Rough out?

[Ian]

I've heard the term 'rough-out' used to describe saddles, and also a very nice holster that was recently posted. It didn't look rough at all, so....what does 'rough-out' refer to?

[Johanna]

"Rough-out" means the flesh side of the leather. (The grain side was on the outside of the animal) The grain side is usually finished smooth, and the back side has fuzzies, hence the term "rough-out", back side on top. There are ways to smooth the leather somewhat for a better appearance, so the degree of "rough" will vary, depending on what the maker wanted to achieve.

When leather is split into several hides of different thicknesses, the suede results are called "splits". These leathers are also processed in many ways for an array of colors and may have a variety of similar texture effects.

Johanna

[Ian]

Thanks Joanne, I had an idea that's what it meant, but what would be the reason to have the grain side facing in? That holster that was posted a few days ago looked like it had a very smooth finish. If someone wanted the inside of a holster smooth, wouldn't it be easier to laminate some thin leather on the inside? Questions, questions..

[rdb]

ruff out is especially useful for pocket holsters.. ..helps keep it stick in the pocket.

[HorsehairBraider]

Some people like a rough out saddle because they feel it helps them stick in the seat better.

Of course, gravity, common sense, a well-develped sense of balance and self-preservation work better for this, but who's to say? Maybe it works. I know it *feels* more secure anyway.

[Shorts]

Thanks Joanne, I had an idea that's what it meant, but what would be the reason to have the grain side facing in? That holster that was posted a few days ago looked like it had a very smooth finish. If someone wanted the inside of a holster smooth, wouldn't it be easier to laminate some thin leather on the inside? Questions, questions..

The 'smooth finish' you saw was a coat of (more than likely) Resolene. It's an crylic sealant for the leather to repell moisture.

Many holster makers when they finish a holster will also coat the inside with Resolene so it doesn't absorb oilsd or moisture that will deteriorate the holster over a long period of time. Cosmetically, a rough out build just adds a visual dimension that's differnt from your typical dyed leather holster.