Wickett & Craig vs Hermann Oak

[K-Man]

I've had the opportunity to use both. I've found the Hermann Oak to be just slightly better for whatever I make. I've found the Wicket & Craig to be too "mushy" in comparison. I've seen many examples of fine tooling done on both HO and W&C. I think it boils down to trying a bit of both, see what the results are, and then go with that brand. I've used the H.O. almost exclusively so I have a good understanding on how it's going to react to what I do with it.

[ChuckBurrows]

I've found the Wicket & Craig to be too "mushy" in comparison.

RE: W/C too mushy, too soft, etc.

1) Which type of W/C did you use: The tooling/holster or the skirting: their tooling and holster is normally drier and firmer than the skirting

2) If you used either one and it was still too soft, etc. just have them re-plate it - they will do this at no extra charge and it firms up the leather considerably - I know a major sheath maker who has this done even with HO

FWIW - I've used both HO and W-C for over 30 years and like them both - I use W-C pretty much excusively due to the fact that I can buy direct with no minimums and the will split their Tooling and Holster at no charge to whatever thickness I choose or you can pay a minimum charge for other types to be split. For the cleanest of all leather I buy the backs at $1.00 more a sq ft, but there is less waste so the price upcharge is negligible in the long run. For belts IMO backs are best as they have the least stretch.

[kevinhopkins]

Hello Running roan,

I'm pretty much in agreement with folks here... WC will be a softer, sometimes mushier leather. I've used and sold both for a number of years. I've settled on hermann oak, mainly because of the acceptance with holster makers and belt makers. The nice thing about the hermann stuff, is that when you develop a method of finishing your products, you can always count on it to act the same way every time. Not that Wickett is bad, because it's not. I think it comes down largly to personal preference. But everytime I tool or construct something out of a leather other than Hermann, I always wonder why I did it! I've been thru their tannery numerous times, and I can say without a doubt that there's a lot of actual craftsmanship that goes into that stuff. As far as wickett goes, I've never been thru their new tannery...I'm sure it's top of the line. I think they really need to cater to anyone that will buy leather from them, because that tannery cost a lot of money. But it's got the capacity to support that sort of business. I think Hermann (if I remember correctly) only can tan 300 hides per week.

If I was going to emboss a picture that I wanted to stick up a couple of inches over the surface of the leather, I might want to use Wickett. If I'm making a knife sheath, it's Hermann all the way. And you're right about the name. It really carries a pretty big wack out here, and I think that we can all use all the help we can get when it comes to marketing.

As far as "brands" go, Hermann buys pretty much unbranded steers, but now and again (rarely) one will come thru with a brand. Normally, I'll use the brand if at all possible, and charge more because of the brand. It's really quite inconsequential if you're a holster and sheath maker anyway.

There's always the occasional story of getting a side from hermann that has rawhide in it....that's mostly a thing of the past, but it does still happen from time to time. If I remember correctly, the percentage is like one out of maybe 2000 hides. Considering that most go to people that are running clickers and strap cutters, most of us little guys rarely see one. I know personally that that is Shep Hermann's number one peeve in life.... So if you do get one, all you've got to do is call, and he'll replace it for you. Wickett would probably do the same. One thing that I liked about Hermann, is that they actually do their best to get their employees to do some leather craft! That speaks volumes to me. Anyhoo... I could go on for days probably... I just like leather!

[K-Man]

Chuck:

I used the tooling/holster and it was a back. I get backs from HO as well. The last time I bought W&C was while waiting for an order to be filled by HO. I did not really have the opportunity/time to wait for them to replate it.

[MADMAX22]

Have not tried HO yet, mainly because I cant buy the minimum order from them and I dont want to buy it second hand from someone that more then likely took the best ones for there own work and sell off the other ones. I would prefer to get it from the dealer if possible.

I was using the better stuff that tandy had and I picked out what I could. The leather wasnt too bad. Then I got a WC side tooling 8-10oz. I went for it and ordered the top teir stuff and must say it is the nicest stuff I have personally every played with. It was just great how even the dye went on compared to the other stuff I had been using. The tooling was outstanding as well.

I also tried some tooling leather from seigel, stuff that was on web special and it was ok. Rather different but more on the tandy level. I also tried some from waterhouse, not sure where it came from or what not but it was inbetween tandy and WC stuff but more on the tandy side.

Just try them all out I guess. I usually try for what I think will be the best deal. If I gotta pay a $1/ft more from someplace but not have to worry about cutting around brands and marks then that is a good deal to me.

[bustedlifter]

. 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.

I spoke to a rep. of Stevenson-Paxton yesterday on the phone. We talked for about 15 - 20 minutes. He was very helpful and listened to my concerns. I will be doing business with them in the future.