Will I get better leather if I order....

[SouthernCross]

Will I get better leather if I order from someone else other than Tandy?  There is a local Tandy store near me and I'm just not impressed with their hide selection.  Every time I'm in the store it just feels to me like it's a "staging area" (warehouse) for mail-order junk for amateurs.  It's just "cheesy-feeling" all around.

If I order from Springfield, Weaver Leather Craft, etc. am I more likely to get better stuff?

[Bolt Vanderhuge]

YES! Order Hermann Oak hides. 

[Beret]

Yes yes yes yes.

I was sourcing from Zack White for some time, and just switched over to Hide House. Very pleased with their service, quality, and pricing. 

[JLSleather]

Hermann Oak tannery (St Louis) is the only place that has never sent me a bad piece of leather.  And I've tried quite a few places.

Oh.. I will add that I have found some decent leather at Tandy stores.  More the exception than the rule (and you need to go pick it out yourself, generally) but it has happened.

Edited February 23, 2017 by JLSleather

[immiketoo]

With the exception of the Tandy Euro bends, and the HO they sell, I find that almost everywhere has batter leather.  I only buy HO and some of the italian leather now.  You can't beat quality.

 

[nrk]

wickett-craig

[NVLeatherWorx]

I think this has been pretty much unanimous that there is life after Tandy and that life is good.

[bikermutt07]

2 hours ago, immiketoo said:

With the exception of the Tandy Euro bends, and the HO they sell, I find that almost everywhere has batter leather.  I only buy HO and some of the italian leather now.  You can't beat quality.

 

I don't think they even carry HO anymore.

[Sceaden]

I do like this stuff from Tandy but it's not cheap. https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/roma-single-shoulders

[Troy I]

Wickett & Craig for good leather