Cutting Orientation

[Invasion]

Now this may be a silly question but, does it matter, what way I cut strips for belts and collars?

The reason I ask; I noticed today that a strip On my bench that I was going to use for a dog collar, is really stretchy? Is this just bad quality leather or could it be the direction it was cut... if that makes sense ?

Thanks

[Chief31794]

More than likely it is from the belly. Less "stretchy" straps would be cut from the back or better yet the shoulders.

I could be wrong, that happens a lot!!

Chief

[Cyberthrasher]

More than likely it is from the belly. Less "stretchy" straps would be cut from the back or better yet the shoulders.

I could be wrong, that happens a lot!!

Chief

Sounds right to me. All I order is sides and the first thing I do is cut off the belly portion so I don't accidentally use it for anything that requires strength. I can't remember for sure off hand, but I think the billet (the end with all the holes) is supposed to be laid out so that it is on the shoulder portion if you cut your strip from a side. I know it was one end or the other, but I just can't remember the recommendation 100% right now. I'm pretty sure it was the billet end though since that's the end that takes all the stress

[dirtclod]

The butt is the best part of the hide. The neck has more stretch just from the cow moving it's back and forth and up and down.

[Cyberthrasher]

uhm, then why do we vaccinate cattle in the neck and butt and not in the shoulder for fear of breaking a needle?

[Invasion]

Thanks for the input guys appreciated:)

It could be that is was from the belly. To cut a long story short I ordered 8 square feet of veg tan shoulder and whe. It arrived it was way under size. They sent me some more to make up for it and I am now wondering if this was from the belly?

Now using different supplier (Abbey Engalnd )

Thanks again

[Cyberthrasher]

They sent me some more to make up for it and I am now wondering if this was from the belly?

The belly will usually be a lot more flexible and soft. A lot of times the flesh side will be pretty stringy and have visible stretch marks in it too.