European Veg Tan Leather Source?

[muzzleblast]

I enjoy making holsters as a hobby.  My holsters generally aren't simple "pancakes", but involve hand cutting of multiple small pieces.  I've used veg tan from several sources, including the domestic "big names" and south of the border tanneries.  I recently got some 8 oz. domestic that is so "hard tempered" that I hate working with it.  Yeah, great stuff for a production shop with a bunch of standard designs and a hydraulic clicker press and dies.  Great for carving and stamping, too.  I don't do either.  I have realized that hard tempered veg tan is too hard to work with for hand cutting for me.  I am going to turn my latest hide it into belts. 

A while back I picked up some European veg tan from Springfield.  Beautiful stuff.  It was A+ grade.  It was a one-time special, and by the time I realized how good it was and tried to reorder more, it was sold out.  Apparently European cattle have less exposure to the blazing sun and barbed wire, thorny bushes, and ticks than their U.S. relatives.  LOL.  The European veg tan (Swedish, I think it was) "cuts like butter."  It was an absolute joy to work with.  Of course, it comes at a premium cost.  No matter, I want more...

I would like to ask if the members here can share a reliable source for premium European veg tan.  Thank you.

 

 

 

 

[mike02130]

What thickness do you want?  That may help with a recommendation.  I've never seen anything thicker than 7 ounce.  The Italian and French tanneries I know of use "Alpine" cows from France.  The higher altitudes result in fewer bug bites and healthier animals.  Most of it comes dyed.

Here is a start.  https://www.buckleguy.com/valdibrana-italian-vachetta-leather/

[Danne]

"The European veg tan (Swedish, I think it was)"  sounds like Tärnsjö. If you have a company you can buy directly from the tannery. Unless you do large bags and can accept some small scars (that you can cut around) standard grade is a good choice. I see no need for first grade for wallets and smaller items. I really like the veg tan from Swedish Tärnsjö also, but I use their dyed leather (Semi-aniline)

Since it sounds like you want natural veg tan. Here are some alternatives. (There are of course more alternatives, so if you looking for something special, I can probably answer where you can source it)

I would recommend you to order one skin from La Perla Azzurra and ask them to include samples of their different products. I did order samples, and hade to use my own courier (expensive like 100€) 

La Perla Azzurra: http://www.venditapelle.it/product/5/Naturale.html (Around 8oz) 

La Perla Azzurra: (Oily really nice) http://www.venditapelle.it/product/6/Vacchetta-1967.html (Around 8oz)

Walpier Buttero: https://buyleatheronline.com/en/walpier/438-walpier-natural-buttero-veg-tan-shoulder.html (Around 7oz)

Badalassi Carlo: https://buyleatheronline.com/en/badalassi-carlo/444-badalassi-no-fin-natural-veg-tan-shoulder.html (Around 5.5oz)

 

Edited March 11, 2021 by Danne

[muzzleblast]

Thanks for the replies.  It looks like The Hide & Leather House carries European veg tan.  I've ordered a side.

https://www.hidehouse.com/Leather/European-Veg-Tan-Sides-Cow-Full-Grain-Aniline-Finish-E860-P.asp

[mike02130]

In my experience, when it says European it means its from Eastern European countries.  The better producing countries always have the country of origin.  It's a damn good price.  Come back here and give a review of the stuff.

[muzzleblast]

I will definitely give some feedback on the leather.  They have it on sale at the moment.  I don't know what normal price is.  I ended up ordering a side of 5/6 and a side of 7/8.  If it is good stuff, and hand cuts well, I will order several more sides and I will make sure to let folks here know.  I am really sick and tired of "hard tempered" veg tan... that is best used for making harnesses and belts.