tnestes Report post Posted July 28, 2008 Here's my latest saddle, another black wade (just got an order for yet another one of these), built on a Douglas 38 wade tree by Rick Reed. I used select Wickett and Craig leather, with rigging by Herb Bork. I changed my groundseat method on this particular saddle, in order to achieve a more "streamlined" appearance. This groundseat method is actually a combination of three other methods I've used, and I think this new method is by far the best. I know the lady I made the saddle for in California thinks so. I've also put in a photo of a fully carved fender on a saddle I've almost completed as well. The carved fender is on number one Hermann Oak leather. In terms of floral carving, I find that Hermann Oak carves better. I do not have to sharpen my swivel knife anywhere near as much than when using Wickett and Craig. However, the W & C seems to stamp as good as any. Those are just my findings. I'll end with this note. So many "custom" makers are pricing saddles with good trees and better leather (W & C; Hermann Oak, etc.) for ranges like $1500 to maybe $2000 base prices. How the heck are these people doing this???????? My material prices ALONE for a saddle with the best materials are around $1300 to $1400. Maybe some of these guys don't care that they are not making anything on their labor? I don't know, and I AM CERTAINLY NOT TRYING TO BE CRITICAL, I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND, THAT'S ALL. Anyway, I can't wait to get my floral carved saddle up here in a few weeks. It will also be posted on my website- www.estessaddlery.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yaklady Report post Posted July 28, 2008 That's a very nice looking saddle. I look forward to seeing the fully carved one completed. My findings on Hermann Oak and Wicket and Craig leathers are the same as yours. I also find there is more usable leather on a side of Hermann Oak. The Wicket and Craig tends to have more loose, spongey leather around the edges that I cannot make use of. That doesn't help when you're trying to get as much out of a side as you can, like when you're making a saddle. Shep Hermann's a nice guy, too. I'll buy from him anyday! Kathy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tnestes Report post Posted July 28, 2008 That's a very nice looking saddle. I look forward to seeing the fully carved one completed.My findings on Hermann Oak and Wicket and Craig leathers are the same as yours. I also find there is more usable leather on a side of Hermann Oak. The Wicket and Craig tends to have more loose, spongey leather around the edges that I cannot make use of. That doesn't help when you're trying to get as much out of a side as you can, like when you're making a saddle. Shep Hermann's a nice guy, too. I'll buy from him anyday! Kathy THANK YOU for the compliment, Kathy. My goal is to make a saddle that an individual can sit in all day, day after day, that's very comfortable for both the horse and rider. And, yes, Wickett and Craig tends to be spongy around the edges, but they usually send me bigger sides than Herman Oak. So, my yields from either are about the same. I will always have a place for Wickett and Craig leather in my shop, (so long as they don't change anything!). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mudman Report post Posted July 29, 2008 NIce saddle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spider Report post Posted July 29, 2008 This is very nice. WOW Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
