What Leather Are You Buying?

[usmc0341]

I know this has been discussed before, but when I try to search I can't find what I'm looking for I guess because my search terms are so generic and it gives me hundreds of results. I have been buying Herman Oak B grade from Springfield Leather up until this point, but this last piece I got had a lot of waste and I wasn't very impressed with it. So my question is to the craftsman making holsters for a business on here, where are you buying your leather and what do you get? I looked at Wickett & Craig but I'm not sure what to get since they have a whole bunch of different leather listed. Thanks for your help.

Brian

[St8LineGunsmith]

when I am making loop or paddle holsters I use 8-9 oz veg tan

when I make pancake holsters I use 6-7 oz veg tan

when I make a lined loop or paddle type holster I use 6-7 oz veg tan and line it with

2-3 oz veg tan

I usually buy from Springfield and I use HO as well but when I buy leather I always call in my order and specify to the operator that I want a select piece.

I usually buy a whole side at a time, that way I can pull off several gun belts and there is always less waste with a side than with a single or double shoulder

I have recently started buying leather locally from American Saddlery here in Chattanooga they sell Sho Tan leather which is really nice leather

I never used Wickett and Craig leather so I cannot comment on its quality but I have heard it is a very premium leather.I think that Weaver sells W&C

Edited February 10, 2014 by St8LineGunsmith

[JLSleather]

Yeah, I gave up on SLC. Tthey replaced a hide with wrinklesThey replaced one that was the wrong cut (when you order backs, it shouldn't have a belly). They replaced hides that were clean from scars, but dry (you could actually HEAR the shears going through it). They replaced every time, but at some point you gotta ask how much time you want to spend on the phone.

If you like HO leather, you might try this ...

http://www.goligerleather.com/saddlery.html

Personally, I like backs, but sides are available too.

[troop]

Call Matt at Wickett and Craig. tell him what you are wanting and he'll steer you in the right direction. I use their #1 grade holster siding in 7/8 oz for the front and 8/9 for the back. couldn't be happier with the quality every single time

Tony

[robertmeco]

I buy direct from Herman Oak only A grade never had a problem

[Troy I]

Wickett & Craig...skirting/tooling leather...8/10 oz. #1 grade...you can't go wrong. Their great people to work with. They will even allow you to go to their tannery and pick out what you want.

[Red Cent]

I buy directly from Zack White in Ramseur, NC. I lack knowledge regarding the quality of leather since I have never bought elsewhere.

No matter what you buy you will have waste as every one of us know. But are you talking about places in the leather that is not acceptable? I am fortunate to live within 30 minutes of a supply of leather. I know that the double shoulders that I buy are tanned in Mexico.

Between the drum dyed and the natural leather, my price is around $7.00/sq. ft. What are you folks paying for the Premium stuff without the shipping expense?

[usmc0341]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to give Wickett & Craig a try. I assume anyone that uses them buys the "tooling" leather that they specify is for holsters?

[Troy I]

I get the W & C tooling leather or the skirting leather for my holsters...from the side I use the back and shoulder for holster and the belly for small projects like key chains. Make sure you get their #1 grade, I purchased the next grade down and it had several imperfections.

[usmc0341]

I get the W & C tooling leather or the skirting leather for my holsters...from the side I use the back and shoulder for holster and the belly for small projects like key chains. Make sure you get their #1 grade, I purchased the next grade down and it had several imperfections.

Thanks for the info. I'm going to give them a call.