Chrome-Tanned Leather For Saddles?

[rf744]

Hi. I know that vegetable-tanned leather is recommended for saddles since, from what I read, it is best for tooling. In my area, there isn't any vegetable-tanned leather but there is a lot of chrome-tanned leather. A tannery can make vegetable-tanned leather for me on custom order but it may be expensive.

Since I am only going to try making my first saddle and since I do not plan to do any tooling on it, can I use chrome-tanned leather?

Are there any special do's and don't's for this type of leather.

Your advice would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[St8LineGunsmith]

chrome tanned leather is for garments, upholstrey, bags, chaps ect. but is not for saddles except for maybe the seat pad

I would not advise trying to make a saddle out of Chrome tanned leather.

[rf744]

Thanks for the reply! I guess I will have to look harder for veg tan leather in my area.

Randy

[St8LineGunsmith]

Ya they dont even make chrome tanned leather in the thickness you would need

saddle skirting is 12-15 oz to where you would do good to find 7-8 oz chrome tan

not to mention chrome tan has no rigidity to it at all.

Good luck with your search for the right leather.