ABOUT LEATHER 2014-06
First, I want to stress to you that all the leather I use is "genuine leather."
Secondly, not only was I born in America, so were my ancestors, the Cherokee.
Suffice it to say ~ my product is
MADE IN AMERICA BY AN ORIGINAL AMERICAN
and a proud one at that.
Secondly, not only was I born in America, so were my ancestors, the Cherokee.
Suffice it to say ~ my product is
MADE IN AMERICA BY AN ORIGINAL AMERICAN
and a proud one at that.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Leather comes in so many different colors, textures, thicknesses and durability
that it would be confusing to list them all.
I'll list the types of hides I deal with the most and a few others that are available.
If you have something specific in mind, don't hesitate to contact me.
Leather comes in so many different colors, textures, thicknesses and durability
that it would be confusing to list them all.
I'll list the types of hides I deal with the most and a few others that are available.
If you have something specific in mind, don't hesitate to contact me.
KNOWING THE PROCESS AND CHOOSING YOUR LEATHER
As I stated above, leather comes in a vast variety of options.
Depending on how you plan to use it or what will be carried in it,
how it will be carried or worn, what elements it will be exposed to,
how often and for how long
will determine what ounce and type of leather will work best.
KYDEX
Although it's not leather, I'll mention it because it can be attached to leather.
Kydex is a type of thermoplastic made of acrylic/PVC and
is an extremely durable plastic that can be molded to fit virtually any design.
When carrying a holster, the section that actually holds the weapon
can be made of form-fitting Kydex and secured on leather.
Heating the Kydex is necessary before it can be molded to the shape of the pistol.
It is available in black Kydex T .06 (1.5 mm) and black Kydex T .093 (2.3mm)
I'll take you through five steps in helping to choose leather ~ then ~ have fun choosing!!
(Psst.....I'm just a phone call away if ya' need some help.)
1. From The Beginning Of Time
2. The Process
3. Understanding Ounces
4. What Ounce Works Best
5. Types of Leather
As I stated above, leather comes in a vast variety of options.
Depending on how you plan to use it or what will be carried in it,
how it will be carried or worn, what elements it will be exposed to,
how often and for how long
will determine what ounce and type of leather will work best.
KYDEX
Although it's not leather, I'll mention it because it can be attached to leather.
Kydex is a type of thermoplastic made of acrylic/PVC and
is an extremely durable plastic that can be molded to fit virtually any design.
When carrying a holster, the section that actually holds the weapon
can be made of form-fitting Kydex and secured on leather.
Heating the Kydex is necessary before it can be molded to the shape of the pistol.
It is available in black Kydex T .06 (1.5 mm) and black Kydex T .093 (2.3mm)
I'll take you through five steps in helping to choose leather ~ then ~ have fun choosing!!
(Psst.....I'm just a phone call away if ya' need some help.)
1. From The Beginning Of Time
2. The Process
3. Understanding Ounces
4. What Ounce Works Best
5. Types of Leather
1. ~ FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIME ~
To rest a few hearts and minds, the animals that have given their hides, first gave their lives to feed the world's growing population. It would be wasteful and disrespectful not to utilize as much of the materials as possible. From prehistoric times to the present, the processing of leather has increasingly become a more important industry in the numerous products it provides us. There is relatively little impact on the environment in the by-products of leather versus that of synthetic leather which is made from plastic and petroleum based chemicals.
To rest a few hearts and minds, the animals that have given their hides, first gave their lives to feed the world's growing population. It would be wasteful and disrespectful not to utilize as much of the materials as possible. From prehistoric times to the present, the processing of leather has increasingly become a more important industry in the numerous products it provides us. There is relatively little impact on the environment in the by-products of leather versus that of synthetic leather which is made from plastic and petroleum based chemicals.
2. ~ THE PROCESS ~
The process of making a finished product isn't simple or quick; however, it can be broken into five stages for knowledge and understanding.
