The best and most affordable leather that I've found is wickett and craig. They sell their bellies for $15 each, less if they're in overstock, and are great for learning. They also have their seconds, which is referred to as a bone pile, and the sides are sold for $97 each. You'd think the seconds are bad quality, but they're making high-quality leather that companies are making products out of, not just selling to consumers. They have a high-quality assurance policy because of this, and the bone pile is usually the side that are amazing except for ~1 sqft of the side. Most of their dyed leathers aren't struck through, so that means if you remove some of the top or bottom layer of the leather, the color is gone. If you get a black bridle split down, you'll have a black front, but the back will be nothing like it. Refinishing will have the back dyed after splitting, so both sides will be in color. It's not worth it for the bellies since it's $10 for refinishing, but it is worth it for the sides. You can also get the split if you ask for it, but a thick split is basically useless.
Great video, very helpful. Strange that not many leather workers mention Springfield leather Co. I use SLC for everything. You can purchase leather by the sq ft. Or side, or roll. They have a good supply of imported and usa tanned Herman Oak leather. I’d like to try district leather supply someday, but I mostly make belts, and tool my pieces. SLC is perfect for what I need
I just heard of them a couple months ago and been meaning to order from them. Been interested in using Herman Oak. My opinion alone, but I think there’s a big hype on using US tanned leather such as Herman Oak, Horween, and Wickett and Craig. Thanks for the comment and for watching.
Great advice! I wish I knew about the panels when starting. My first purchase was a half side, it still sits unfinished at my storage 😂. I've been looking for leather suppliers in Europe lately, so if you or anyone else know good stores/tanneries (preferably online), I'd be happy to check them out! Cheers!
Hello All ! I hope you are doing well I am manufacture of leather goods I want to share knowledge about leather When you buy keep in mind . There are several factors to consider when determining the quality of leather: 1. Look: Examine the leather's surface for any blemishes, scratches, or discoloration. High-quality leather should have a consistent texture and color 2. Feel: Leather should feel soft and supple to the touch, without any stiffness or roughness. 3. Smell: Leather should have a natural, earthy smell, without any chemical or artificial odors. 4. Thickness: Quality leather should be of consistent thickness throughout the hide. 5. Flexibility: Leather should be flexible and not stiff. 6. Grain: The grain should be tight and consistent. 7. Pores: The pores should be small and consistent. 8. Stretch: Quality leather should stretch slightly when pulled. 9. Burn test: You can do a burn test by taking a small piece of leather and lighting it. Quality leather will burn with a smell of burning hair and forms a brittle ash, while synthetic leather will smell like burning plastic and forms a hard ball of ash. 10. Brand reputation: You can also check the reputation of the brand or the supplier, by reading reviews or asking for recommendations from Experts. It's important to note that, some leathers are treated or finished to achieve a certain look, feel, or durability, so it's always best to check the label or ask the seller for information on the leather's origin and treatment.
I have heard and read great things about Vachetta leather from Italy and W&C version of it. I have not used it though. Good video idea for another time.
The best and most affordable leather that I've found is wickett and craig. They sell their bellies for $15 each, less if they're in overstock, and are great for learning. They also have their seconds, which is referred to as a bone pile, and the sides are sold for $97 each. You'd think the seconds are bad quality, but they're making high-quality leather that companies are making products out of, not just selling to consumers. They have a high-quality assurance policy because of this, and the bone pile is usually the side that are amazing except for ~1 sqft of the side.
Most of their dyed leathers aren't struck through, so that means if you remove some of the top or bottom layer of the leather, the color is gone. If you get a black bridle split down, you'll have a black front, but the back will be nothing like it. Refinishing will have the back dyed after splitting, so both sides will be in color. It's not worth it for the bellies since it's $10 for refinishing, but it is worth it for the sides. You can also get the split if you ask for it, but a thick split is basically useless.
Great video, very helpful. Strange that not many leather workers mention Springfield leather Co. I use SLC for everything. You can purchase leather by the sq ft. Or side, or roll. They have a good supply of imported and usa tanned Herman Oak leather. I’d like to try district leather supply someday, but I mostly make belts, and tool my pieces. SLC is perfect for what I need
I just heard of them a couple months ago and been meaning to order from them. Been interested in using Herman Oak. My opinion alone, but I think there’s a big hype on using US tanned leather such as Herman Oak, Horween, and Wickett and Craig. Thanks for the comment and for watching.
Great advice! I wish I knew about the panels when starting. My first purchase was a half side, it still sits unfinished at my storage 😂.
I've been looking for leather suppliers in Europe lately, so if you or anyone else know good stores/tanneries (preferably online), I'd be happy to check them out!
Cheers!
Wish I could give some direction on a EU supplier. It can be tough starting out and just buying blind. Thanks for watching!
Maverick Leather in Oregon is also good for Horween "seconds", and they sell W/C.
Good to know! Haven't heard of them. Thanks for sharing!
i have the same beanie in black, anywho i hear leather from Leon, Guanajuato mexico is really good too
Need to look into that and try out some Mexican tanned leather.
Hello All ! I hope you are doing well
I am manufacture of leather goods
I want to share knowledge about leather
When you buy keep in mind .
There are several factors to consider when determining the quality of leather:
1. Look: Examine the leather's surface for any blemishes, scratches, or discoloration. High-quality leather should have a consistent texture and color
2. Feel: Leather should feel soft and supple to the touch, without any stiffness or roughness.
3. Smell: Leather should have a natural, earthy smell, without any chemical or artificial odors.
4. Thickness: Quality leather should be of consistent thickness throughout the hide.
5. Flexibility: Leather should be flexible and not stiff.
6. Grain: The grain should be tight and consistent.
7. Pores: The pores should be small and consistent.
8. Stretch: Quality leather should stretch slightly when pulled.
9. Burn test: You can do a burn test by taking a small piece of leather and lighting it. Quality leather will burn with a smell of burning hair and forms a brittle ash, while synthetic leather will smell like burning plastic and forms a hard ball of ash.
10. Brand reputation: You can also check the reputation of the brand or the supplier, by reading reviews or asking for recommendations from Experts.
It's important to note that, some leathers are treated or finished to achieve a certain look, feel, or durability, so it's always best to check the label or ask the seller for information on the leather's origin and treatment.
Some good points but not all related to full vegetable tanned leather.
I’m watching great content
Thank you!
It's actually "Acadia" not Arcadia leather, out of Maine. I've had good luck with them for bag leather.
haha thanks, Acadia is correct. Getting it confused with a neighbor city.
How about Vachetta leather?
I have heard and read great things about Vachetta leather from Italy and W&C version of it. I have not used it though. Good video idea for another time.