Is there a reasonably priced leather supplier recommendation

[JHLeatherwood]

1 hour ago, DaveP said:

Buy direct from Wickett & Craig in PA.

Great leather, but not t all cheap.

 

On 11/16/2022 at 5:10 PM, Mulligan31 said:

Really. So it’s fair to say there is a meaningful difference in the quality and this isn’t just a matter of preference. I will have to get some different stuff and see. The problem with starting out is the waste. 

Tandy has some good-quality leather, but their prices for the good stuff are right up there with Wicket & Crain and Hermann Oak. I was over a year into my leather journey when I bought my first HO, and I discovered that carving and tooling doesn't have to be such hard work. Folding HO didn't crack it, edges burnished more easily and to a better final shine, dyes went in more easily, cutting out patterns didn't dull my knife as fast.

It's not a perfect analogy, but think of it like playing golf: Tiger Woods will beat me every time, even with the worst quality clubs possible (good craftsmen can get great results with almost any leather). But I'm going to play better, and enjoy it more, if I have quality clubs that fit me (if I buy higher quality leather).

You should buy a 1 square foot panel of W&C and HO and compare it side by side with whatever you're using. Smell it, feel it, cut it, carve it, stamp it, dye it, and burnish it. Only you can decide whether the difference is worth premium price.

[doubleh]

Earlier this year I wanted to make a belt and decided to try a blank of Tandy's premium veg tanned leather. It was actually more expensive than the same thing in Herman's Oak at S&D Trading across town. Was it better? Certainly not and I relearned my lesson about Tandy's tooling leather.

I only do small projects for myself now and Herman's Oak can be found on e-bay in the right weight and sizes I need at reasonable prices. 

Using lower quality leather to learn tooling is mostly a waste of time and money as poor quality yields poor results. Go ahead and spend a little more to see the difference. 

Edited November 18, 2022 by doubleh

[TonySFLDLTHR]

All the suppliers mention here are going to take care of you just fine. Build a relationship with the company you fine is your best fit. 
 

We all are going to make mistakes and we are all going to fix them. However, the way they get fixed are going to vary and very likely that will vary between different employees you might speak with. 
 

We have customers that call and request to speak to specific customers service employees we have, because they have built that trust with them. 
 

So all of that…to say…this group has done a good job of giving you great places to reach out too. 
 

Best of luck in your leather adventures!

[9fingers]

late to the party but decades of experience to suggest don't shoot for the top end just yet.  Find a local leather retailer carrying any of the names already suggested; there are many in your area but you want accessibility so YOU get to pick out hides you want.  Then seek out a saddler near you and contact them.  Offer to buy lunch; if you connect remember lunch is on you forever; they might like the idea of you picking up a fast food sandwich and spending a lunch hour with them.  DO NOT become a pain for them so remember to treat their time accordingly; make our a list of questions before getting together; not too many on any occasion, (right?).  The idea is just get to see their shop, get a "whiff of the good life".

As for leather buying; don't go for the best until an advisor as above tells you you're making a good product.  Get used to the idea that time ... plenty of it is your ally.  You need an expert opinion ... without becoming a (what again? ... yeh, you got it).

stay away from the hobby shops. and you will soon learn quality/price.  Certainly don't need 'best' grade leather yet.

So, find a leather retailer (saddle leather retailer a search to try as well) and go from their.

Follow the above  and you'll come out of the dark into the light, faster.

 

[Brooks125]

On 11/16/2022 at 1:17 AM, tsunkasapa said:

Weaver leather is another source. And +1 on Mavrick and Montana.

Weaver Leather Supply - Leathercrafting and Leatherworking Supplies

Depending on where you are in NE Ohio, Weaver may be worth a drive to look at the leather in person.  If you do, fuel up before you go ... no gas stations nearby.