I agree with your assessment. Horween was my first Shell I worked with. The second and third shipment was not so good. Not only cloudy and thickness dropoff by also the feel closer to the edges was rough and pitted. I asked why and they said its the way it is. They fill and give their best Shell to Alden Shoes.Therefore I shopped and fell in Love with Shinki Shell!!! My opinion the very best all the way around. I had problems with Rocado and stopped buying it when I was refused to send back some that was rotten. So IMO there is nothing like Shinki Shell and Shinki shines and has the best appearance above all. however I loved your video and appreciate looking at your projects, they are top quality, beautiful pieces.
I've had this same experience with Horween Shell Cordovan. Considering it's actually a subdermal membrane and not a true leather, Horween is loath to split it for continuity. This in turn generates a product with substantial thickness inconsistency. When I've utilized Horween's Shells in the past, I kept the designs basic and conscientious of layered thicknesses. Most of the time I utilize the shell as a key feature and substitute card batteries with some other quality veg tan, which keeps thicknesses reasonable. I don't know anyone that appreciates a brick in their pocket. Shinki and Rocado are both excellent alternatives. Cheers!🍺
Yes got a natural glazed shinki and love it, there are some areas especially near the edge that get microcrease when folded but overall good, may try the rocado next as the price is lower
Great video thanks! How does the shell cordovan, especially the vibrant Marbled versions like red, green, patina? Do they get very dark quickly? And do they lose their astonishing shine fairly quickly or they hold on or get even better?
@@staggerleegoods5075 Awesome to hear that! Would love to see from you come content showcasing exactly that, the Marbled shell patina. How great will that be! Thanks again 👍🏻
We have a graphic design person, Matthew Wyne. He's done all my logo and art work related to the brand. The brass plates are made by Calvin at LW Custom Works. Very good and fast turn around.
Interesting because till today I was under the impression that shinki and rocado had a shiney and almost a faux look too there shells. While horween has a more natural look and patina better especially the natural shells. Quiet a new perspective you just gave. What others thought was natural looking was infact slack tanning and lack of finish from the American giant
I agree with you on the natural look and feel of Horween. I suppose I've been unlucky with the majority of my shell. It's required a lot of elbow grease to get a nice shine or skiving knife work. I still work with it occasionally because when it's good, it makes for a perfect piece. Casual customers respond right away to Rocado and Shinki. I'd love to hear about your experience with Horween Shell. Are you a maker or a consumer?
I agree with your assessment. Horween was my first Shell I worked with. The second and third shipment was not so good. Not only cloudy and thickness dropoff by also the feel closer to the edges was rough and pitted. I asked why and they said its the way it is. They fill and give their best Shell to Alden Shoes.Therefore I shopped and fell in Love with Shinki Shell!!! My opinion the very best all the way around. I had problems with Rocado and stopped buying it when I was refused to send back some that was rotten. So IMO there is nothing like Shinki Shell and Shinki shines and has the best appearance above all. however I loved your video and appreciate looking at your projects, they are top quality, beautiful pieces.
Thank you so much. yes i heard Rocado had some issues early on. If you find something that works for you stick with it!
Very informative for us hobbyist leather workers. Your work is stunning!
Thank you! Cheers!
I've had this same experience with Horween Shell Cordovan. Considering it's actually a subdermal membrane and not a true leather, Horween is loath to split it for continuity. This in turn generates a product with substantial thickness inconsistency. When I've utilized Horween's Shells in the past, I kept the designs basic and conscientious of layered thicknesses. Most of the time I utilize the shell as a key feature and substitute card batteries with some other quality veg tan, which keeps thicknesses reasonable. I don't know anyone that appreciates a brick in their pocket.
Shinki and Rocado are both excellent alternatives.
Cheers!🍺
Yes got a natural glazed shinki and love it, there are some areas especially near the edge that get microcrease when folded but overall good, may try the rocado next as the price is lower
I Definitely am with you on the consistency on the horween shell.
I bn working with Ricardo. Always consistant
Absolutely the shinki hikaku and leder ogawa are top tier shells
Your designs are very well thought out.
Thanks a lot 😊
can you show us your hand dying process? That coloring effect looks really cool. 3:56
Sure! I'll shoot a video in the next few weeks.
Great video thanks! How does the shell cordovan, especially the vibrant Marbled versions like red, green, patina? Do they get very dark quickly? And do they lose their astonishing shine fairly quickly or they hold on or get even better?
It does! I'm not surprised at how well it ages.
@@staggerleegoods5075 Awesome to hear that! Would love to see from you come content showcasing exactly that, the Marbled shell patina. How great will that be! Thanks again 👍🏻
Is english bridle leather also nice?
Hello. Did you design your logo yourself or order it from somewhere? If you ordered it, where?
We have a graphic design person, Matthew Wyne. He's done all my logo and art work related to the brand. The brass plates are made by Calvin at LW Custom Works. Very good and fast turn around.
@@staggerleegoods5075 ok, thanks.
Do the ones from Rocky Mountain come with the stamp?
No! the only ones with stamp are Belts Leather as far as i can tell.
@@staggerleegoods5075 thank you
You can get a stamp made
@@frankperez1225 already done😎👍
Camel 🐫 color is my fav
In my opinion, this shinki leather is HORSE BUTT LEATHER, and not real shell cordovan. completely different production technologies.
They are both Shell Cordovan. But yes, they have different processes.
Interesting because till today I was under the impression that shinki and rocado had a shiney and almost a faux look too there shells.
While horween has a more natural look and patina better especially the natural shells.
Quiet a new perspective you just gave.
What others thought was natural looking was infact slack tanning and lack of finish from the American giant
I agree with you on the natural look and feel of Horween. I suppose I've been unlucky with the majority of my shell. It's required a lot of elbow grease to get a nice shine or skiving knife work. I still work with it occasionally because when it's good, it makes for a perfect piece. Casual customers respond right away to Rocado and Shinki. I'd love to hear about your experience with Horween Shell. Are you a maker or a consumer?
@@staggerleegoods5075have you worked with Tuscany/Italian Cordovan?
I don't like horween either. Americans just aren't great on production of anything.
I like Horween, it's not my first choice but it's a fine option.