Randyc Posted October 21, 2008 Report Posted October 21, 2008 I've just about used up my current supply of leather purchased from Weaver. I've been using 6/7 oz. for my pocket holsters and belt slide holsters for lighter weight pistols. I've been using 8/9 oz. for my tunnel/loop belt holsters and plan to design a IWB holster next. I planning to purchase Wicket and Craig or Herman Oak sides or sholders. Of these two brands, which is easer to mold and bone with the best results? What grade of leather should I purchase? I don't mind purchasing "Grade A" if that grade will be necessary to achieve the desired effects. Thanks Guys, Randy Quote Randy Cooley Bulldog Custom Gun Leather www.bulldogleathercompany.com
Members paris3200 Posted October 22, 2008 Members Report Posted October 22, 2008 I think you would be happy with either Wicket and Craig or Herman Oaks. From what I can tell they are comparable when it comes to molding. Superiority will come down to the particular tanning batch and the time of year. Quote http://www.parisleatherworks.com
ArtS Posted October 22, 2008 Report Posted October 22, 2008 Isn't what Weavers sells Herman Oak Leather? I love Wicket & Craig also Siegels. Art Quote Art Schwab "You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself." – Galileo Galilei
Randyc Posted October 22, 2008 Author Report Posted October 22, 2008 Isn't what Weavers sells Herman Oak Leather?I love Wicket & Craig also Siegels. Art I believe Weaver does carry Herman Oak, but I'm pretty sure for the price I paid, it wasn't Herman Oak. Quote Randy Cooley Bulldog Custom Gun Leather www.bulldogleathercompany.com
Members BOOMSTICKHolsters Posted October 22, 2008 Members Report Posted October 22, 2008 I like the Hermann Oak better in the lighter weight cuts, and the W&C for the heavier weight. I use W&C 8 oz. premium grade that has been sanded, holstered, and pasted for my belt holsters (prepare for a little sticker shock if you go this route). For my ccw belts I use a top layer of 8.5 oz. premium that has been sanded pasted and plated, and for the inside layer I use 6 oz. with the same treatments. It's expensive to do things this way, but it yields the best results for me. For my IWB holsters I use Hermann Oak in multiple thicknesses and finishes, depending on what I want to do. The time and trouble you save by working with either of these tannery's hides will be more than worth the difference in cost. Make sure you don't use as much solution when you case either of these hides, as they won't take nearly as much water to get the same results as what you were using on your previous hides. Quote
Members Shorts Posted October 22, 2008 Members Report Posted October 22, 2008 I use HO and I enjoy working with it. It finishes nicely and molds very well. I have yet to try W&C so I cannot compare it to HO. Quote
RawhideLeather Posted November 6, 2008 Report Posted November 6, 2008 My two cents. I bought a large order direct from Hermann Oak a while back and am very unhappy with it. I posted my experience with it here on the forum. I am going to use Wickett & Craig from now on. Quote
Members K-Man Posted November 6, 2008 Members Report Posted November 6, 2008 (edited) I've used both W&C and H.O. The W.C. does not have the same firmness as the H.O., unless you order it that way from W.C. IMO, you want that firmness if you're making holsters and such. I've ordered approximately $30k worth of leather direct from H.O. in the last 3 1/2 years. I've sent back less than $300 worth. I've had no problems cutting or molding it. I make holsters primarily, and related accessories. The W.C. does better for tooling than the H.O. IMO. Edited November 6, 2008 by K-Man Quote
Members HarryB Posted November 7, 2008 Members Report Posted November 7, 2008 Have used W&C for years. Very satisfied with the leather and the service. I almost allways order skirting and have it split to whatever thickness I want. Their shoulders and "craftsman" sides are a dryer tannage and about the same tannage as Hermann Oaks. Both tanneries offer excellent sides, I just prefer the skirting tannage from W&C. Probably for the molding, I would use the dryer tannage. Quote
Ambassador Luke Hatley Posted November 7, 2008 Ambassador Report Posted November 7, 2008 HELLO HR BROWN. NICE TO SEE YOU ON THE FOURM........ has my side of W & C came in yet? Quote Luke
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.