Should I return this?

[strathmoredesigns]

So I'm new to leather work and have been experimenting with different suppliers. I ordered some straps recently - my second order from the same supplier - and I'm a little disappointed. I don't want to totally blow them in, but let's just say they seem to be one of the bigger suppliers located in the middle of the U.S. Anyway after waiting well over a week for the stuff to even ship this is a sampling of some of what I got. Some of it is pretty hairy (which I know will be hard for me to skive), some is marked, and some is even sort of chewed up looking. Even though I'm new, I know enough not to have picked these pieces for myself had the store been within reasonable driving distance. I've sort of heard (can't recall where), that it's good practice to send stuff back if you're not happy so the supplier starts to learn what type of quality you expect. Not sure if that's true or not, but I also wanted to get a second opinion on this stuff just to make sure I'm not being overly fussy. Also, does anybody know why the ends seem to be the worst bits? Could they be belly?

[mustangman2]

Send it back.

[MADMAX22]

It varies but the ends of straps could be part neck area or upper leg, either gives same kind of result as the belly for the most part (not always as bad but it can be). 

Now one thing is what grade did they advertise it as? Also are these strips over the advertised length say 80" vs the 60" advertised? 

Plus would be nice to see pics of the whole thing so as to put it in perspective. 

 

[strathmoredesigns]

They range from about 52-55 inches long. Including my best attempt at capturing full length shots of the ones that seemed to be the worst.

As for the advertising, they're a couple of different thicknesses by they all basically say: "'X width' wide strips of our import veg tan, great for belts, straps, and other projects - length may vary.  Cut from 8/9 oz leather. Approximately 50" length." So I guess maybe it's fair that there'd some bits to discard at the ends, but the parts I have a problem with are about 6-7 inches long. Also they don't seem to offer a grade choice for most of their pre-cut import stuff. They do for their top tier stuff, which I've ordered grade 1 for before. I'd order 1 of the import if it was an option.

[strathmoredesigns]

Here's the other end.

Also, some of the have tough patches in the middle. I can't really capture it on camera, but it kind of puts a damper on if I'm thinking of using it for like a camera strap or something where I need most of the strap.

[MADMAX22]

Yep cheap imported crappy leather. Send it back and stick to good stuff if you can. For the few bucks ya save its really not worth it for the ones or twos you make for yourself or if your trying to sell it. Either way worth it to get decent/good leather. 

Oh and I am not saying all imported leather is bad, but the good imported vegtan they will usually advertise where it comes from maybe even the tannery, when they advertise as just imported then its usually tandy grade leather. 

Wanted to add if your planning on doing more then a few items its almost always worth it to just buy a back and a cheap strap cutter. 

Edited March 14, 2017 by MADMAX22

[Tugadude]

You might order some from Weaver to compare.  The ones you have retailed for about $6.50 a pop and Weaver's are listed at $7.00.  BTW, the dealer you got the strips from has never let me down.  I'm confident they will work with you.

[JLSleather]

Yes, you should return that.

[nrk]

what a crap

guess I know who they are..

[strathmoredesigns]

4 hours ago, Tugadude said:

You might order some from Weaver to compare.  The ones you have retailed for about $6.50 a pop and Weaver's are listed at $7.00.  BTW, the dealer you got the strips from has never let me down.  I'm confident they will work with you.

Yeah, I'm by no means ready to toss in the towel with these guys, I just wanted to get a second opinion. I plan to reach out and see what they say/