Australian Leather

[Newbie29]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for australian made veg tanned leather, is there such a thing?

In particular I'm looking for

• Kangaroo leather, aussie made is various colours? (I think I can buy this at Birdsalls, just waiting to hear if its australian made)
  
• Australian leather thats about 5 or 6 oz in black?
  

I'm looking to make wallets and wanted to have australian leather.

If there is no Aussie leather, what are the best suited leather for the above? Is is usa such as hermann oak or wickett and craig?

Thanks for your time, I've not had much luck so far.

[penguineer]

Birdsalls tan their own roo (you can look into the tannery from the shop).

Packers at Nerangba also tan their own roo(the shop is small thing next to their tannery).

Lefflers in Melbourne don't have their own tannery, but should be able to help you also.

I think(could be wrong) a lot of the cow you get here is imported - the USA "branded" stuff is more the premium stuff, a fair bit of the rest comes from NZ or is processed there.

Easiest thing is to give them a call or visit and ask.

About the only other place that roo could come from is NZ and they just want to be rid of them.......

Cheers!

[Ferg]

I would say 90% of the Kangaroo comes from Australia. That said, I don't think you are going to find

Kangaroo in weight more than 2.5oz to 3oz. It is a fantastic leather and wears like iron.

Suppliers: Packer Leather, David Morgan, leatheroo.com

ferg

[Newbie29]

Cool two replies already. Thanks. I live in Perth, WA, so I'll probably be shipping from the east coast.

[Leela Valley Leather]

If you have an ABN look at getting a wholesale account with Mac-Lace they're cheaper than birdsall on some things and their service is better

[silverback]

Try Leather Direct in Osbourne Park,sorry don't have their number but its in the book.Speak to Paul if I remember correctly.

[jasj]

Hi Newbie 29

Greenhalgh Tannery near Ballarat, Victoria do veg tan cowhide and also do roo skins.

Check out www.gretannery.com.au

Cheers

Jim

[Newbie29]

Wow thanks for replies, I've gotten in contact with most of these. Thanks again.

James

[minimal Oz]

I have tried Birdsall's 1mm vege tanned leather, was not very happy. Their service is good, but the leather itself is pretty soft, has a gray look and doesn't smell like vege tanned. It is not even as good as Tandy's craftsman leather.

[Tex Shooter]

I have heard so much about Roo leather strength. I make a product that must be strong and soft and have tried Roo from several sources and have been very disappointed with it. I have even had customers send Roo to make the product for them and tell me how great it was. Later they started using my product made with USA cow hide because it held up better. Roo can be a great leather, but it is hard to buy consistent quality and is quite expensive. -- Tex

[TXAG]

I have heard so much about Roo leather strength. I make a product that must be strong and soft and have tried Roo from several sources and have been very disappointed with it. I have even had customers send Roo to make the product for them and tell me how great it was. Later they started using my product made with USA cow hide because it held up better. Roo can be a great leather, but it is hard to buy consistent quality and is quite expensive. -- Tex

Curious what kind of product you're talking about...?

The roo lace I got from Springfield was trash. Felt like thin cardboard really...not soft yet strong like the other roo I'd used before. I tried soaping it a lot, but it just felt like stiff, cardboard-like lace with saddle soap on it...it was horrible. I'm doing my best to use it all up ASAP so I can reorder from my other supplier soon.

[Tex Shooter]

I make slingshot band sets with formed leather pouches. I have settled on top grain boot leather because I have a supplier that I can count on. -- Tex