Chromexcel From Springfield

[mrtreat32]

What is the deal with the chromexcel from Springfield?

Has anyone ordered this and does it look nice? Have you seen it compared to chromexcel from tannery row? It doesn't say if its 2nd quality or not.

I contacted Tannery row and they charge around $12sf and $8 and change a SF if you ordered 5 or more sides of a single color. Im curious if its the same stuff that Springfield leather is ordering and what to expect. You can order through Springfield for $10 a square foot which seems like a good compromise if you can't order 5+ sides direct from Horween.

Curious to hear anyones thoughts on this stuff.

thanks

[Matt T]

It's most likely not first grade; John from Horween replied in another thread to this question, and stated that Springfield has bought both grades in the past. I took that as a hint that they are now selling second grade. I would call and ask; curious what they would say.

[mrtreat32]

It's most likely not first grade; John from Horween replied in another thread to this question, and stated that Springfield has bought both grades in the past. I took that as a hint that they are now selling second grade. I would call and ask; curious what they would say.

thanks.

I remember reading something similar on here to what you just said but I can't find the thread now. Maybe I will call and ask them.

I have some stuff coming soon from Maverick so Im curious how that would compare to the Springfield stuff.

[Hunhunt]

I have purchased one of the Chromexcel seconds in the past (not from Springfield). It is really nice leather but for my use (shoe making) there was too much waste. I swallowed hard and ordered from Tannery row (actually ordered 6 sides instead of the minimum 5 for the discount). The first quality sides are just amazing. It took quite a while to get the order filled but it was well worth the wait. The seconds do work great for smaller items like wallets, etc. and Maverick's delivery time is second to none.

[mrtreat32]

I have purchased one of the Chromexcel seconds in the past (not from Springfield). It is really nice leather but for my use (shoe making) there was too much waste. I swallowed hard and ordered from Tannery row (actually ordered 6 sides instead of the minimum 5 for the discount). The first quality sides are just amazing. It took quite a while to get the order filled but it was well worth the wait. The seconds do work great for smaller items like wallets, etc. and Maverick's delivery time is second to none.

Im gonna set up my website soon. Hopefully if I can sell a few items I will be able to justify a order directly from Tannery Row. I wouldn't mind 5 sides total but the fact that I can't get different colors or types is what doesn't work for me starting out.

I placed my order with Maverick and I should have my first hands on with chromexcel this week. The big downside to ordering horween from Maverick is they stock mostly 5-6oz leathers from Horween. If I was able to order from Tannery Row I could get lighter weights which I would prefer.

I have some samples coming from Tannery Row so Im excited about that. Looking forward to seeing the Cavalier in person which is basically chromexcel in brighter colors. I don't understand why it doesn't seem to be as popular. The lady I spoke with at Horween said she thinks the name isn't as out in the public because the big names like Alden etc all mention chromexcel so people think of that as the premiere leather from Horween. Well besides SHELL!

Edited June 27, 2014 by mrtreat32

[Hunhunt]

Although you wouldn't want to do this on a regular basis, you can split CXL for some of your smaller applications. I wanted to use scraps left over from shoe-making (5 - 6 oz chromexcel) to make wallets and notebook/checkbook covers. I purchased an old Chase pattern splitter from Bruce Johnson (moderator on the "Leather Tools" section of this forum) and tried it. It works great for splitting 6oz down to as little as 2.5oz. I've split pieces as wide as 4.5 inches which requires some grunt but splits beautifully.

[DavidL]

Although you wouldn't want to do this on a regular basis, you can split CXL for some of your smaller applications. I wanted to use scraps left over from shoe-making (5 - 6 oz chromexcel) to make wallets and notebook/checkbook covers. I purchased an old Chase pattern splitter from Bruce Johnson (moderator on the "Leather Tools" section of this forum) and tried it. It works great for splitting 6oz down to as little as 2.5oz. I've split pieces as wide as 4.5 inches which requires some grunt but splits beautifully.

With the splitter (manual) is there usually a guide or ruler to set the blade to a certain ounce? Is this the same w/ manual skiving machines?

I was in a workshop where they had a skiving machine but didn't get a chance to see it work.

[Hunhunt]

The Chase pattern splitter is purely trial and error. There are splitters such as the Krebs pattern that have a means of getting repeatable thickness. Bruce Johnson has a great blog on his website that describes the capabilities and differences in these machines. Another good resource is the article "Splitting Machines" on the randallmachine.com website. I chose the Chase pattern because I work primarily with chrome tan leather which can be difficult to split compared to vegtan. The Chase pattern was recommended because of the thinner, lower angle blade. I tested the Chase pattern with some very soft temper oil tan and had no trouble splitting it. It splits CXL just fine.

[mrtreat32]

Although you wouldn't want to do this on a regular basis, you can split CXL for some of your smaller applications. I wanted to use scraps left over from shoe-making (5 - 6 oz chromexcel) to make wallets and notebook/checkbook covers. I purchased an old Chase pattern splitter from Bruce Johnson (moderator on the "Leather Tools" section of this forum) and tried it. It works great for splitting 6oz down to as little as 2.5oz. I've split pieces as wide as 4.5 inches which requires some grunt but splits beautifully.

Yeah I don't have a splitter at the moment. If I start selling and making a bit of money I will invest in one and most likely some type of skiving machine.

I have never split leather. What does the grain side look like after splitting? Pretty much the same as the top? Also when you split leather with surface defects does the layer below tend to be in better condition?

thanks

[Hunhunt]

When splitting chromexcel the flesh side looks pretty much the same after splitting as before. I tried splitting another type of leather that was just chrome tan and it had a very loose, soft nap (don't know if that is a legitimate word when describing leather) on the flesh side. This stuff was almost impossible to skive with a hand skiver because the blade would just bog down in the thick, soft fiber. The Chase pattern splitter cut right through it with no problem and left a tight, smooth surface on the flesh side.

As far as surface defects, since those are generally on the top (hair) side (bug bites, scars, brands) the splitter won't solve that as it is the flesh side that is being split off and is generally discarded.