STAGE 1: PREPARATION OF THE HIDE
- Hide is removed from the animal
- Hide is fleshed: Remove any remaining fat, meat or tissue
- Hair/fur is removed if required
- Hide is soaked in a solution to remove any remaining deposits and to increase softness
- Hide is pickled in another solution
STAGE 2: TANNING
- Several methods of tanning are available with the most common being:
- Vegetable Tanning: Hide is normally placed in drums 2-4 days in tannin, a chemical substance extracted from tree bark
- Chrome Tanning: Hide is placed in rotating drums 8 hours in a chemical bath
STAGE 3: SPLITTING AND SHAVING
- Dependent on the leather's use, it is split into a sheet of the desired thickness
- Leather is further processed through a shaving machine for added quality
* Chrome Tanned leather is then placed in a rotating drum with solutions to produce a chosen color
- A lubricant is applied to attain the desired softness
STAGE 4: SETTING
- Remove excess water and spread leather out to dry using one of three methods
- Toggle Dry: Spread the piece over frames that expand and are held in place with toggles or clips
- Staking: Mechanical softening once the leather is dry
- Milling: A dry tumbling with atomized moisture injected into the tumbler
STAGE 5: FINISHING
- Use of the leather determines the applied series of finishes to the leather for its protection as well as look and touch
- Machines are used to create the desired effect on the surface of the leather
The process of making a finished product isn't simple or quick; however, it can be broken into five stages for knowledge and understanding.
STAGE 1: PREPARATION OF THE HIDE
- Hide is removed from the animal
- Hide is fleshed: Remove any remaining fat, meat or tissue
- Hair/fur is removed if required
- Hide is soaked in a solution to remove any remaining deposits and to increase softness
- Hide is pickled in another solution
STAGE 2: TANNING
- Several methods of tanning are available with the most common being:
- Vegetable Tanning: Hide is normally placed in drums 2-4 days in tannin, a chemical substance extracted from tree bark
- Chrome Tanning: Hide is placed in rotating drums 8 hours in a chemical bath
STAGE 3: SPLITTING AND SHAVING
- Dependent on the leather's use, it is split into a sheet of the desired thickness
- Leather is further processed through a shaving machine for added quality
* Chrome Tanned leather is then placed in a rotating drum with solutions to produce a chosen color
- A lubricant is applied to attain the desired softness
STAGE 4: SETTING
- Remove excess water and spread leather out to dry using one of three methods
- Toggle Dry: Spread the piece over frames that expand and are held in place with toggles or clips
- Staking: Mechanical softening once the leather is dry
- Milling: A dry tumbling with atomized moisture injected into the tumbler
STAGE 5: FINISHING
- Use of the leather determines the applied series of finishes to the leather for its protection as well as look and touch
- Machines are used to create the desired effect on the surface of the leather
3. ~ UNDERSTANDING OUNCES ~
"Leather is usually measured in terms of ounces. One ounce equals 1/64th of an inch thickness. Thus, a weight of 7 to 8 oz. means the leather is 7/64th to 8/64th of an inch in thickness. In an effort to make leather a uniform thickness, wet hides are run through a splitting machine. However, each animal is different and there is always a slight thickness variation throughout the hide. This is why leathers are usually shown with a range of thickness, such as, 4 to 5 oz., 6 to 7 oz., etc." TandyLeather.com
"Leather is usually measured in terms of ounces. One ounce equals 1/64th of an inch thickness. Thus, a weight of 7 to 8 oz. means the leather is 7/64th to 8/64th of an inch in thickness. In an effort to make leather a uniform thickness, wet hides are run through a splitting machine. However, each animal is different and there is always a slight thickness variation throughout the hide. This is why leathers are usually shown with a range of thickness, such as, 4 to 5 oz., 6 to 7 oz., etc." TandyLeather.com
