Do Not Order From Springfield Leather

[stasaki90]

Just received my first order from Springfield Leather.

I have heard mixed reviews about them so I ordered a small quantity of 6sf of Hermann Oak Leather (Shoulder, singles).

(http://springfieldleather.com/30417/Shoulder%2CSingle%2CH-O%2C3-4oz/)

Their customer service was friendly but the quality I received was unacceptable.

Please see attached pictures for their imperfections .

(I took the pictures in different rooms so the lighting is different)

Maybe I was just unlucky.

But that does not justify what I received.

You have been warned...

stasaki

Edited February 3, 2016 by stasaki90

[NVLeatherWorx]

That specific cut of leather is not of the premium grade and the reason that they have it is that they have cut some shorter belt straps from the side that it was part of. In other words, you have basically purchased a piece of scrap (so to speak) and this is cut from their Craftsman grade which is advertised as having such marks.

There is no need to go "warning" people about purchasing from Springfield. Many of us use them and have had no issues, but that is because we know about the various grades and cuts and only purchase the quality that we are looking for. Budget priced materials, regardless of what they are, will yield a budget looking result.

Edited February 3, 2016 by NVLeatherWorx

[HEAVY LEATHER]

Great company,awesome people, and fair prices. You should probably contact them and give them a chance to resolve your issue before posting defamatory comments on a public forum.

[Troy I]

I agree with Heavy...give them a call, before you bad mouth them...I've only had two problems with two separate orders and they corrected them right away.

On the other hand the only leather I have purchased from them has been pigskin lining...not pristine, but for the price you could not beat it.

[TomG]

Agree with Heavy. Call them before blasting them..

The link you gave shows the website listing. It clearly says these are a good quality leather but is a leftover from their belt production. So they have been handled and I would expect some nicks and blemishes on various pieces.

[thunter9]

you get what you pay for. order mid grade expect some scares. order A grade expect 1-2 dollars a foot more. I've always used Montana leather out of billings or McPherson out of Washington seattle

[thunter9]

mid grade is scared brands , barb wire , cuts during the tanning process their still full hides

if you can lay out you patterns around your scares then your good . not a part hide either

[RoosterShooter]

Before I started ordering my leather in 10 Hide Lots, I ordered from Springfield and would often get the same results. Granted, they always made it right with me, but it's one of those questions "Why didn't they do it right the first time?"

Again, they always made it right by me, but it was always another 4 days on returns and getting the right thing in.

Then, I found out that Springfield Leather orders 'Tannery Run' hides from Hermann Oak, and they are often ... literally ... a 'C' or 'D' Grade Leather. Even though Springfield lists them as a "B" grade when they are actually a true "D".

[Red Cent]

In the big picture, 10 hides may not be much but if I had you as a customer, I would not screw around. I firmly believe that the "small" guys get the dregs and the Mernickles and Kirkpatricks get the best of the litter. I am not begrudging the businesses because money does talk. The problem I have (I have posted this before) is the distribution lines. There ain't none. They sell down stream, up stream and sideways. There is no consistent "grading" system. I have ordered from a number of suppliers and have received the holes, scars, and brands on stuff that is supposed to be the premium leather. I have received whole sides that range from the requested 8-9 ounce to around 5-6 ounce elsewhere on the hide. Apparently there is the Superior grade that I did not notice.

'Course, the answer is to buy from Hermann/Oak but I can't afford that.

One might be interested to know that W&C supplies The Hide House in Napa Valley, CA. I wouldn't buy any more product from The Hide House if you paid me. I recently ordered (second and last time) two sides of their "Premium" grade and it is not consistent in weight, has more belly than nay I have ever seen, and if you put masking tape on it to hold a pattern, the tape will lift the "tan" color.

Edited February 7, 2016 by Red Cent

[JLSleather]

My H.O. issue is the minimum order. No worries getting 10 sides, but it's the fact that to get different thickness you have to buy 20 sides, not 10. ANd 10 of all the same weight would be fine IF you could buy a splitter that comes sharp and ready to use

Far as suppliers go, I tend to be a bit vocal Send me the good stuff, I'll spread the word. Send me the dregs, don't be confused - I'll say that too! Right in the center of town square, and I'll verify it with photos if needed.

Far as SLC goes, they HAVE sent me POO at various times. BUT, not ALL of the leather they've sent has been bad - in fact I have been on teh phone with them before suggesting they send me some more JUST LIKE that last batch.

And I ordered one side the other day from them which hasn't arrived as yet. This does seem to be their big customer base, though.. the guy who wants one or two pieces ...

Edited February 7, 2016 by JLSleather