How about this for holsters?

[JoelR]

For those that get the Seigel notices (or don't), they have been advertising a black single-bend now for a few weeks for $67 - lot 111109-01. I just got an update that they dropped the price to $59 which puts it into my hobby price range. Anyone know if this is usable for holster making? Maybe belts?

[Lobo]

I haven't looked at Spiegel's, but "bends" are typically used for shoe soles (very heavy-duty stuff), so probably in the 12 to 14-oz. range if not heavier.

Very few holster applications require leather heavier than 8 to 9 oz. and most of my production items are made of 8-oz.

Check with Kevin at Springfield Leather (see the banner ads on this forum). In addition to stocking Hermann Oak and other quality hides at competitive prices, Kevin can provide cut pieces for hobbyists not wanting to buy a full side, shoulder, etc. You will enjoy working with quality materials much more than any bargain piece you may find, and your finished products will be of higher quality.

Single shoulders can also be a good choice for the hobbyist; measuring in at 5 to 7 square feet these will make several holsters with material costs at maybe $5 or $6 per item.

There is seldom any real benefit to buying the bargains. Stick with Hermann Oak, Wickett & Craig, and other quality US tanneries and you will be much happier in the long run.

[JoelR]

Thanks for the reply Lobo. The bends are listed as 7/8oz, 8/9 oz, 9/10 oz so I assume you get your choice. I understand what you are saying and I appreciate it from a craftsman's perspective, but honestly, I cannot justify to myself spending $5+ a square foot for leather at this point. Once my skills start to outshine the cheaper leather I am working with, then I will consider it, until then buying expensive leather for my projects would be like gold-plating a Hi-Point. I'll be picking up a skin-or-two of tandy's $1.99 double shoulder special today to keep the projects and practice flowing.

Edited December 9, 2009 by JoelR

[gundy]

Thanks for the reply Lobo. The bends are listed as 7/8oz, 8/9 oz, 9/10 oz so I assume you get your choice. I understand what you are saying and I appreciate it from a craftsman's perspective, but honestly, I cannot justify to myself spending $5+ a square foot for leather at this point. Once my skills start to outshine the cheaper leather I am working with, then I will consider it, until then buying expensive leather for my projects would be like gold-plating a Hi-Point. I'll be picking up a skin-or-two of tandy's $1.99 double shoulder special today to keep the projects and practice flowing.

lol gold pated hi-point. now thats entertainng.

[JoelR]

lol gold pated hi-point. now thats entertainng.

Figured someone would like it...

Lobo, Took your advice. Karen at my local Tandy was supposed to be picking through their latest shipment of $1.99/ft double shoulders that she said were 'beautiful' in the first batch but the second were a lot of junk, hasn't gotten back to me in a week so I called up Springfield and asked for half a side of Herman Oak #1 in 8/9oz. We'll see if I can notice the difference. Figure I now have 4 holsters on order (not sure how this is happening really - maybe I'm too judgemental of my work - they seem to be selling themselves) and figure I deserve to give these guys who are putting trust in my craftsmanship to cradle their prized possessions the best leather I can give them.