4. ~ WHAT OUNCE WORKS BEST ~
Rule of Thumb, But It's Still Your Choice
2 - 3 oz - wallets, lining purses or small bags
3 - 4 oz - billfolds, checkbooks, secretaries, pocket prayers, key rings
4 - 5 oz - small bags, straps, cell phone or glasses cases
5 - 6 oz - handbags, shoulder straps, belt bags, coozies, knife sheath
6 - 7 oz - boot chaps, bottle openers, guitar straps
7 - 8 oz - briefcases, small belts, holsters
8 - 9 oz - holsters, portfolios, straps, saddle bags
9 - 10 oz - large holsters, rifle scabbards, pistol belts, weight-lifting belts
10 - 12 oz - pistol belts, cartridge belts
12 - 13 oz - armor, shields
Rule of Thumb, But It's Still Your Choice
2 - 3 oz - wallets, lining purses or small bags
3 - 4 oz - billfolds, checkbooks, secretaries, pocket prayers, key rings
4 - 5 oz - small bags, straps, cell phone or glasses cases
5 - 6 oz - handbags, shoulder straps, belt bags, coozies, knife sheath
6 - 7 oz - boot chaps, bottle openers, guitar straps
7 - 8 oz - briefcases, small belts, holsters
8 - 9 oz - holsters, portfolios, straps, saddle bags
9 - 10 oz - large holsters, rifle scabbards, pistol belts, weight-lifting belts
10 - 12 oz - pistol belts, cartridge belts
12 - 13 oz - armor, shields
5. ~ TYPES OF LEATHER ~
Listed below are definitions relevant to different types of leather.
There are certainly more,
but I'm only listing some of the most common.
There are certainly more,
but I'm only listing some of the most common.
BRIDLE LEATHER: A vegetable tanned leather that has had oils added to help it withstand weather.
CAIMAN HORNBACK: Caiman Hornback hides have a firmer texture demonstrating the strength of their skin necessary to survive in the harsh conditions of their natural habitat. The belly hide has a soft, smooth, center belly strip belly with the strong back ridges along the outer rims of the material. While caiman skin is not nearly as pliable as alligator or crocodile skin for garments or upholstery, caiman leather possesses the unique appearance of crocodile skin that surpasses traditional or imprinted cowhide leather yet is still far more economical than alligator or crocodile.
CALFSKIN : Particularly valuable because of its softness and fine grain, commonly used for fine quality items.
CAPRA/GOAT SKIN: Tanned from select goat skins. The suppleness of this naked , finished leather lends itself to the creation of elegant accessories.
CHROME-TANNED LEATHER: Tanned using chromium sulfate and other chromium salts resulting in a softer, more pliable leather when compared to vegetable-tanned leather. It should never be used for anything that will be in contact with metal that can rust, as the chromium salts will damage the metal finish.
CORDOVAN LEATHER: Made from equines (generally horses) taken from beneath the hide on the rump of the animal. Generally used in shoes and gloves as well as some archery equipment. It’s also frequently used by holster makers since the leather generally results in a stiffer, more durable end-product when compared to cow hide.
DEERSKIN: Specially tanned to be soft and flexible yet durable. Native Americans and frontiersmen loved deerskin garments for their softness as well as their durability. Commonly used for shirts, leggings, dresses and pouches.
ELEPHANT HIDE: Thick, tough and very durable. It is often used for motorcycle seats, saddles and cowboy boots. It has its own unique texture and wrinkle pattern.
ELK HIDE: Very popular and durable leather. Often used for hand bags, etc. Cannot be tooled or carved.
FISH SKIN LEATHER: Very strong and resistant as its fibers are naturally intertwined. The fish skins are made in 1 square foot and 1 square meter "blankets" - an easy to use product for a variety of large or small custom leather projects. Although it is very durable and strong, the leather is also very soft and supple and easy to cut and work with. Tilapia and salmon leather blankets are made using individual fish skins which are joined together to produce a larger surface area.
