colors available- tan and chocolate ........... $200.00/ each Full Size: Measure 28-30 sq ft. (give or take). 2 colors available- tan (lighter tan than 1/2 hides) and wine ...... $700.00/ each Shipping available at additional cost. Additional pictures available upon request. If you're interested, shoot me a message on here or vial email at adamsnaturalmeats@aol.com. OR if you're local, stop on by the ranch to check them out in person! Looking for full size hair-on Bison hides? We are taking pre-orders!!! We are awaiting out winter coat hair on Bison hides to come back from the tanner!! These were sent in when the animals had their full plush winter coat on them and are BEAUTIFUL!! We will be selling them for $1000.00/each. If you're wanting to add one to your collection, reserve yours now! Don't wait! They won't last long at this price! We will take your information, and call you as soon as they come in so you get first dibs!!!!

Hi all Can chrome tanned leather be dyied successfully? My first attempts appear be successful but what of long term survival? Photo is of Portifino D Shoulder leather from Tandy. Before and after application of a custom blend of three Pro Die shades with a single coat of Fiebings Pro Resist on top. What's there not to love! Silverd

Hello All, I decided to join based on great tips i've been getting from this site but i've coming across a re- accuring problem as a Leatherworker specific on Leather bags and i use Chrome Tan Leather. Since it is very difficult to stamp on these types of leathers what will work best when it comes to imprinting my logo onto the leather? Will Hot Foil Stamp work on Chrome Leather? Arbor Press? Or Should i simply find another way to attach my logo onto the bag(s). Please Help!

Hey everyone. I feel like I've searched the internet for years looking for suppliers of chrome tanned leather in assorted colors. I use hidehouse now for just about all semi-aniline leathers as they are consistent, but very limiting in colors. I found another fellow bagmaker who uses the most beautiful leathers, but I don't want to be insulting and ask their to divulge their supplier. Of course we have different styles and designs, but ideally we have the same target customer. And I can't say I would give up those secrets myself! I've attached a picture and below is a list of suppliers I've already found. I have a feeling my best option is probably overseas, which I have no experience with. Any additional suppliers in the US or Abroad you guys can think of would be helpful! Hide House Moore & Giles Waterhouse (just ordered samples) Auburn Leather Company The Leather Guy (just ordered samples) and then all the big saddle guys: Tandy (bleh) Springfield Wickett Thouroughbread Weaver etc... Thanks everyone! ...

Interested in the edge glazer made by Campbell Randall. They say to use the edge glazer with the product - Fenice edge paint in at least two coats to achieve a clean, smooth "only way to professionally finish" chrome product. Before I make the purchase. ..... Does Anyone have some words of wisdom to share? Thanks!

This is my first post, but I have been lurking for quite some time, nut I have finally decided to tap into the collective knowledge of this site. I have been actively looking for a "Full Grain" leather that is drum dyed throughout. I need the leather to be preferrably 5/6oz with the 7oz being the absolute max thickness. I do not care if the leather is veg tan, chrome tanned, or oil tanned. It just needs to wear well, and be able to patina with time and use. I have searched different suppliers and goods manufactures to try to find the ellusive hide. The closest thing I can find would be the leather Saddleback uses for their products, but I am confused because Dave Munson says that he uses chrome tanned leather, but everything else I have read has said that Chrome tanned will not Patina. And I know from experience that SB leather ages very well. I have ordered from Weaver, Waterhouse, Tandy, and Springfield. So basically I am looking for a full grained, 5/6oz, fully dyed bropwn leather that will age well. Does anyone know of a supplier that has such a hide. Or does anyone know of a specific hide from the above manufatures that fits this criteria? I am open to any help I can get...thanks -Jake