weaver leather

[mliebs8]

I just purchased 3 double shoulders from Weaver in different weights and to me the quality doesn't look all that great. The 8/9 looks the best but the 5/6 has a bunch of white powder stuff (it doesn't rub off, it looks compacted) all over the back side and the front side is real bumpy or wavey. I'm obviously new to this and bought the leather to start out with but does this sound normal or am I too picky? Where is the best place to buy leather from? Thanks

[whinewine]

I just purchased 3 double shoulders from Weaver in different weights and to me the quality doesn't look all that great. The 8/9 looks the best but the 5/6 has a bunch of white powder stuff (it doesn't rub off, it looks compacted) all over the back side and the front side is real bumpy or wavey. I'm obviously new to this and bought the leather to start out with but does this sound normal or am I too picky? Where is the best place to buy leather from? Thanks

You need to contact them. I used to work for tandy back in the '70s. We used to get some weird stuff then, but apparently not like now.

If it doesn't satisfy you, call them (as you would call anyone else with whom you are NOT satisfied! ). I'm sure they'll try to make it right. But if you don't say anything, they (1) won't know it's wrong, they (2) won't make it right, & they (3) will continue to ship out their crap to you, 'cause they (4) know you won't conplain. I myself have sent numerous items back when not satisfied- this is why, if I have the opportunity, to go & inspect the leather personally before I buy. Those, to whom I deal with over the phone, know pretty much what I like & want & pretty much give it to me now.

[cjbleather]

I just purchased 3 double shoulders from Weaver in different weights and to me the quality doesn't look all that great. The 8/9 looks the best but the 5/6 has a bunch of white powder stuff (it doesn't rub off, it looks compacted) all over the back side and the front side is real bumpy or wavey. I'm obviously new to this and bought the leather to start out with but does this sound normal or am I too picky? Where is the best place to buy leather from? Thanks

mliebs8, I would check with Wickett and Craig. I, and many others think they they have the best all around leather. However, I would like to note that Siegels also has great leather. I know for a fact that they take your leather back if unsatisfied and make good. Carlb

[Go2Tex]

The trouble with Weaver is they only seem to sell TR grade. That means you get a bit of crap with each order. They don't make it, they just sell it so you get what they have and that means generally right off the stack. I like their premium latigo and love their shearlings, but I must say I haven't been all that fired up about their veg tan stuff because of their TR grade system.

I agree with the comment about Wicket and Craig. You get it fast, usually, and you get what you order. You want it all # 1 grade? That's what you'll get. I do have a problem with their new phone answering system. I called up a while back to place an order and there wasn't anyone available to take it! All I got was a menu of people to chose from and nobody would pick-up! I finally had to leave a message and wait several days for an answer. By that time I'd changed my mind, and they lost a sale. Didn't use to be that way. You'd call and be connected to a salesman right away. None of this menu crap.

[JRedding]

mliebs8

I agree with whinewine if you're not happy take the suggestion and send it back. Good projects start with good leather, you can't make something out of nothing very often. Most saddlemakers I know joke about Weaver Leather being the Wal-Mart of the leather industry, they have a lot of good stuff, and usually plenty of it, but Go2Tex is right they just sell leather off the stack, I've never got the impression they know one piece of leather from another. We use Sheridan Leather more and more all the time just because their service is good and their leather selection is too.

Sheridan Leather Outfitters

2047 Coffeen Avenue

Sheridan, Wyoming

82801

1-888-803-3030

[Randy Cornelius]

I have had simular problems with Weaver and I feel that because they have a production line that they use the best of thier leather for thier own use and sell the 2nds to others.

When dealing with W&C go through the phone promps and dial the extention for Glen Proud he is who I have been dealing with for years. Be sure to tell him what you are using the leather for and he will have some suggestions. Like the other day I needed a small piece of Bridle but did not want to buy a whole side he told me he had some double shoulders that were not listed on the web site.

I am at Denver Market right now and will stop by the Weaver Leather booth and tell them of the problem and see what they say.

Randy

[steveb]

I too have had excellent experiences with Wickett & Craig and I too speak with Glen when I call.

They also accept email and lately I have been sending in an email in advance of when i order and then he calls me to confirm the details.

Admittedly, I dont order very often, my goods dont use up a tremendous amount of material - so a side lasts me awhile

Their veg tan is the best, most consistent I've worked with.

my .02

[mliebs8]

I've decided to keep one of them for practice and send the other two back. I'll probably place an order with Wicket and Craig Monday. Thanks for everyones help it's greatly appreciated.

[David Genadek]

When you order from Weaver tell them what you need and they will hand select for you. Weaver is geared toward people that are making thier living with leather. For a lot of things Tannery run is fine but if you need better all you have to do is tell them and they do a great job of meeting your specific needs. They actually have thier computer system set up to put in your specifics.

The Leather Guy in St Charles MN takes photos of each peice and puts them on his site so you can see the actual piece your buying. You do want to buy from people that understand leather. Stevenson Paxton is great about telling you if a batch has any issue and boy do I appreacate that.

David Genadek

[Calleather]

Hide and Leather House in Napa, Ca has great product too. Ask for Roger.

[awharness]

I've had good luck with Triple C in KY for bridle leather. Fast shipping, good price, No complaints here!

[ryan]

I have been buying leather from Weaver for a few years now and I guess I would have to agree with the TR Grade comments. My question is this; is actual, bonified Herman Oak leather considerably better quality when you buy it either direct or from someone else like Goliger? I have bought maybe three sides of "Herman Oak" from Weaver now and I am not impressed at all with it in any way shape or form. It's hard as heck to cut and it doesn't take a casing very well. I have been 110% satisfied with W&C 's leather though! Their tooling leather is great and I made my first saddle with their skirting leather and it was a joy to work with as was their work harness which should be named something else as it was better grade than I had expected! I am not knocking Weaver though, I love their service and they have very fast shipping. Their Master Tools are exceptional quality and I purchased an Adler 205 about a year ago and call Vernon from time to time for assistance and he's great. I just don't know if I can keep buying my leather from them. They only downfall I've experienced with W&C is it seems like shipping is a little steaper than most.

Ryan

[tnestes]

I have been buying leather from Weaver for a few years now and I guess I would have to agree with the TR Grade comments. My question is this; is actual, bonified Herman Oak leather considerably better quality when you buy it either direct or from someone else like Goliger? I have bought maybe three sides of "Herman Oak" from Weaver now and I am not impressed at all with it in any way shape or form. It's hard as heck to cut and it doesn't take a casing very well. I have been 110% satisfied with W&C 's leather though! Their tooling leather is great and I made my first saddle with their skirting leather and it was a joy to work with as was their work harness which should be named something else as it was better grade than I had expected! I am not knocking Weaver though, I love their service and they have very fast shipping. Their Master Tools are exceptional quality and I purchased an Adler 205 about a year ago and call Vernon from time to time for assistance and he's great. I just don't know if I can keep buying my leather from them. They only downfall I've experienced with W&C is it seems like shipping is a little steaper than most.

Ryan

The comment on Hermann Oak is interesting. I've never ordered it from Weaver. I usually order it direct, and I've found it's tooling properties to be better than Wickett and Craig. And, H/O cuts and molds better than any to me. Oh well, we all tend to have different experiences.

[Noah]

Living where I can drive there and pick things out in person I have an advantage. But as suggested, call them and let them know. They're very good about making things right with you. I have bought alot of leather from them and had no problems. I use alot of the english bridle leather. It's very nice.