Best Option For Buying Leather

[particle]

Even if you had the funds to buy the 10 hide minimum directly from Herman Oak, which option would you choose for buying hides in bulk (more than one or two hides at a time)?

[JLSleather]

Hard to vote, since I never buy more than a couple hides at a time. Just don't have the room to store a bunch of stuff.

And, I've yet to try the herman oak, though with the reviews it gets around here I intend to (same issue, no point buying more JUST yet).

And, I never buy a "C" or "D" (though I have ordered a "B" and GOT a "D"). For the difference in cost, it's just not worth it. A side of low grade stuff, when for an extra $20-30 I coulda got some better stuff, just don't work fer me.

But I checked the site, LOVE the holsters. Nice color, nice sheen, purdy stitchin' ...

[Denster]

I buy from Weaver's. Generally 5 sides at a time to get a discount. But I'm fortunate that I can either drive there or have a buddy of mine drop by and pick it up. They will let you sort through and pick your own sides and it's not hard to find ones with any defects that are present confined to the belly areas.

[kevinhopkins]

Hi Particle,

I'd vote, but it would be prejudiced... But I do have a couple of thoughts that might benefit someone. I've been on both ends of the issue, buying one or two hides at a time, and buying 10 or 50 or 100. For a small manufacturer, or a hobbyist, there are several things that are pretty darned important. One is the fact that anyone that buys leather regularly needs to have, or develop, a very good working relation ship with some vendors. the reason is that in the leather world, there are simply without fail going to be problems. A good vendor will take care of you, work with you, not take advantage of you, and will resolve problems and give you the benefit of the doubt. You might find yourself paying a bit for that, but i think most serious leather crafters will agree that it's worth the extra pennies, or even dollars.

On the qty thing, you can for sure save some money, but you'll almost always get some leather that will be on the lower end of the scale that you're ordering from. The solution to that problem, (at least from my point of view) is to first of all, be in a position to be able to use whatever you get, even if it's not up to par. Next, let the tanner know about the problem and give them a chance to work with you. Veg leather tanners are unique folks. To start with, there aren't but a few in the country. They're extremely conciencious, and they try their best to send useable leather to their customers. That being said, it takes time for a tanner, or a retailer for that matter, to learn just what your needs are. I have a customer that makes a zillion belts a year, and he uses nothing but Hermann oak that he buys from us. He'd much rather buy a C or a D grade leather than A or B. He has a hard time with a hide that is a D grade because of a 6 inch vertical scar in the middle of the hide, but he has no problem at all with a 10 inch horizontal scar. Since I know that, he always gets leather that he can use from me. In return, he'll call me and let me know that he needs a hide for some knife sheaths, and he'll tell me that he can take a hide with more issues on it, because he knows how to use it and work with and around those things. I can send him a pc of leather that might be a little harder for me to sell, and give him a little price break on it, and we're both happy.

Anyway, I've rattled enough, and there's about a week's worth of plus's and minus's on both sides of the issue. I'm sure you'll get some interesting feedback. And by the way, it's a great question!

Kevin

[abn]

Kevin, thanks for your thoughtful answer... Lots of truth in your words. I, for one, really appreciate the opportunity to work with retailers who care about my needs, even if I'm not getting the absolute rock-bottom price. Quality goods and service are worth paying for.