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Hello, So, I've been wanting to SEE a good comparison between Hermann Oak and Wickett & Craig, there is a lot of people somewhat DESCRIBING the differences (or lack thereof), but I have not found anyone having actually documented it with photos/video. So, I received some swatches from W&C the other day, and decided I'd upload some pictures for reference. I have been only using Grade A Hermann Oak (yes, true Grade A). I was excited to hear that Wickett & Craig's tooling leather is lighter in color, and that they have no minimums straight from the tannery! I have to say, though; I am a little concerned with the flesh side quality of the swatch I received. The big thing I've taken away from HO's Grade A tooling leather is that the flesh side is always very tight and the fibers seem to be very short and consistent across the back. I was hoping that would be the case for Wickett & Craig's top grade leather, but the quality isn't quite the same for the flesh side. The flesh side of the W&C tooling swatch seems to be looser, the fibers seem to be a bit longer and inconsistent. Not a HUGE difference, but a difference, nonetheless. Now, I wrote the sales manager regarding the quality, assuming that the swatches that they used were just from scraps and aren't of their "Standard" or "Top grade" quality. The response I received was this: "The flesh will not be a problem Zayne. I'm sure it is just where they clicked the swatch?" Im not exactly sure that means, but I'm assuming it has something to do with them cutting out the swatch with a press, and it just doesn't seem like thats what would have caused the flesh side to be the way that it is. Anyway, have a look at the photos I uploaded. Again, I don't know for sure if the tooling swatch W&C sent me is factually top grade, but the sales manager didn't say that it was or wasn't when I asked him, hence the response. So, I'm assuming that the swatch I was sent IS their top grade, unless one of you can prove me wrong! In one of the pictures, I included the flesh side of the "Oak Skirting" swatch I was sent with all the other swatches from W&C. The flesh side of this one really scares me. It reminds me of the first cheap side of leather I purchased from Tandy. I'm really hoping this isn't W&C's "Standard" quality. Please prove me wrong! P.S.- I am in no way trying to throw shade at Wickett & Craig, I actually do prefer the lighter color of their tooling leather compared to Hermann Oaks. I'm really just looking to provide some information and hopefully gain some insight in return.

Hey guys, I'm looking for a supplier (other than direct from HO, as I can't afford their minimum), that carries Grade A HO backs WITHOUT the moss flesh. I have always purchased through Goliger as they seem to be the only supplier that sells true Grade A HO sides without a minimum, but they only carry the backs with the moss flesh. Well, I guess I should back up a little and say that I have had no experience with their "moss" flesh, and have never seen it, it just doesn't sound like something I would be happy with. With that said, is there someone out there that has purchased said leather with moss flesh, and would kindly post a picture, or at least describe, in detail, what exactly it looks/feels like? Is it like suede? One of the big reasons I like HO is how tight the grain is on the flesh side. Thank you!

I would like to see some thin (2, 3, or 4oz) samples of Hermann Oak -- preferably bridle or harness leather. Any color. I know there are some spots to buy it buy the sqft, but I don't have the ability to split the the standard stuff to what I want. I'm happy to pay for shipping, the leather, and your trouble. Thanks!

Is 2oz English Bridle Leather too thin for a wallet? I'm looking to make an ultrathin wallet, but I also want to keep the leather firm and durable. I've spoken with reps at Wickett & Craig and Hermann Oak about splitting leather down to 2oz. Each has said that they don't advise the leather to be split that thin. Why do you guys think? If I made a wallet out of 2oz EBL, would it fall apart? Does anyone have experience working with EBL that thin? Thanks!

I wanted to practice hand stitching with my new tools, so I made a guitar strap. It is lined and has about 11 feet of stitching, so plenty of practice! It is the first guitar strap I have made, so please let me know what you think. I still have to put the slots on each end... More photos here: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?app=gallery&album=2687 YinTx

This might be a stupid question, but, does anyone know if Hermann Oak's Grade A tooling leather is full grain or top grain? I am assuming it is full grain, considering that "A" is their highest grade, I'm just not 100% sure. Thanks Zayne