problems with Hermann Oak

[FrenchMich]

Hello All,

Just a question about Herman Oak leather. I'd like to know if some of you has problem with Herman Oak Leather.
Since  few years, when I order some side in French dealer I receive material which which no longer corresponds at tha previous quality.
My dealer tell me it's A grade, while there is a lot of defects on the side, the flanc part is biger and really soft (straight to the trash).
And more the grain (flower ? I don't know the name in English)of leather is very brittle. It plugs the holes of my Bargrounders and the result is shitty.

Result of my job of this morning

My tools during the background

What I get with good leather

My supplier told explains to me that it's not his fault and to directly see with HO factory (they don't answer me).
I think that, maybe my supplier lies to me and he send me all his waste.
Please, tell me if you have the same problems.
Mich'

[TomE]

I did receive some HO sides in 2021 that were puckered or had more defects than usual.  I was told they were behind on production because of an equipment failure at the tannery (a large splitter? was being repaired) so perhaps they were sending out leather that was less than usual quality.  Their sales manager answered my questions on the phone.  Since 2021 I've had top quality HO sides, purchased from Springfield Leather Co.  SLC will accept returns of leather in good condition.  I recently visited their store and they opened bundles of bridle sides for me to inspect.  Almost all of them were excellent in terms of consistency and minimal defects.  Not sure if your distributor is an authorized dealer or getting HO leftovers from other sources.

Edited March 21, 2023 by TomE

[Tugadude]

20 minutes ago, TomE said:

I did receive some HO sides in 2021 that were puckered or had more defects than usual.  I was told they were behind on production because of an equipment failure at the tannery (a large splitter? was being repaired) so perhaps they were sending out leather that was less than usual quality.  Their sales manager answered my questions on the phone.  Since 2021 I've had top quality HO sides, purchased from Springfield Leather Co.  SLC will accept returns of leather in good condition.  I recently visited their store and they opened bundles of bridle sides for me to inspect.  Almost all of them were excellent in terms of consistency and minimal defects.  Not sure if your distributor is an authorized dealer or getting HO leftovers from other sources.

Good answer.  A good dealer has nothing to hide, no pun intended.  I also deal with SLC and while I don't buy as much as most here, they have always gone out of their way in order to help me.  

I wonder whether the OP has other options for procuring leather and related products.  Sounds like there is at least some distrust with the current supplier.  Telling a customer to take it up with the manufacturer isn't the best approach.

 

[FrenchMich]

It's the authorized dealer for Europe...

<< Telling a customer to take it up with the manufacturer isn't the best approach.>>  I absolutely agree with that.

I can't call to Hermann OAk, my level is too low. I speak, I manage in writing but my listening is not good. The only one answer i received few months ago told that I don't know use the HO leather...

Anyway, thank you for your feedback.

Edited March 21, 2023 by FrenchMich

[chuck123wapati]

1 minute ago, FrenchMich said:

It's the authorized dealer for Europe...

So then is he the only one? Both the dealer and the leather are bad. they should at least reimburse you for that crap. They have the ability to inspect their orders from the manufacturers and return bad leather just as you should its not your job its theirs.

[FrenchMich]

I totally agree with that too. When Hermann was a family business, I had the email of Mr Hermann and when I had problem he quickly found a solution for me. Even if I'm a toddler client. 
I try to make a quality job, and I loos all my efforts because of leather quality.

From France, It's very complicated and leathers here are not adapted for carving and western saddlery.

For your information, a Hermann OAk Tooling and molding strap 10/11 here is 430 € (currently 1€=1$)

Mich'

Ps: When I buy my Ho Leather through Weaver Leather, I have no problem

Edited March 21, 2023 by FrenchMich

[FrenchMich]

 

[GrampaJoel]

The only problem I have ever had with Herman oak was when I bought tannery run. I know they say tannery run is the standard, but there is a choice, or select grading also.

but even then tannery run was better quality than what I had purchased from Tandy. 

[FrenchMich]

26 minutes ago, GrampaJoel said:

The only problem I have ever had with Herman oak was when I bought tannery run. I know they say tannery run is the standard, but there is a choice, or select grading also.

but even then tannery run was better quality than what I had purchased from Tandy. 

I systematically order "A" grade, and in any case that is what my supplier claims to deliver to me.

[purplefox66]

I think your dealer is lying to you.