Wickett & Craig vs Hermann Oak

[RunningRoan]

I'm currently learning on Tandy's leather, but will be looking to use better quality leather when I can produce something that's nice enough to put my name on and sell. I'm debating between Wickett & Craig or Hermann Oak. One of my suppliers (I buy and resell tack) has recently switched from Hermann Oak to Wickett & Craig and I saw no noticeable difference in the quality of strap goods I get from them. They're just as nice as they've always been. But I feel there's more "brand equity" in the Hermann Oak name...my customers recognize the name and equate it with quality leather. I don't know that Wickett & Craig would get the same recognition from my customers. I know...quality is quality...but my customers have proven to be pretty brand loyal.

So...what are the likes/dislikes about each brand? Are they comparable in quality (I honestly haven't put my hands on much Wickett & Craig) with the same types of leather offerings (I really like HO's tallow stuffed harness leather, does W&C have offer the same thing)? I know there's a few places I can get HO, how available is W&C? How about price?

[Sharpshooter]

I have used both and really don't see much difference between them.

Realize that I buy 20+ sides a month so I go through a lot of leather.

Ask for their sample sheet and you'll see what they sell. I don't use the "treated" stuff so I can't comment on it other than to assure you that it is available from them.

I believe W&C is a bit easier for smaller accounts to deal with as far as smaller minimum quantity requirements.

[RunningRoan]

I believe W&C is a bit easier for smaller accounts to deal with as far as smaller minimum quantity requirements.

Good to know! I would definitely be buying smaller quantities at first. How are they for uniformity? Do you find the quality is pretty consistent from hide to hide?

[King's X]

It is funny you ask. I was speaking to a belt maker recently who said that he uses HO for his belts and wallets. He tools about 15 belts about every two weeks. He prefers HO over WC for belts because he says that the WC is too soft. Buy the way, he will only buy HO from Stevenson-Paxton in California because they provide him the best deal at $99 side (6-7 oz). $89 if you buy a minimum of 4+ hides.

Today, I spent some time with a boot and saddle maker who says that she like WC a lot, but admits that it is softer. Now she buy the "russett" side and pays about $164 a side plus shipping. She doesn't do too many belts but understand that it could be softer than say HO.

She gave me 4 SQ ft of WC to test out (6-7 oz) and a piece of 10oz for a challenge piece that our guild started.

Hope it helps. It sure helped me understand quality after having to return a double shoulder of Tandy hide because it turned out bad product IMHO.

[ArtS]

I use W&C and love their leather. I use it for saddles, belts and pretty much anything else I make. I buy directly from them. I usually buy they 3rd quality and to me it looks like top quality. Never had a hole in it or brand. Great for tooling. My last order I paid $100 a side, one in black and one in brown, both 8/9 oz. Using Tandy is like going to cardboard but on occasions I get some thin stuff for a small project like a wallet, nothing that I expect to get hard use.

Art

[Rayban]

If you're just learning on Tandy leather, I doubt you would notice any difference tween W&C and HO.....so why not just try them both and decide for yourself?

[King's X]

Amen

[David]

I've only used one HO side and didn't like it at all. Funny you should mention, because it was WAY too soft to use for tooling

SO, I'm pretty loyal to W C. If Hermann Oak is Cadillac, Wicket and Craig is a Ferrari.

I'm a small user and W&C has never demanded a minimum order.

Nice folks too.

Dave Theobald

[Shorts]

I haven't tried WC. I have/am using HO for holsters and belts. It's a little tough to cut curves (very firm) but it finishes very well. Straight cuts are pretty easy with the strap cutter.

[hidepounder]

I have never used anything but HO because I was originally taught that it is the best. What I know about WC leads me to beleve they are comparable to HO and that the differences are small and puely a matter of preference. I've always been told that WC is softer to tool and from some of the other posts, it sounds like WC is easier to deal with regarding small quantity orders, which interests me. HO requires a minimum order which means you have to buy from a dealer if ordering small quantities. I also think Raybans suggestion is a good one.

Bob