Firm But Thin Leather

[OurJud]

I know what I will be advised to do when I ask this question, so may I make it clear now that living in the UK, in the middle of the north west, my only real option for buying leather is online. Yes, it would be preferable to go and see and feel the different leathers in person, but as I say, not really an option.

Anyway, I need a firm but thin leather for my slim wallet project, and need some advice on suitable types.

In the past I've used 2mm cowhide which offers exactly the firmness I'm looking for, but is a little on the thick side. I've been looking at some leathers on etsy, from various animals including cow, at 1 to 1.4mm, but from the pictures it looks to be far too floppy for my needs.

This seller has lots: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PeggySueAlso?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav

Any advice on thin leathers that keep their shape and don't flop about would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Andrew Chee]

I think any vegetable tanned leather would generally fit your bill. The link you sent to Etsy all looked like chrome tan leathers which will not be as firm. Not really sure what look you're after though so hard to say.

Andrew

[OurJud]

Thanks, Andrew. I understand that without seeing it for themselves it's difficult for other members to fully appreciate the type of leather I'm seeking.

The leather wallet is going to be stitchless and have no pockets, so it really is nothing more than a shaped panel of leather.

These images show the prototype and you can see how the leather is holding it's shape (2mm). This is what I want to achieve, but with a thinner leather.

[Andrew Chee]

Can you buy direct from tanneries in the UK? In the US I would suggest some place like wickett and Craig where you can buy a single hide, have them split it down to any thickness you want and refinish the flesh side for you. Anyone off that service in the UK? Something else that comes to mind is finished calf skin but the only place I've seen that around here is from a French tannery.

Andrew

[OurJud]

I don't know of any and I don't have the money for that kind of service anyway. I have to think twice before spending $10, so we're talking VTB here.

[Toolingaround]

Hi OurJud

I second the thin tooling veg tan leather. I love it for small pocket ittems and it does retain its stiffness. I use about 3 oz (1.2mm). It carves beautifully too if your into that. I have even managed petal lifting on it. I have a credit card case that I made and have carried everyday for the last couple of years, still stiff. Like you, money is an issue and I can't afford any expensive high end leather either......sigh....so most of my stuff is from cheep tandy leather. Hope that helps.

Cheers, Toolingaround

[OurJud]

Thanks very much, Toolingaround.

Being new to leather, I'm not even sure what you both mean by 'veg tan' leather. Is this leather from a certain animal or does it refer to the process?

Having to work on a too-small desk in my living room also means I don't want the bother and expense of having to dye my leather. When I did a quick search for veg tanned leather just then, the stuff that was coming up was natural.

Edited March 2, 2014 by OurJud

[Chris B]

Veg-tan is the process of tanning it. I haven't seen any that has been pre-dyed. I am probably wrong with that though.

Chris

[OurJud]

I don't really understand why I'm finding it so difficult to find the leather I need.

When I decided to have a go at making some simple notebook covers the advice suggested 2mm was about the right thickness/weight. I headed over to eBay and found what I needed, in the right colour and at the right price, within 5 minutes!

All I want is the same stuff but slightly thinner and it's like it doesn't even exist. What leather I have managed to find at the right thickness looks too floppy

Edited March 2, 2014 by OurJud

[electrathon]

Vegetable tanned is the firm leather that usually used when tooling, and other things. Most of it is thicker, sometimes it is found down to about 3 ounce. Many of us split it thinner when needed.

The soft floppy leather is chrome tanned. It is used in upholstery and other things. The tanning process is cheaper and faster.

Veg tanned goat for bookbinding is what you really want, but it is much more expensive than the cow you have been looking at. It runs about $7-$8 a sq foot.