Seriously? Can This Leather Even Be Used?

[ShortBBL]

Guys (and ladies too)... this just arrived today. It is supposed to be PREMIUM Grade Veg Tanned Shoulder. The entire thing looks like stretch marks.... I'm saying... the WHOLE dang shoulder!

This is my first attempt at using un-dyed leather and I am about 99% sure that if I used this and then dyed it.... these marks will just stand out terribly! Is that right? I mean dying them isn't going to hide them for sure, right?

I'm really disappointed in this stuff. It's my second try with Zack White. Looks like my last try.

Correct me if I am wrong.

[JLSleather]

Yes and no.

Yes, those are fat wrinkles. Actually fairly common on shoulders (and neck). But that's pretty bad.

And no, you can't "color" them out. More than the wrinkle appearance, I'd be concerned about stretch. It looks "mooshy".

[ShortBBL]

Yes and no.

Yes, those are fat wrinkles. Actually fairly common on shoulders (and neck). But that's pretty bad.

And no, you can't "color" them out. More than the wrinkle appearance, I'd be concerned about stretch. It looks "mooshy".

I have had a lot of guys say they prefer shoulders for holster making so I ordered one to try and I was a bit surprised when I unwrapped it. Previously, I tried the "Premium" Double Butts and they were the same.....

If I try untanned Hermann Oak shoulders or backs.... will it be any better? I can't hardly make premium holsters with wrinkled up leathers. Ugh...... this leather buying is frustrating sometimes.

[JLSleather]

I don't do a lot of holsters these days. No objection to them, just not so many requests for them. You guys must be doing them too well

I have, though, made some pretty nice holsters from shoulders. THE nicest one - I think - was a double hip western rig for matching long-barrel .44's (target pistols, complete with scope) AND the belt to carry both. I found a 14 sqft shoulder of 9/10 that cut all of it - and not much left. Now if I can quit reminiscing long enough to answer your question.

I think folks like shoulders for holsters - not so much that it's a better cut of cow (cuz it isn't necessarily) - but because it's fairly economical. Shoulders let you cut squares/ rectangles / straps without a lot of waste. Backs are generally firmer leather, better for tooling / forming,.

Sides are cheaper per sqft, but then you have one shoulder and one belly. The shoulder might be okay, but I think the concensus is that belly shouldn't be used for anything that is going to take stress (or carry a load). I say "generally" above because there's always variation. As a rule, if they're all cut from the same hide ... firmness in the hide will be bends, backs, shoulders, well, that's about it. I don't have much use for bellies or neck, which both tend to be spongy.

I don't generally buy sides, because I know I'm paying for 5-7 sqft of belly I don't want. Same reason I buy boneless chicken - I know it costs more, but by the time I throw out the part I don't want it's the same thing, only somebody did the trimming for me.

For what it's worth, about a week ago I ordered ONE side from Wickett / Craig. First order from them and wanted to see what I get. I called, talked to some lady about what I wanted, and a few days later got exactly what I asked for. And this "special" grade (which I guess would be a "B" or a "C" on someone else's list) is just fine - certainly better looking than your photo. About $5 / ft (delivered).

Not sure what you mean by "untanned", and I haven't used the HO (which gets great reviews around here).

[ShortBBL]

Oooops, I meant UnDYED!

I will probably stick with W&C also. Most everything I got from them has been good... some problems with a 7oz going from 5-8... but other than that at least it was nice leather. I have bought special and their top grade.... special is normally fine for holsters but the ones I got were sides and of course ya waste a lot then... the bellies are too soft (hmmmm looking in the mirror) LOL.

Ok.... thanks for the replies. At least I was right... this stuff is the pits!

[conceptdiba]

Yikes. Sorry to hear you had that experience! The problem is that a lot of people (myself included) have fallen for the "it's expensive and it's called premium so it must be nice stuff!" line of thinking. Things are more expensive up here in Canada but I tried buying domestically from Buckskin Leather, paying $10/ft for their select or custom grade or whatever it was that was their highest grade. Utter crap. Splitting, cracking after dyeing, inconsistent thickness, you name it. Unfortunately sometimes you have to shop around and find out what's best. Luckily we have forums like this to give other people the heads up before they buy something nasty!

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

This is why internet orders are not always as good as a brick and mortar location where you can actually pick out what you want. I have short wide feet with a high instep, so I never order shoes. I have to try them on before buying. Sane with leather, I want to see it, and feel it first. When I ordered military surplus guns from a supplier it was always with some trepidation as what some warehouseman thinks is great condition, may be only fair to me. It's good to fondle the goods before purchasing, but I realize that everyone may not have that opportunity.

[Johanna]

Tandy's official line was "Leather is a natural product, and range markings and other slight imperfections in the leather add character to your piece." I don't think they ever tried to squiggle pattern pieces for usable leather on the floor.

Unless your holsters must be black for an LEO or Military, those marks might dye with "character" and look "natural", which is appealing to some. If the leather is thick enough, those fat marks won't affect the strength of the leather unless the leather feels mushy or stretchy as someone pointed out.

Some people swear by shoulders, some by backs...really it depends on the style of holster you are making. We always bought sides because in a working shop, a couple of straps off the back will pay for the hide and the rest is gravy. Sides are economical- think of it this way, the more they cut, the higher the price, just like the butcher shop someone said. Bellies can be useful for lots of things, especially if it's a good hide to begin with. If someone were not very experienced, I'd tell them to buy a side and make knife sheathes and odds and ends from the belly for practice before they cut into the good leather towards the top for their first holster or other intermediate project.

If you don't like the leather and don't want to use it, send it back with an explanation and get a different one. When you order over the Internet or phone you have to be very clear what you are looking for and making, and since the seller wants you satisfied, they'll look for a piece to meet your needs. You can often call for swatches if you're not sure what to order. If that piece doesn't suit you, send it back. They'll make things right with you.

Johanna

[Johnny B]

Luckily I live close to a Tandy. I would have no problem using this piece of leather. The marks add character to my products. I make mostly knife sheaths and Black Powder items. Every piece of leather has its own character and I use that character to my advantage. That being said, if this leather is not what you wanted return it.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Use it as a marketing gimmic. Call it dragon skin or something. I think that the pattern could actually be cool for some projects. Why make something that looks like what everyone else does?

[mendedbowl]

LOL...sorry, i know it has nothing to do with this thread, but i got a kick out of Johnny B's avatar. For a second there i thought i was being forced to marry Charlene Darling.

ShortBBL,

i agree with everyone else who says you should send it back. it would probably work fine for a holster, but you're not happy with it, and it's your reputation on the line when you sell your product. I've gotten sides like that before from Tandy, but i've always been happy with what i get from W&C.

ken

[Suze]

steampunk stuff?

[TwinOaks]

If you really don't want it, send it to me! Unless it's really spongy/soft. If it's got those marks, and is still pretty firm, I'd be happy to take that. Before you decide that it's garbage because of the appearance, take a look at Kevin King's tute on wallet making and see what some UGLY hide can become.