Members captain Posted July 23, 2013 Members Report Posted July 23, 2013 I am trying to figure out some shoulder straps and I just got one in that is an old military strap. I was wondering if there was a way to tell by photos if this is natural tanned or not? I know there is a burn test but I don't really want to cut this up. Here are some photos: Quote
Members Cyberthrasher Posted July 23, 2013 Members Report Posted July 23, 2013 I'm pretty sure it is. One easy method would be to see how it accepts water. Put a damp sponge along the cut edge and see if it sucks it in and distributes it. Not a lot of water, but enough that you can tell if it's pulling it in or not. Quote
Members captain Posted July 23, 2013 Author Members Report Posted July 23, 2013 I'm pretty sure it is. One easy method would be to see how it accepts water. Put a damp sponge along the cut edge and see if it sucks it in and distributes it. Not a lot of water, but enough that you can tell if it's pulling it in or not. Seems to be soaking it up. The edge gets dark like it should if it was soaking it up Quote
Members Cyberthrasher Posted July 23, 2013 Members Report Posted July 23, 2013 Then I'd say we can be pretty positive it is. Are you planning on tooling it? If so, find a discrete spot make a small mark with a tool, even a modeler. Then let it dry and see how well that spot holds Quote
Members captain Posted July 24, 2013 Author Members Report Posted July 24, 2013 Then I'd say we can be pretty positive it is. Are you planning on tooling it? If so, find a discrete spot make a small mark with a tool, even a modeler. Then let it dry and see how well that spot holds Not planning on tooling. I might stamp some letters just as branding but no tooling. I just want to know whether I can tell customers if it is naturally tanned or not and if it will develop a patina over time. These are somewhat old, would they have developed a color by now or only with contact? Quote
Northmount Posted July 25, 2013 Report Posted July 25, 2013 From another thread I read some time ago, chrome tanned is sort of blue in the middle. Veg tanned leather stays quite light when stored away from sunlight. It darkens over time when exposed to the sunlight. Oiling lightly with neatsfoot oil will also darken the leather. Too much will make it soggy! Other oils and conditioners vary how much they darken the leather. Tom Quote
Members Studio-N Posted July 25, 2013 Members Report Posted July 25, 2013 use a small stamp to make an impression somewhere you will punch a hole. It if the impression takes, it is veg. then punch the hole to get rid of the impression. Quote
Members captain Posted July 25, 2013 Author Members Report Posted July 25, 2013 use a small stamp to make an impression somewhere you will punch a hole. It if the impression takes, it is veg. then punch the hole to get rid of the impression. I have some chromium died leather that I have stamped with brass stamps and it took the impression. I'm not sure what you mean... Quote
Members Andrew Chee Posted July 26, 2013 Members Report Posted July 26, 2013 I saw a video (I think on Youtube) from Siegels leather in CA that says Veg Tan leather will immediately curl up with put in boiling water which chrome tan leather will not. Might be a way to find out... Andrew Quote
Members St8LineGunsmith Posted August 7, 2013 Members Report Posted August 7, 2013 it is veg tan without a doubt I can tell just by looking. Quote
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