Top grain uses

[bikermutt07]

So???? Can I use this stuff in pretty much any item (not counting tooled stuff)?

[bikermutt07]

Yes. I know it's not supposed to be good against metals. So no holsters or sheaths. 

But, messenger bags, saddle bags, wallets, purses, clutches, belts, etc. It'll be ok for?

What about clothing?

I'm testing some scrap now against neatsfoot, aussie, and glycerine liquid soap to see about how to condition it. It seems to me that it already has a finish to it but I'm not sure.

[JLSleather]

14 minutes ago, bikermutt07 said:

I'm testing some scrap now

There's the thing, right there.  Of course you can use it -- you paid for it!  Most likely, the seller listed as "full grain" to distinguish it from "finished split" leather

Looking at your wallet, doesn't look like that stuff "drapes" very well (clothing), but should be okay for flat goods (like the one you uploaded).

 

 

[bikermutt07]

It was listed as top grain. Do you think it has a finish on it?

[JLSleather]

Cant' tell from here -- looks like it might.  Easiest way to check (maybe).. wipe the top surface with a damp rag.. see if it penetrates.

 

[SmokeyPoint]

So, I'm going to be the counter-argument to a lot of the responses and might get flamed for it, but whatever.  There is NOTHING wrong with corrected grain (AKA sometimes Top Grain) leather or chrome tanned leather, as long as you understand their limitations and uses.  Don't eat chrome tanned leather - I think we can all agree on that.  I would also advise against eating veg tanned leather.

Ok, kidding aside, it seems like you understand most of the limitations - it won't mould, stamp, take dye worth a darned, the edges don't burnish well, etc.  But it's generally softer, more pliable and more resistant to water than veg tanned.  You don't really need to seal it against moisture - that's one of its good traits.

Uses: Bags of all types, accessories (dop kits, etc.), portfolios and journals, wallets, phone cases, the list goes on.

As for the cut and paste work not being "craft", I disagree.  Starting out in leather, you're going to explore your world with your tools and materials.  It's amazing what you can make on your own with just a few bits and pieces of leather and hardware.  Don't be afraid to do the simple stuff.   If you're just starting out, make the little things.  They're good practice cutting, gluing, and sewing.  All of that improves your craft and allows you to take steps towards bigger and better things. Sell them if you can.  It allows you to buy more/better tools and better materials, then continue to hone your skills.  We don't all start out apprenticing to a master craftsman.  Eventually you'll find your focus and zero in on how you want your craft to evolve.  Some will never go beyond the cut and paste things that are little more than someone else sewing a quilt or a dress.  Others will stamp, carve, mould, and burnish their way to leather nirvana.  To each his own.

Make your messenger bag.  What's the worst that can happen?  You're out $50 in leather and have gained some valuable insight into what to do and what not to do.  I know this from experience -  I just cut apart the very first messenger bag I tried to make into scraps.  I had tried to sew it on the machine and couldn't keep the backstitching straight.   The second bag I made, I hand stitched instead. I use it to carry my iPad around and it's a great bag. It has held up well and the leather was never treated beyond the factory; it's corrected grain, chrome tanned leather.  No apologies will be given.  I learned from the first bag that my $3k sewing machine is not the direction I want my leather work to go, so mostly it collects dust.  $50 in leather is cheap by comparison.

-Sean

Edited September 29, 2016 by SmokeyPoint