American Leather Direct or other sources for American leather

[Wdfd908]

I've heard Seidel Tannery in Wisconsin uses all US hides and tans in the US. It might be worth checking them out.

[electrathon]

2 hours ago, CraftyNick said:

I don't think I'll actually buy from ALD.  Not that I think there is really anything wrong with them, just don't know why I'd choose them since they don't even sell US tanned leather apparently.  Does anyone get US leather from Tandy?

Some Tandy stores sell very low grade Herman Oak, call it #1 and price it as premium.  If you want to buy it from them expect to pay more than twice market value for it, and you will hate Herman Oak after you see it.    Most of their leather is from undisclosed South American tanneries. They do have some European leather that's pretty nice, pretty expensive, but nice. 

[JLSleather]

I don't know if they still carry it, but the Tandy up the road had H.O. for a while, at $300 per side, and it was certainly the low end of the line (for perspective, HO "A" grade at teh tannery is about $200 per side).

Kinda speaks to your original question though... maybe the name or where it's from isn't really the issue.

[keplerts]

American Leather Direct tans US steer hides in Mexico under the Chahin tannery.  This is NOT the economy stuff.  I have bought from them many times and I must say the leather is very nice.  I always bought their #1 grade.  The leather has a softer temper then Hermann Oak and it cuts, tools, and dyes really well.  I really like their skirting leather.  Weaver Leather does sell Chahin leather in Tannery Run grade ONLY.  If leather at Weaver does say Hermann Oak or Chahin, it is some south American/Brazilian imported/economy leather that cuts/tools very poorly.  But over all, I thinks ALD's Chahin leather is a great buy.

Tom

[CraftyNick]

11 hours ago, keplerts said:

If leather at Weaver does say Hermann Oak or Chahin, it is some south American/Brazilian imported/economy leather that cuts/tools very poorly.  But over all, I thinks ALD's Chahin leather is a great buy.

Keplerts, thanks for your input, I appreciate your opinion.  Did you mean here that Weaver leather sold as Herman Oak is really imported economy leather?  Or did you mean to say "if it does NOT say Herman Oak..."  Just wanted to get that clear so I could know what to watch out for!  

[CraftyNick]

Thanks for lots of input from all responders.  I have been expanding my research into the different types, kinds, sources, and ways to buy veg-tanned leather.  We could also expand the original question beyond just US leathers.   I'd appreciate hearing from anyone what leather you find works for you, and where you get it.  

[keplerts]

CraftyNick,

Yes, I meant to say:  "if it does NOT say Hermann Oak or Chahin" it is the imported leather.  Thanks for catching my mistake!

I bought a double shoulder of the 6-7 oz imported stuff (because they don't carry double shoulders in the HO or Chahin brands)

and I fought constantly with my sharp swivel knife to get my tooling pattern cut in.  I had to strop the blade (and I'm not kidding) after every 3" to 4" inches of carving.  Now I'm just hoping the dye I plan to use will turn out the way I need it to.  But, I'm not holding my breath on this going smoothly.

[Troy I]

Just buy a side from Wickett & Craig Tannery...good leather if you buy their top of the line.  Minimum order is one side.

They are based in Pennsylvania and use North America cow hides..so your hide might come from anywhere in North America, but is tanned in the U.S.A.

[keplerts]

Troy I,

Yes, Wickett & Craig has nice leather for sure.  I live about 72 miles from them (not that far).  But I can never seem to find the time to drive up (work two jobs and have my leather shop). And when I need something it is easier to just order it from a supplier where I don't have to wait 2-3 weeks to get it.  Someday, I will make them a visit!

Tom

[Troy I]

Keplerts,

I go up there about once or twice a year. My mother lives close to Altoona, so I kill two birds with one stone, get to visit with her and then drive up to Curwensville and get some leather.