Hermann Oak Leather

[THein]

I started carving leather 40 years ago. Up until about 4 years ago I used Tandy leather, early on it was "Live Oak" 4 or 5 years ago I used some of the Oak leaf, etc. Got hacked off and tried Hermann Oak. There's no doubt about it, the stuff tools like a dream. My problem is blemishes, uneven grain, funny coloration. Are you supposed to use a whole side if you're doing a large piece and try to use up a lot of scrap on smaller projects? I'm making some saddlebags with only partial floral and large blank areas and as I do the oiling, finish, etc, stuff's showing up that I'm not happy about. I'm about to order another side but hey! that's another $260.00 when you count the freight.

[Tkleather1]

I have been using H.O. for a few years now and I always but it from Weaver. They were always real nice sides but the last two I got had way more blemishes and hardspots in them than any of the others combined. I am not sure what the deal is with this. I called weaver to ask about it and they told me that they have had a few calls about it but overall no word. I dont have an answer but I hope the one thats in the mail to my place is better than the last two. I have been Kickin around tryin some Wickett and Craig but havent done it yet since I have been overall happy with the H.O. but now I might just do it.

Tim Worley

TK-Leather

[Shorts]

I buy sides from HO from Springfield and have been satisfied. Of course there are some spots or marks, they're from real cows. (Do they make organic cows?) But for the most part I'm using a very large portion of the side for products. I find that my gear always finishes nicely (wet molded, dyed and Resolened) and I really love the texture that comes through. For extra leather I keep for dye tests and design mock ups. I still have a lot of usable scrap (I use that term loosely), I just have no idea what I want to use it on.

[troop]

been using W/C and love it. when i order sides just for holsters they press it nice and tight for me. comes to me looking like glass. i'd reccommend it.

Tony

[Lobo]

I buy sides from HO from Springfield and have been satisfied. Of course there are some spots or marks, they're from real cows. (Do they make organic cows?) But for the most part I'm using a very large portion of the side for products. I find that my gear always finishes nicely (wet molded, dyed and Resolened) and I really love the texture that comes through. For extra leather I keep for dye tests and design mock ups. I still have a lot of usable scrap (I use that term loosely), I just have no idea what I want to use it on.

Both W&C and HO produce top quality veg-tanned leather. I've been using HO exclusively for some time now and my experience is much the same as Monica's.

What little bit of the hide that I can't use for holsters, belts, etc I use up in welts and other parts that are not visible in the finished product. I find that there is very little unused leather or waste.