Question On Leather Quality.

[NHProFF]

I ordered 6 sq of 7/8 herman oak grade B from springfield leather. Pictured below is the flesh side of the leather. It appears that there are burn marks from the skiving process. Being an amateur leather worker, I am not sure if this is "normal", or should it be considered unacceptable. It seems to me, that at the premium price I paid for this that it shouldn't have these marks, but again, I'm pretty inexperienced. If I could get everyones opinion I would greatly appreciate it. This will be used for holsters and sheaths.

[Red Cent]

In my short time of experience, I have never seen that before.

[Troy I]

If in doubt--return it...I would not keep it...

[electrathon]

Does not look normal to me. At a glance, the back should not look that different than the front.

[Geneva]

What does the top grain look like?? If this is the flesh side I would not worry about it. As long as the good side doesn't look like this. You bought a grade B hide not the Premium hide.

Edited March 2, 2014 by Geneva

[NHProFF]

I am aware that the Grade B is not "Premium", however it is the highest grade HO Springfield sells, so I'm limited. The top side looks ok, I was just wondering if any of the professionals have seen this before and if its in acceptable condition for $8.49 sq...

[KandB]

I've never seen anything like that before, and I buy the cheap economy hides at Tandy.

[oltoot]

The marks come from running dry pieces through the splitter after tanning to get exact and even weight. As long as they are just lines like that and not solid brown patches, they will pose no problems in use. So your decision is based on the type of projects you will be making and if the flesh side will show or not. I would be sure to explain why I was returning if I chose to do so and in the future, when you order specially cut pieces, tell them what you will be using them for to avoid future dissappointments.

[NHProFF]

I managed to find a usable area, that that didn't have the burn marks, to use for the holster I was making. Problem is, the brown marks are hard, burnished areas, not just cosmetic. And this is the second piece (I have ordered 4 total in my lifetime) that I received that had me questioning whether or not it was usable.

In fairness, I'm not trying to speak ill of Springfield Leather. With the first questionable piece, I contacted them and they were extremely helpful. I chalked it up to inexperience and ordered a better quality piece. Kevin assured me that he personally ensured it was a beautiful piece, and it was. He takes customer service serious, that's for sure.

Oh, well. Guess I'll just throw this in the "live and learn" folder. Thank you all for the replies.

Edited March 28, 2014 by NHProFF

[DavidL]

Springfield leathers wouldn't risk their reputation trying to make a quick buck on a regular order. I would imagine that this happened during shipping. In the future I'm going to purchase leather from springfield leather, hopefully it will turn out ok.

[Chief31794]

I buy all my leather from Springfield Leather and have never had a problem with anything. Talk to them, if you don't like it, they'll make it right. At least that's been my experience.

Chief

[George B]

Just give them a call, they are good people to work with and will give you a straight answer.