Best Leather For This Project?

[btk316]

Hi Everyone

First off thank you all who contribute to this site i have been reading as much as possible to learn and learn i have.

I have made two small projects for myself, but now im taking a leap and making my daughter a satchel with a difference and was wondering which leather to use i have only used veg tan leather and done some bad tooling and got some cheap leather to do a dry run for the satchel..

hopefully the pictures turn out ( hard to write and design on a train i can tell you)

The satchel is double gusseted, one gusset will have zips either side because inside this compartment will hold chef knives i want the bag to open out for easy access. Will i need to reinforce the bottom of this side too....

So back to the question i have found these leathers which one would be best.. (ps i am in the uk) or send me in the right direction...

http://www.uktannery.com/brown-veg-tanned-bridle-leather-hides-34mm-14-sqft-540-p.asp

http://www.metropolitanleather.com/Vegetable-Tanned-Leather/Natural-Uncoloured/Natural-Veg-Tan-Craft-Tooling-Shoulder

Thank you in advance

Sean.

[gary]

I would use a shoulder for this as I think you'll find it the best thickness. As it's your first big project, you may want to use a pre-dyed leather so you won't have to worry about dyeing, conditioning and refinishing it on top of everything else you will be doing.

[btk316]

thanks Gary hadn't even thought about colors yet but good idea

sean

[JAZZMAN]

Hi Sean, i recently finished a ladies saddle bag for my wife, so similar to a satchel, i made the main body of the bag from 2 to 2.5 shoulder, and the gusset from 1.5 to 2mm shoulder so it was a bit easier for bending and turning for the stitching bend. Both shoulders were from Metropolitan leather and were fantastic. The finish on the back of their leathers is so good you do not have to line it if you can keep it clean while you make the bag. Also if you ring metropolitan they are happy to send you samples, i think they are a great company. As suggested above you might consider using pre dyed also which they do, if you need any more info about Metropolitan do not hesitate to ask, good luck.

[btk316]

Hi Sean, i recently finished a ladies saddle bag for my wife, so similar to a satchel, i made the main body of the bag from 2 to 2.5 shoulder, and the gusset from 1.5 to 2mm shoulder so it was a bit easier for bending and turning for the stitching bend. Both shoulders were from Metropolitan leather and were fantastic. The finish on the back of their leathers is so good you do not have to line it if you can keep it clean while you make the bag. Also if you ring metropolitan they are happy to send you samples, i think they are a great company. As suggested above you might consider using pre dyed also which they do, if you need any more info about Metropolitan do not hesitate to ask, good luck.

thanks jazzman

good to know was thinking of skiving the edges but like you said getting thinner gusset is one less thing to do for me. decided pre-dyed for me just have to be told what color my daughter wants now..

sean