Good source for Sharkskin or exotics

[Denster]

Kind of a dumb question but I don't have much experience with shark and elephant. Does it come in different weights like veg tan? If not what is the average thickness of the elephant and shark and what is it's texture ie: firmness? I'd like to use some for trim on holsters but don't have a clue what to ask for. Thanks

[BigRiverLeather]

  On 3/12/2010 at 4:26 PM, Denster said:

Kind of a dumb question but I don't have much experience with shark and elephant. Does it come in different weights like veg tan? If not what is the average thickness of the elephant and shark and what is it's texture ie: firmness? I'd like to use some for trim on holsters but don't have a clue what to ask for. Thanks

As far as I know there are not different weights. What I got was about the thickness of a 4 oz give or take. Surprisingly soft and flexible yet very durable, a bit more than an equivelent weight in cowhide. I've not yet cut it or punched it yet so I don't know if that is much more difficult, but with a sharp blade I don't expect it to be to much trouble.

I'm looking forward to my first exotic trim. I only hope I can make one for myself before I get to my customers order!

I'll try to take some close up pictures this afternoon and play with it a little.

[Denster]

Thanks BRL I look forward to seeing the pics.

[rustyriggin]

You might also want to try rojeleather.com they are a real good source too, a few years ago their shark was around $3.00 sf. I'm sure it's gone up by now, but it's still a place to check out.

[BigRiverLeather]

Here are the pictures of the Elephant and Sharkskin. First the Elephant -

This is a remnant from a boot cut that did not match the other. I paid $30 for this piece, not bad IMHO.

Very soft yet tough -

Nest the sharkskin. This cut has many different textures to it throughout the cut. Other than a few small spots, all of it should be usable.

I think this piece was about $50-$60

I'm anxious to use this. I gave a holster away on a gun forum as a karma and I think I wll put sharkskin on the reinforecment as a bonus, just so I can practice. If it doesn't turn out perfect, he cant bitch about a freebie

[Denster]

Wow! That is one nice looking piece of shark skin. Be sure and post photos of the holster before you ship it out. Good Luck.

[Denster]

rojeleather has some really nice shark in black and brown at $17/SQFT 4-7 SQ/FT HIDES and elephant at $25/26ft sides and ears at $27.50/sqft. Check out their youtube videos to see the quality and description.

[kevinhopkins]

Hi.... I've almost always got elephant for 14.99 per sq ft.... But the color availability changes pretty rapidly, because we seem to sell it fairly rapidly.

Kevin@springfieldleather.com

[BigRiverLeather]

  On 3/17/2010 at 2:10 AM, kevinhopkins said:

Hi.... I've almost always got elephant for 14.99 per sq ft.... But the color availability changes pretty rapidly, because we seem to sell it fairly rapidly.

Kevin@springfieldleather.com

Well then.... I guess I should have "asked Kevin"! I'll be sure to give you a call next time. For some reason I did not think you carried much in the way of exotics. Do you carry Shark?

[Denster]

  On 3/17/2010 at 2:55 AM, BigRiverLeather said:

Well then.... I guess I should have "asked Kevin"! I'll be sure to give you a call next time. For some reason I did not think you carried much in the way of exotics. Do you carry Shark?

I second that. Kevin. Do you carry shark? Also how large a piece is your elephant in? ie: avg sq/ft?