Horsehide Unique Patterns

[mrfixit]

I've seen some photos here (I think from Lobo) that showed a horsehide holster with really nice patterning in it, almost like a fine wood. I was wondering is this something that always shows up in horse? How do you bring out the patterns? What happens if you dye the leather? will the pattern still show.

I would really like to make some 'stuff' with it.

Mr Fixit

[Rayban]

The pattern isn't always there, some strips I get are pretty plain jane. It's a cheap thrill for me when one comes in that has the "figure" like in these pieces.

I would say leave it natural, or with lighter browns, tan, etc, and with a couple coats of Resoline, the figuring really pops.

Note: black dye buries it and won't show up much at all.

[mrfixit]

The pattern isn't always there, some strips I get are pretty plain jane. It's a cheap thrill for me when one comes in that has the "figure" like in these pieces.

I would say leave it natural, or with lighter browns, tan, etc, and with a couple coats of Resoline, the figuring really pops.

Note: black dye buries it and won't show up much at all.

Can you see the patterns in the leather before you cut it out? can you layout the piece to take advantage of the pattern, or does it just show up after ?

[Rayban]

Can you see the patterns in the leather before you cut it out? can you layout the piece to take advantage of the pattern, or does it just show up after ?

You can see it very plainly as soon as you unroll the strip.

For some pretty cool reading/research, I would encourage vising: http://horween.com/

I believe the only horse tannery left in the US......in "gallery" there are some videos and they explain the tanning process.

The shell cordovan goes to the people that make $400 shoes, the scraps that is cut away from the shell, they call "strips".

They sell that by the pound to the retailers that we buy them from.

Edited December 3, 2011 by Rayban

[Shooter McGavin]

I've yet to locate horsehide strips that I can make belts out of.

[Rayban]

I've yet to locate horsehide strips that I can make belts out of.

Have you tried Zack White?

I just got one in from them that I can get 60" straps out of...they are not always that long but I've been having good luck with them.

I can always make up to a size 42 belt with the strips they send me.

Their strips are usually pretty clean too. Other suppliers I've gotten them from have nicks and scratches in them, not totaly a bad thing, we call them spur marks, right? But most customers prefer them to be free of them.

[JRCHolsters]

I've yet to locate horsehide strips that I can make belts out of.

I concur on Zack White also. Be sure to choose the option for belts when you order. The quality of the strips are really nice. I get a lot more usable hide from the ones they sell.

[Steven Kelley]

I order from Zack White as well. I've tried other suppliers, but the quality from Zack White is the best I've found. I contacted Horween's about ordering direct, and they sent pricing. They sell by the pound, and it appears that each piece would be quite a bit higher in cost ordering direct, than ordering from Zack White. $12.50 per piece, when order more than 10, is pretty good. I can usually get 2-3 holsters from each piece, and some smaller pieces like reinforcement pieces and belt loops.

[Rayban]

Steven if you could qualify for their (ZW) wholesale program ,they are $10 each, even if you order just one.

[mrfixit]

Looks like I'm going to have to get some horsehide to play with. Can it be tooled like cowhide? Ive never seen a horsehide piece with tooling.