Leather Quality

[Scifidelity]

I don't do tooling, but IMO, one of the best things a beginner (which I still consider myself to be) can do is spend hours researching the different types of leather tanning, coloring, finishing, etc. 

[Brokenolmarine]

I have done a lot of research on the various techniques for dying, staining, painting, and the treatments such as antiquing and finishes over the last five years.  I have blown some nice work with poor finishes in the beginning...   But learned valuable lessons from it.  You just keep moving forward... and practice and more practice.  Before I apply a finish these days, especially on a larger project with a lot of time invested, I use an off cut of the leather I use on a project to test the stain and finish I'm going to use.  

Edited February 28 by Brokenolmarine

[PastorBob]

There is another one I have tried and they are in OK.  it's called Tradition's Leather.  Much lighter in color and softer feel than HO, but does tool real nice.  US sourced I believe.  I think they are based in OKC now.  I have no affiliation.  I normally purchase from Panhandle or SLC.

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

Get yourself some HO. You will be shocked and happy with the difference. I was using Tandy's superior oak(?) I believe it was called. Anyway it was the best they carried at the time. When I got my first side of HO strap leather, I instantly feel in love with working with it. Not only did my tooling come out better, but it is easier to cut and holds a mold much better. You'll love how the swivel knife glides, like butter. I also bought a holster side (both from weaver) at the same time. There is a difference between the two, and I prefer the holster sides over the strap. I have also purchased Grade A or Grade 1, depending on who you're shopping through. For me that was montana leather company. I didn't see much of an advantage justifying the price difference between that and tannery run from weaver. I specialize primarily in holsters, chest and shoulder harnesses, and belts. But the majority of my work is holsters in general. 

[Brokenolmarine]

9 hours ago, DoubleKCustomLeathercraft said:

Get yourself some HO. You will be shocked and happy with the difference. I was using Tandy's superior oak(?) I believe it was called. Anyway it was the best they carried at the time. When I got my first side of HO strap leather, I instantly feel in love with working with it. Not only did my tooling come out better, but it is easier to cut and holds a mold much better. You'll love how the swivel knife glides, like butter. I also bought a holster side (both from weaver) at the same time. There is a difference between the two, and I prefer the holster sides over the strap. I have also purchased Grade A or Grade 1, depending on who you're shopping through. For me that was montana leather company. I didn't see much of an advantage justifying the price difference between that and tannery run from weaver. I specialize primarily in holsters, chest and shoulder harnesses, and belts. But the majority of my work is holsters in general. 

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind when I place my first order.  Most of my leather work follows the same pattern... Holsters, belts, sheaths...

[Brokenolmarine]

I know it's been a bit, but I called Maker's Leather and asked their advice on Herman Oak or Wickett and Craig.  They advised that both were good products and were US Tanned Leather.... but the weights I wanted weren't in Stock right now.  They also confirmed that tooling would turn out much better than the leather that I bought from Tandy.  However, he did have leather from Texas Oak, an import.  Better Quality, very nice tooling leather, and had that in stock.  I couldn't order sides, they only sold shoulders, but I could try shoulders and if I saw an improvement in my work using better leather, the next time I ordered, I could move up to HO or W&C.  Worked for me.  I ordered a shoulder of 5/6 and a pair of 7/8 shoulders.  They said they would get it out asap.

We'll see how it goes, and I'll keep y'all posted.

Thanks for all your input folks.

[jrdunn]

@Brokenolmarine ,  I'm not sure but I think that Texas Oak may be the same double shoulders that Traditions Leather in Oklahoma City carries.  The owner told me that it is US hides, tanned in Mexico.  He seemed to really like the stuff and had some of it that Jim Linnell carved when he taught a class there.  It looked very good but I think maybe Jim could make chalk on a sidewalk look good.  I'm glad that Maker's could help you out.  JM2C, Jim Dunn

[BlackDragon]

19 hours ago, Brokenolmarine said:

I know it's been a bit, but I called Maker's Leather and asked their advice on Herman Oak or Wickett and Craig.  They advised that both were good products and were US Tanned Leather.... but the weights I wanted weren't in Stock right now.  They also confirmed that tooling would turn out much better than the leather that I bought from Tandy.  However, he did have leather from Texas Oak, an import.  Better Quality, very nice tooling leather, and had that in stock.  I couldn't order sides, they only sold shoulders, but I could try shoulders and if I saw an improvement in my work using better leather, the next time I ordered, I could move up to HO or W&C.  Worked for me.  I ordered a shoulder of 5/6 and a pair of 7/8 shoulders.  They said they would get it out asap.

We'll see how it goes, and I'll keep y'all posted.

Thanks for all your input folks.

You can order from other companies. There are few sellers for HO and W&C. I buy W&C directly from W&C. To buy HO from the company I believe you need to buy 5 sides at a time.

[Brokenolmarine]

The leather came in.  It's very nice.  When I finish the knife I have on my bench I'll tool a sheath, we'll see how the new leather tools, burnishes, and finishes.  I'll keep yah posted.