Going To Try Some New Leather

[Randyc]

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

[paris3200]

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.

[ArtS]

Isn't what Weavers sells Herman Oak Leather?

I love Wicket & Craig also Siegels.

Art

[Randyc]

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.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

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.

[Shorts]

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.

[RawhideLeather]

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.

[K-Man]

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

[HarryB]

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.

[Luke Hatley]

HELLO HR BROWN. NICE TO SEE YOU ON THE FOURM........

has my side of W & C came in yet?