Blake Report post Posted April 11, 2007 Can someone please give me their experiences with Siegels Skirting leather? Is it #1 grade, does it mold and shape well? How does it carve? Is it consistant? Inquiring minds would like to know . Thanks Blake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted April 11, 2007 Blake, I have used at least 40 sides of it. My experiences here. I started off using Caldwell-Moser when Siegels were carrying that. A little "softer" temper than Herman Oak. The Hermann Oak I first used had rawhide in 2 of 3 sides. Gave me a poor first impression of HO. When C-M closed, I went to Westan. I liked it too. TLF was selling Westan and HO at the same time too. Tried some Teneria, pale color. TLF talked me into trying some HO - I got 3 good sides - nice temper, clean, and cut easy. Ok, I am now a HO man. The very next 3 sides all had rawhide in the necks - not just a little. Pits in the grain. Siegel just came out with their own about that time. I thought it was as close to the Caldwell-Moser as anything I had cut since they closed. Haven't used anything else since. I tried a TLF side for bags and heavy stuff once - not the color and boardy. I won a drawing for a side of Wickett&Craig. The piece I tooled on was OK, but not what the Siegel's does for me. I thought I was on some other planet using it for a while. Nobody I knew was using it. That's cool - worked for me. Siegels did a little phone survey, and then put out a mailer on it. The testimonials were from guys like Eddie Brooks (one of the guys I look up to for making one that holds together - was shop foreman at Capriola's a long time), Jeff Hanson, and Bill Maupin makes bronc saddles with it. I felt like I was in pretty good company. I have probably gotten two sides that fell off in weight. The sides are all pretty clean. The occasional butcher cut. NO rawhide. It really molds well, much like the C-M. It also tools and stamps well. The HO tends to look a little "flat" when basket stamped sometimes. Siegel's "rounds" up. It takes me 3 sides to make a saddle, always has, so the yield is about what I got with the others. It is very consistant, I have not seen a big change in the last couple years. I will make you a deal - order three sides and if you don't like it, Siegel's will pick it up and cover the return shipping. Instead of having them ship it back to them, have them dropship it to me. If you decide to try the skirting, order a LM shearling from Siegels at the same time. I used to use Lazy M, and really liked it. I took a swatch to Siegels when I visited them last fall. Steve got the LM, and I like it better. In blind tests. it consistantly feels denser in the wool and the leather is heavier. It is a little more to the golden color side, rather than the orange tint of the Lazy M. Bruce Johnson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patrice Report post Posted April 12, 2007 Sorry to hijack this thread, but i have a simillar question! http://www.tandyleather.com/Eflyer-7AD00.asp?page=18L I'm looking to buy this piece of leather. I'd really love to do myself a suit of armor using this leather. I'm not filty rich, so the price seem very reasonable for me (canadian price is 94,80$). So, for armor making for the first time, is it good? I am trully aware that is not the same qualiy as Hermann Oak, but, for a begginer like me, what's your two cents? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blake Report post Posted April 13, 2007 Sorry to hijack this thread, but i have a simillar question!http://www.tandyleather.com/Eflyer-7AD00.asp?page=18L I'm looking to buy this piece of leather. I'd really love to do myself a suit of armor using this leather. I'm not filty rich, so the price seem very reasonable for me (canadian price is 94,80$). So, for armor making for the first time, is it good? I am trully aware that is not the same qualiy as Hermann Oak, but, for a begginer like me, what's your two cents? Hi Patrice I am not familiar with that leather but the price looks great. TLF is pretty honest with their advertising so it will more than likely fill your needs. If you order it let us know how you liked it and how well it works up. You might ask about brands and range marks when you order just to be sure that you get a good selection. Kind Regards Blake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
