It's the same thing ...

[JLSleather]

Have we seen the SLC video about buying lesser grade leather?  I stumbled across it and would have to look for it again.  Basically, they buy NOT "A" grade because the "A" and the "D" are the "same thing".  

Really?@$!  I 'get' it Kevin... leather removed from a cow, hung in the same vat of tanning stuff, same process.  To that extent, it is "the same".  But it's a good LEAP from two cowhides hanging in the same vat to D-grade being "the same" as A-grade.

Do yourself a favor, really, and just delete that video (up to you, of course)...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOpqWydgr-s

 

Edited August 13, 2016 by JLSleather

[CraftyNick]

I happened to watch that video last night.  Kevin was just saying that there are portions of D grade hide that are as good as A grade hide, at least, that's what I understood from it.  Though if you were going to buy a whole side at one time you would definitely get more good leather out of a higher-graded hide.  

[JLSleather]

Yeah, teh difference is largely cosmetic (visual).  And I'd go along with it that far.  

But that leap of "logic" takes a pretty good turn pretty suddenly.  LIke, a cat is not a cow, and a horse is not a cow, therefore a cat is the same as a horse.

So, they buy lower grade hides because they WANT less yield?#$#!@$!  Hey, each his own.

Granted, this is last year's price list. But it looks to me like the difference between "A" and "D" (and there IS a difference) is about $1.20 / foot.  If you had a BIG side, say 24 feet (which is normal at HO) then teh total difference... if you buy "D".. you "save" a whoppin' $29.00 PER SIDE, not per piece.  Personally, I prefer to pay the $30 and get the good stuff.

Doing the math for anybody who could use the help

24 foot side of "A" times $8.03 = 192.72

24 foot side of 'D" times $6.83 = 163.92

This is a difference of $28.80  GRADE A for under $200.  Wait.. lemme say that again.  HO "A" grade for UNDER $200. 

2015_HermannOak.pdf

 

Edited August 13, 2016 by JLSleather

[Boriqua]

I dont know the gentleman but I know the company has a fair following on here. In the interest of being on a board where we all help one another I too would suggest the removal of the video. I have to say the video was difficult to watch and I could only get through half. The thinking was somewhat convoluted, the video was far longer than necessary and the delivery sounded condescending and was off putting. I will have to watch other videos made by them to see if that is just the man's delivery style or this particular subject raised his ire.

[Art]

SLC are decent folks, and some of them have pretty good knowledge.  Some of them don't, and occasionally don't realize it.  I'd say Kevin has a wealth of knowledge and is pretty free with it.  I don't think the point they are trying to make in the video is resonating with everyone as is evidenced by the comments here.  I don't think anyone is recommending a side of "D" unless you are going to use it for liners; nevertheless you can get much good leather from a "D" side.  If you are going to buy leather to size and/or grade, you are going to pay more per ft than when buying a whole side.

Some retail operations also do leatherwork.  Most of the cut leather you buy from them comes right from their custom operation, e.g. if you order a sq. ft. of leather, they are going to take a piece from their operation that has been cut, and find a piece to your specifications.  If you can't tolerate any imperfections, TELL THEM THAT.  The more you let them know what you want, the better service you will receive, and the more likely you will GET WHAT YOU WANT.

Some wholesale operations do a LOT of leatherwork, they manufacture stuff.  Who do you think gets the best sides on a pallet?  'nuff said.  Just love to get the tannery run of stuff that isn't the best to start with.

TR = Something someone at the Tannery Run over with a fork lift.

Art

[bikermutt07]

This is slightly off topic, but I love their videos. I think Kevin is hilarious and I love his style. I have watched all their videos just for the entertainment.

Back to the topic at hand. Jls, I think you have become this sites unofficial watchdog. It seems you find the bad deals out there and do a great job of bringing them to our attention. Thank you for that.

I don't think slc was being malicious on their intent during this video. I think he was making the point that not all leather is always going to be A grade. He was suggesting saving yourself some money if you weren't doing large projects that take up most of the side in one piece. Such as someone making holsters and sheaths could easily work around the imperfections, save a little money, and make his life in sales maybe slightly easier.

At least, that was my take.

[JLSleather]

Man, we do seem to sidetrack around here, dont we   I din't take the video as "malicious".... in fact, I think it's helpful TO THEM to remove it.

I'm deleting the rest of this post for the third time.  Just no point

 

 

Edited August 15, 2016 by JLSleather

[JerseyFirefighter]

When I saw the video some time back the main takeaway I got from that was that if scars and blems in a centralized spot can turn an A grade (I thought they only sold B.. who knew) to a D grade. For strap makers like myself it is easier to work around those blemishes and maintain a good yield despite the imperfections that make it graded so. That particular vid got me to try one of their craftsman sides instead of the B grade and I was still generally impressed with the difference. I switched suppliers after that so I didnt get much further in the comparison. It worked to some degree as it got someone like me to at least try out the different stuff. Never could understand why a business owner would want to undersell his higher priced product unless he had volume of the cheaper stuff. 

[JLSleather]

My last word here, and a chance to laugh again

If the difference between "A" and "D" is $30, then it's beyond me why anyone would want to get the one you throw out half of

That said, about videos in general ... I remember that one me 'n' my buddy Robert (mecopocketholsters.com) used to laugh about.  Some genius makes belts (which by itself is not bad) and makes videos that go on (and on) about belts.  I mean.. it's a piece of leather, glued to another piece of leather, and stitched.  Somebody sent me a link to this sensitive-lookin' feller, and in the video the guy is holding up a belt and babbling on. Along the line, he wipes his nose with his bare hand, then goes back to "displaying" his belt with all the wonderful talent involved   At that moment, even if he hadn't already been irritating, he guaranteed that I would never buy, recommend or endorse anything he does.  Cut his own throat, as it were.  Shot hisself in da foot, rightcheer.  Still, "boogerbelts.com" is STILL funny

 

Edited August 15, 2016 by JLSleather

[ChriJ]

A booberbelt might come in handy as a gift to someone you don't like very much.  Would keeping him wondering why you laugh your ( ! ) off every time you see him wear it.

 

Chris

[JLSleather]

I said booGerbelt, with a "g".  But yours could be amusing too

 

[ChriJ]

Boogerbelt was what i meant. So now everyone knows I can't type and I don't proof read.

 

Chris