Members MarlinDave Posted January 8, 2022 Members Report Posted January 8, 2022 I have been buying Tandy double shoulders when on sale, 9-10 oz for my amateurish holster attempts. I want to try somebody else’s product. Many other suppliers offer single shoulders or sides. I like bigger pieces for less waste of several small projects. What is the upside/ downside of shoulders vs. sides? Will thickness be consistent on sides? Thanks. Quote
toxo Posted January 9, 2022 Report Posted January 9, 2022 1 hour ago, 327fed said: I have been buying Tandy double shoulders when on sale, 9-10 oz for my amateurish holster attempts. I want to try somebody else’s product. Many other suppliers offer single shoulders or sides. I like bigger pieces for less waste of several small projects. What is the upside/ downside of shoulders vs. sides? Will thickness be consistent on sides? Thanks. Not a definitive answer but the best part of a hide (and usually the thickest) is the top part of a side. it can also be the longest if you're making belts. It's also the most scar free part of a hide because the shoulders and rump get itched a lot, sometimes on sharp stuff like barbed wire.The lower part of a shoulder and the belly can be thinner and stretchier. Someone will correct me if I've got anything wrong and no doubt come up with more answers. Quote
Members Hags Posted January 9, 2022 Members Report Posted January 9, 2022 Ditto TOXO. I buy sides for much of the same reasons as above. I also feel I get the most sq feet for my $. As above, I use the back or top of the leather for belts. I then cut off the belly and use that for dog leashes or narrow straps, and generally lighter use stuff. The in between or bend part I use for holsters. You have an advantage in that you can see the leather you are getting. I cant due to location, so I buy Hermann Oak to be sure of the quality I'm getting. I buy b grades, but you may want to try a craft grade HO, you may be surprised at the difference in the leather. Quote Not so retired RN. Living on the Washington Peninsula.
Members MarlinDave Posted January 9, 2022 Author Members Report Posted January 9, 2022 Thanks. So craft grade is above B? Quote
CFM tsunkasapa Posted January 9, 2022 CFM Report Posted January 9, 2022 5 hours ago, 327fed said: Thanks. So craft grade is above B? No, Craft is more like C. Quote Hoka Hey! Today, tomorrow, next week, what does it matter?
Members TomE Posted January 9, 2022 Members Report Posted January 9, 2022 Download the Springfield Leather Catalog. It has an extensive description of how to choose leather for your projects. Also, they have some Youtube videos addressing leather quality, grades, etc. Hermann Oak tooling leather is my favorite because of its consistent substance. I buy sides and can use most of a side for straps to make tack. Quote
Members MarlinDave Posted January 9, 2022 Author Members Report Posted January 9, 2022 Wow. That Springfield catalog is a PHD in leather . Answered so many questions. Saw lots of exotics I never knew existed. Quote
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted January 9, 2022 Contributing Member Report Posted January 9, 2022 (edited) RIDICULOUS to pay good money for bad leather. The difference between a side of "C" (or worse) leather and A grade is like $20 (im talkng holster leather since that's what you stated you were making). The leather world has become BURIED in retailers with pretty stories about why you should buy their CRAP and thank them for supplying it. Stick to Hermann Oak or Wickett-Craig leather. If you don't want to store / stock 10 or more sides (as H.O. requires), you can and should call Cheryl at Goliger Leather, and she'll sell you individual sides. Very solid, very clean Hermann Oak leather. Costs me a bit more because of shipping from CA, but allows me to get a side or two of a weight I wouldn't ordinarily stock. Just FYI... Hermann Oak FROM Hermann Oak is $7.81 per foot. I buy backs (sides with belly removed) and that's currently $9.26. Not $10...Not $12....Not $15... like you see from some of these "retailers". Anybody selling you a PIECE of $8/ft leather for $12-15 per foot is NOT doing you a favor. Shouldn't be necessary to say that, and yet these days .... http://www.hermannoakleather.com/products-and-pricing/strap 3 minutes ago, 327fed said: Wow. That Springfield catalog is a PHD in leather . Answered so many questions. Saw lots of exotics I never knew existed. How much do you pay for stories? Cuz I can talk ALL DAY LONG if I'm getting paid for it. Edited January 9, 2022 by JLSleather Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Gulrok Posted January 11, 2022 Report Posted January 11, 2022 On 1/9/2022 at 12:25 PM, JLSleather said: RIDICULOUS to pay good money for bad leather. The difference between a side of "C" (or worse) leather and A grade is like $20 (im talkng holster leather since that's what you stated you were making). The leather world has become BURIED in retailers with pretty stories about why you should buy their CRAP and thank them for supplying it. Stick to Hermann Oak or Wickett-Craig leather. If you don't want to store / stock 10 or more sides (as H.O. requires), you can and should call Cheryl at Goliger Leather, and she'll sell you individual sides. Very solid, very clean Hermann Oak leather. Costs me a bit more because of shipping from CA, but allows me to get a side or two of a weight I wouldn't ordinarily stock. Just FYI... Hermann Oak FROM Hermann Oak is $7.81 per foot. I buy backs (sides with belly removed) and that's currently $9.26. Not $10...Not $12....Not $15... like you see from some of these "retailers". Anybody selling you a PIECE of $8/ft leather for $12-15 per foot is NOT doing you a favor. Shouldn't be necessary to say that, and yet these days .... http://www.hermannoakleather.com/products-and-pricing/strap How much do you pay for stories? Cuz I can talk ALL DAY LONG if I'm getting paid for it. I did not realize that Hermann Oak was doing 10/sides minimum. Thats not that bad at all.... Trevor Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.