new maker needs advice on leather!!!!!!

[slingblade]

HOWDY, IM NEW TO THIS AND HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS.

ON IWB HOLSTERS, WHAT IS THE BEST WEIGHT OF LEATHER?

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF THE HIDES IE: BACK, SIDE SHOULDERS ?

I NEED IT TO FIRM UP VERY WELL AND ACCEPT DYE WELL.

WHAT IS THE DIFFRENCE IN LEATHER IN CATAGORIES 1,2,3 ?

WHERE IS THE BEST AND MOST ECONOMICAL LEATHER TO BUY?

DO YOU DYE FIRST AND THEN SEW AND ASSEMBLE OR DYE AT END?

THANKS

[Shorts]

Wow, lots of questions. If you would I'd suggest a search first. I know we've covered these topics several times and there is a lot of info. There are a lot of makers here and nearly everyone does their process slightly different from each other.

IWB weight - what works for you. I prefer 6-7oz

I order a side of Herman Oak and work from it.

Dye and finish are my final steps.

[MADMAX22]

For learning on I would say try out seigels right now. They have a web special going on for double shoulders. Its decent leather not the best but good for the price.

[woolfe]

I also like Herman Oak 6-7 oz. I have a piece of wicket and craig I just started to use, its nice but I'm still liking Herman Oak better.. I like the shoulders simply for the price, you get more scrap but I find I can use the scrap for other things so I don't mind. I like to dye mine before assembly. I've been experimenting with vinegaroon which I will use as a dye/stain after assembly.