Which Leather Is Best?

[Jumpout]

I am making my first messenger bag and I have a question. I am used to making holsters and I use veg tan leather for my holsters and belts and mag pouches, etc. In thinking about this messenger bag project I was wondering if the experts here think veg tan is the best or if I should go with a chrome tan or some other type of leather. The bag I have in mind will not be heavy so I'm thinking some rigidity but flexibility as well. Supple if you will. I'm thinking 4/5 or 5/6 oz. leather. Can anyone help me?

[DavidL]

veg tan would work the best and somewhere between 4-8oz would work. Chrome tan would not be rigid and won't hold its shape.

[Procyon650]

I built my wife a briefcase using 5 oz chrome tanned and she finds that it is a bit shapeless. It works fine if there is anything in it like a binder or a notebook. You might want to try using a stiffener of some sort internally to help with the shaping.

[Jumpout]

Thanks y'all.

[kwelna]

_{5-6 oz veg tan ontheoutside and then line it with 2-3 oz veg tan. ( 2-3 oz interior - use the soft hand leather from springfield) I really like the results}

[Jimbob]

Try oil tanned in 5-6 oz...some oil tanned has a fairly firm hand and will work great on bags...especially when lined with 2-3 oz soft milled veg tan !!!!