Anyone Order Hermann Oak Shoulders From Springfield?

[triage1998]

I bought some 7/8 oz B grade side from Springfield a month or so ago and it was fantastic leather. I believe it was $7.69 a sq. ft. I see on Springfields catalog they have HO shoulders for $5.99 sq. ft. (not listed on the website though)

Has anyone been able to compare the Hermann Oak shoulders to the HO B grade sides?

I am debating if I should try some of the HO shoulders or just stick with the B grade sides for holster making.

[markush]

I've handled exactly 3 shoulders and two belly cuts my whole life so take my info for FWIW, which is not a whole lot.

I've tried both their B and Craftsman grade Hermann Oak. I'll say that I won't buy another craftsman shoulder and in fact have just purchased another B shoulder from them. In regards to blemish's they both looked really close on the grain side. The noticable differences with mine was in the flesh sides. The B was much denser and firmer while the craftsman was less dense and was dryer. The looser fleshed Craftsman shows up as more "nap" after I vinegaroon and form the holster. If you didn't already know, Springfield will cut you off a shoulder of the B if you ask.

What I really want to try is some top quality A grade Hermann oak or some Wickett & Craig. I don't know of anyplace to get a shoulder or even a single side of Hermann oak A though. So my next leather will most likely be some W&C.

Edited March 5, 2012 by markush

[triage1998]

I called Springfield and was told the that they will cut me a couple shoulders of 7/8 HO. I went ahead and ordered some.

I would like to try some Wickett and Craig.

Does Weaver Leather in Mt Hope Ohio sell Wickett and Craig and Hermann Oak? They are only 50 minutes from me. Might have to get myself a tax ID and try them out.

[evandailey]

I called Springfield and was told the that they will cut me a couple shoulders of 7/8 HO. I went ahead and ordered some.

I would like to try some Wickett and Craig.

Does Weaver Leather in Mt Hope Ohio sell Wickett and Craig and Hermann Oak? They are only 50 minutes from me. Might have to get myself a tax ID and try them out.

They only sell Herman Oak and Chahin plus some cheaper stuff. It is definitely worth a trip if you're that close. The leather room is staggering. I drive four hours a couple of times a year to go.