Leather suggestions please

[thatgriffguy]

I have been asked by a friend to make a few of these for his fire department buddies. They look simple enough but not sure which leather to use. I usually work with Traditional Harness but that’s a bit to fancy for this project. They will be hooked on a strap and used to carry radios by firemen so a strong leather is desired. I would appreciate any suggestions.

[ScoobyNewbie]

The gentlemen from Omaha have been buying 8-9oz veggie tan and dying it black for this project.

[Dwight]

1 minute ago, ScoobyNewbie said:

The gentlemen from Omaha have been buying 8-9oz veggie tan and dying it black for this project.

Same here in Ohio...........

May God bless,

Dwight

[GoldenKnight]

What about using latigo since it will be around water from time to time between rain, snow melt, or hose spray?

[Sceaden]

Bridle is a little expensive but would be an excellent material for these holsters. Otherwise, I would probably use a latigo since you want a stiff, weather resistant material. A lot of guys do use veg tan since a lot of guys looking for custom radio straps also want it tooled.

[thatgriffguy]

Thanks for the replies! I considered bridle but the price seems a bit high. I will look at latigo. I would love using veg and dying it but I suck at finishing it as it is always stiff as a board.

[Sceaden]

If you have veg tan available that works well, just remember to lightly oil with neatsfoot right before you use the dye, I think the Feibings Pro keeps the leather a little more supple, and then do another light coat of oil afterwords.

For this application stiff leather is not a bad thing. 

[thatgriffguy]

2 minutes ago, Sceaden said:

If you have veg tan available that works well, just remember to lightly oil with neatsfoot right before you use the dye, I think the Feibings Pro keeps the leather a little more supple, and then do another light coat of oil afterwords.

For this application stiff leather is not a bad thing. 

Thank you for that! I will be dip dyeing the leather. I have 8-9oz veg on hand and plan to use that. So light coat of neatsfoot before dying and then after to seal the dye? 

[Sceaden]

Correct, but the neatsfoot doesn't seal the dye it just hydrates the leather. Think of the dying process like soaking your hand in rubbing alcohol, you need quite a bit of hydration afterwards or the leather is too dry. For a heavy duty application like this, I suggest something like multiple coats of Resolene as it will be used in a punishing environment. 

Edited December 13, 2018 by Sceaden

[thatgriffguy]

2 minutes ago, Sceaden said:

Correct, but the neatsfoot doesn't seal the dye it just hydrates the leather. Think of the dying process like soaking your hand in rubbing alcohol, you need quite a bit of hydration afterwards or the leather is too dry. For a heavy duty application like this, I suggest something like multiple coats of Resolene as it will be used in a punishing environment. 

Ahh, that makes complete sense. I appreciate your help.