Buying Leather

[JoshLSTV]

I'm new to leather working, and am looking to buy some leather to make holsters with. So far everything I've done was with scraps from Tandy. What am I looking for when picking out leather for holster making? I have a local Tandy store, and was considering picking up a single shoulder. However, I saw that Springfield leather has Hermann Oak sides for $5.49 sq/ft which I've read is better quality, and it seems that I can order a few sq/ft rather than buying the whole side which I don't need at this point. What do you guys think would be better? A single shoulder from Tandy, or a few sq/ft of the Hermann Oak side from Springfield? Keep in mind I'm looking at the cheaper C and D grade mix of Hermann Oak leather from Springfield. Thanks.

[Rayban]

My advise would be to try different sources for leather til you find what you like working with best.

Meanwhile, you are fortunate to have a local Tandy store.

I believe that if you're thinking about a certain leather, you should just go ahead and try it for yourself and see what you think of it.

[katsass]

I'm new to leather working, and am looking to buy some leather to make holsters with. So far everything I've done was with scraps from Tandy. What am I looking for when picking out leather for holster making? I have a local Tandy store, and was considering picking up a single shoulder. However, I saw that Springfield leather has Hermann Oak sides for $5.49 sq/ft which I've read is better quality, and it seems that I can order a few sq/ft rather than buying the whole side which I don't need at this point. What do you guys think would be better? A single shoulder from Tandy, or a few sq/ft of the Hermann Oak side from Springfield? Keep in mind I'm looking at the cheaper C and D grade mix of Hermann Oak leather from Springfield. Thanks.

FWIW from the old grump; I only use shoulder leather for my holsters, and generally, that's about all I make. I don't buy from Tandy anymore, although I did for a number of years prior to their re-structuring. I use lighter leather than most, as I bond two layers together to make a single thickness of leather, smooth on each side, for most all of my work. A back has a lot of leather that could be used, but also a lot that I wouldn't use for holsters. JMHO. Mike

[Haystacker]

I like Tandy as a source. They have good sales on single and double shoulders. It is a great source to learn on. But Tandy leather is imported.

All of my for sale holsters are exclusively Herman Oak, A or B grade. I am trying some drum dyed Wicket and Craig. Both US tanneries.

Springfield Leather customer service is second to none. Great folks to deal with.

[electrathon]

If you care about quality, buy the Herman Oak. If you want cheap stuff for patterns and the like, Tandy is a good choice.