Chrome tanned is longer lasting than vegetable tanned?

[thePassenger]

Quote

There is no accepted laboratory method for measuring the durability of sole leather, nor is there any basic standard to which the durability of a given sample can be referred. Recourse was therefore had to the service test, whereby it is possible to get an indication of the comparative durabilities of any two leathers. The procedure can best be described by following through one series- series 1, for example. Tbis series consisted of 2 lots of leather, 1 vegetable tanned and 1 filled chrome, wbich were furnished by the same tanner. An equal number of right and left soles were cut from each lot. These soles were paired in such a way that the 2 soles in each pair came from the same location in the bides, and that half of the left soles were vegetable tanned and half of them chrome tanned. The soles were attached to shoes in the Bureau shop (a few were attached in a commercial shop), and were worn by members of the Bureau staff. Each wearer was required to record the number of hours the shoes were worn, and to bring them in for examination at stated intervals. When one of the soles was found to be worn through, the pair was withdrawn from service. The durability of the worn sole was obtained from the time record kept by the wearer; that of the other sole was estimated from the measured loss of thickness.

How I love science!

[Tugadude]

Were all of the testers of similar weight?  Did they have similar biomechanics, i.e. pronator versus supinator?  Heel strikers?

[Tugadude]

If we go back to the original post, it seems there are two standards being compared.  Vegetable tanned leather aging better and chrome tanned leather lasts longer.  In my opinion an argument can be made that those are different and can both be true.

Chrome tanned leathers can acquire a patina due to sweat, oils, friction and just plain dirt.  This is especially true of re-tanned leathers such as some of Horween's product that is chrome tanned and then vegetable tanned.

However, in my experience, vegetable tanned leather wins the patina "contest".  

[LatigoAmigo]

6 hours ago, doorty said:

Can latigo be used for upholstery?  I know it's used for horse saddle straps, but those are too thick and rigid for upholstery.

I bought some yellow latigo from Maverick Leather a few years ago that would work very nicely in this situation. The leather is more supple than other latigos that I've owned, and looks like it would age very well. I almost cried when I saw it because it was so soft and silky smooth, yet heavy (5-6 oz) and durable.

[doorty]

8 hours ago, Tugadude said:

Latigo is typically very thick, but a few sources sell it in 4-5 oz.   I'll leave it to you to decide whether that thickness would work.  It certainly would be durable to the outdoors.

Do you recommend any at the lower range of 4-5 oz?

2 hours ago, LatigoAmigo said:

I bought some yellow latigo from Maverick Leather a few years ago that would work very nicely in this situation. The leather is more supple than other latigos that I've owned, and looks like it would age very well. I almost cried when I saw it because it was so soft and silky smooth, yet heavy (5-6 oz) and durable.

@LatigoAmigo is this the one, 202 Latigo GBS? I think that would be perfect if it's not too thick. Do you happen to have any photos of your finished work to get a better idea of the color?

Edited May 24, 2018 by doorty

[LatigoAmigo]

That could be the one, but I'm not sure because I bought it from their store (when they were in Petaluma, CA) not from their website. You might give them a call, they might be able to provide you with a sample (nice people, family-owned business). I still have the hide as I've never come up with something to make with it, but in my youth yellow latigo was all I ever used for women's handbags.

[Tugadude]

I suppose you might get some suppliers to split it down for you.  Maybe call around and tell them the qualities you are after.  I've had good luck with Springfield Leather.