Members Modad2010 Posted January 4, 2015 Members Report Posted January 4, 2015 (edited) So I had to go to Springfield Leather to pick up some HO for holsters. When I got there I discovered that the price had gone up by $0.80 s.f. I looked through about 25 hides and only found one that had a decent shoulder area that they were willing to cut off for me. When I got it home, it was like trying to cut through a concrete block - stropping my round knife after every 6-8 inches of cutting. It did the same thing to my bevellers - had to resharpen and strop them. When I first started making holsters a couple of years ago I loved working with HO, but now it seems to be a chore to find good piece of leather, and them working with it is more of a chore than something I find enjoyable to do. Does anyone else seem to be experiencing the same thing with Herman Oak? I was able to get a piece of Wickett and Craig a while back and liked it - thinking about switching over. Just wanted to add that this was 7/8 oz. stuff and this has been the same case the last three times I purchased Herman Oak Edited January 4, 2015 by Modad2010 Quote
Members papaw Posted January 4, 2015 Members Report Posted January 4, 2015 I am using a side of Hermon Oak right now on a couple of projects and all I can say is it cuts like butter 8oz, but I have had it for a little while. Quote Papaw Indiana Calumet Area Leather Guild Happy to be old enough to know better, but young enough to still do it !!
Chief31794 Posted January 4, 2015 Report Posted January 4, 2015 I get Hermann Oak from SLC about every other week, 9/10 oz 6/7oz and 4/5 oz and I haven't had any trouble what-so-ever. Chief Quote "Life's too short to carry ugly leather"
Members Nhfarm50 Posted January 4, 2015 Members Report Posted January 4, 2015 I have had good success with quality, but does seem to have quite a few flaws to deal with on the good side. Did not have that issue before. Quote
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted January 4, 2015 Contributing Member Report Posted January 4, 2015 We just returned two 8/9 backs of HO to springfield -- WAY too much waste factor. I understand that "B" grade isn't flawless (that's why it's "B") but that was ridiculous. You'd be lucky if you could use HALF of that leather. The ONLY thing good about that whole deal was they accepted it back without issue. 'Course, that means UPS got paid twice, but SCL made nothing and we don't have 8/9 oz. Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
NVLeatherWorx Posted January 4, 2015 Report Posted January 4, 2015 Use H.O. for everything and get much of it from SLC; never had any issues with it. Quote Richard Hardie R. P. Hardie Leather Co. R. P. Hardie Leather Co. - OnlineR. P. Hardie Leather Co on Facebook
robertmeco Posted January 5, 2015 Report Posted January 5, 2015 I use HO that I order from the tannery never han any problems Quote
Members texback Posted January 5, 2015 Members Report Posted January 5, 2015 I recently got some HO from Springfield and experienced much the same. Seemed to cut fine with my round knife but had to strop my BK swivel knife as well as edgers quite often. Also was pretty tough to skive the flesh side. But on the other hand it tooled very nicely. Quote
Members Modad2010 Posted January 5, 2015 Author Members Report Posted January 5, 2015 The stuff I've had tools well and burnishes great, it's just been very difficult to cut and the sides have had too much in the way of flaws. You guys that are ordering from outside Missouri must be gettin' all the primo stuff. Would love to be able to order right from the tannery, but I don't do enough volume to be able to order 10 hides at a time. Quote
Members cgleathercraft Posted January 5, 2015 Members Report Posted January 5, 2015 Bought a 9/10 oz bend for making slings. I had the same experience - very tough to cut but carves, tools, burnishes well. I bought a razor knife from walmart to try and make it easier to cut. Took about a blade per sling before I noticed the drag. I'm not majorly concerned with it right now. Judging by the other comments I could have just received a stiffer hide. Strangely enough the slings I dyed black with roon came out the most supple. The roon usually makes everything twice as stiff and brittle for me. Quote http://www.cgleathercraft.com Member of the Iron Brigade.
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