How is this supposed to look?

[MarlinDave]

I ordered this from Weaver this week. Just rolled it out to cut. This is their pre-dyed holster leather. Advertised to just tool, put together and  oil, An interesting look . Not what I intended for $255 for the side. Is this normal? Will oil cover it up? Yes I am about to email Weaver and I can return it on my shipping dime. I just wondered if I am being overly concerned.  Whatcha think? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JLSleather]

those are fat wrinkles. and that's EXCESSIVE.  Yeah, they'd get that back. With a note asking if this is what I should expect from them all the time, so I can save it next time and just call Cheryl in the first place.

Oh, BTW ... this is natural (undyed), but this is how veg tanned cow SHOULD look ...

Edited February 20, 2022 by JLSleather

[tsunkasapa]

I don't mind them, they add character, like scars and brands. But I won't pay top dollar for sides like that either. At $255, I'd send it back or demand a hefty discount. I'd also tell them that THEY can eat the shipping back.

[MarlinDave]

Thanks guys. I have emailed a picture. That’s why I did not get $89 Tandy double shoulders this time. Similar defect. 

[MarlinDave]

Got a. Email reply from Sylvia at Weaver. She said they had checked their stocks, all had these streaks, they are normal and caused by wrinkles and the dye, especially this color, accentuates this. They said I could return it. Someone else said on the forum earlier today they went to Weaver in person and they had not much stock. The return dept is sending a FedEx return label at Weaver’s expense.  Guess I need a class on dying my own stuff. 

[tsunkasapa]

Your own dye will accentuate them the same way. If you can see it in undyed leather, you will see it when it's dyed. And while it IS a natural thing, it is NOT in/on all sides.

[JayEhl]

On 2/20/2022 at 1:37 PM, JLSleather said:

Oh, BTW ... this is natural (undyed), but this is how veg tanned cow SHOULD look ..

Thanks for sharing that picture.  I only have Tandy stores near me and the wrinkle look is all they seem to have so I thought that was normal. 

[JLSleather]

48 minutes ago, JayEhl said:

e so I thought that was normal. 

TOO COMMON these days, but not "normal" (desirable, or even acceptable).

NO cowhide is without a mark. It is then graded according to defects per square foot, "A" being the best (W/C calls it "standard" grade, and goes down from there).  I've worked with some "B" hides that worked out just fine... those pics above are an A and a B from Hermann Oak (sadly, you have MANY "retailers" selling C and even D and labeling them "B" to those who don't know any better).

Fat wrinkles will be most prominent in the shoulder area, and run "up and down" on the cow.  This puts them the "short" way on a side, and the "long" direction on a double shoulder.  I've used many double shoulders over the years for belts and holsters, even portfolios and bags. Perfectly good leather if you get "the good stuff".

Some of the "retailers" (not a nice word around here) go on and on about how these DEFECTS add "charm and character" to your projects.  But they are DEFECTS, which is why leather suppliers (MAKERS, not the resellers) CHARGE MORE for the hides without this war zone look.  For those CON MEN calling themselves "retail outlets" (and such)... I prefer my leather LESS CHARMING, and since you claim it's beneficial, perhaps I can get a discount on the hides that DONT have that?  Nah - didn't think so ...

[MarlinDave]

Looks like a lot of the heavier sides and double shoulders at Springfield Leather are backordered. They have a bunch of kangaroo however. 

[MarlinDave]

It’s like steak. If you never had a ribeye a chuck wagon tastes OK.