- TILAPIA SKIN LEATHER: Soft and smooth. There is no "scaly" feeling as the fish scales have fallen off in the tanning process - only the unique pattern remains. Fish skin blankets are used in various custom leather projects such as briefcases, purses and bags.
- SALMON SKIN LEATHER: Salmon leather blankets are extremely soft (no scaly feeling) yet strong and drape wonderfully. The main characteristic of this leather is the homogeneous natural design of its scales.
FULL-GRAIN LEATHER: The best of the best. It has not had its grain (the outer surface) sanded, buffed etc. and still shows all its natural beauty and imperfections bug bites, scars, etc. Full-grain leather will take on a natural patina over time from use.
FULL GRAIN PIGSKIN LINING: Pliable with a soft, smooth surface. Used as a garment leather or lining leather.
GLAZED PIGSKIN LINING: Choose from a rich suede side or a glazed smooth side; both have a distinctive hair cell appearance.
HAIR-ON COWHIDE: Original hair is left on the entire outside of cowhide. Create unique cowhide Christmas stockings, cowhide coasters, western pillows, light switch covers, purses & handbags, checkbook & business card cover sets, desk organizers, jewelry boxes and picture frames. They have been used for wearables like jackets, vests, chaps and hats.
HORSEHIDE: Soft, pliable, very tough, durable and extremely handsome leather.
KIDSKIN: Fine grain lining and glove leather.
KIPSKIN LEATHER: Veal hides with the texture of calfskin. Vegetable tanned leather prepared from the skin of small or young cattle.
LAMB SUEDE: Soft, pliable sheep leather which is buffed from the flesh side giving it a velvety sheen unequaled for beauty. Ideal for jacket lining, bag lining, etc. or sheer weight for garment purposes.
LATIGO LEATHER: Tanned using a combination of chrome and vegetable or vegetable and aluminum tannin which has been hot stuffed with oils and fat liquors resulting in a rigid but very pliable leather. This gives it great strength but also great flexibility.
MINELLI LEATHER: Fine leather goods that command premium prices in the exclusive shops of the cultural districts of London, Paris and New York are made from buttery-soft leather such as this.
NUBUK LEATHER: Top-grain leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side which results in a smooth, velvety surface. Nubuck leather feels like suede but is more durable since it’s produced from the outer side of the hide with the grain layer still intact.
OIL-TANNED LEATHER: Not actually tanned with oil – it is usually a chrome-tanned leather that has been treated with oil to make it more weather resistant.
OSTRICH: The Rolls Royce of exotic leathers. Luxurious, well known for its softness, flexibility and durability. In spite of its softness, Ostrich leather is unsurpassed for its tactile strength. It is, in fact, one of the strongest leathers available. Naturally occurring oils in the leather contribute to its durability and prevent cracking even under extreme temperatures and sun exposure.
RAWHIDE: Extremely tough and durable leather for drum covers, bracing, luggage, etc. Must be soaked in water to soften; will stiffen when dried.
SHARK: Has its own unique texture of "wrinkles." The skin is composed of scales, tiny tooth-like structures, which give it a rough, sand-paper-like texture.
SPLIT GOAT SUEDE: Very soft and supple.
SPLIT LEATHER: What’s left after the top grain of the hide is removed. Depending on the thickness of the original hide, multiple splits can be cut from the same hide. Split leather is used to create suede leather. Because the grain layer provides a great deal of strength to the leather, splits are generally not as durable as those containing the top grain of the hide. However, that also results in a softer end-product compared to full-grain leather.
STINGRAY: Water, fire and tear resistant. Known for its beautiful luminous "mother-of-pearl" area or sometimes called "star" and also for its hardy durability. Stingrays are fished for food and the pelts are a by-product. The stingray pelt has its own unique surface of hard, grainy pebbles while the underside is soft like regular leather. Stingray products are very easy to care
for; simply wipe with a damp cloth!
STONED OIL LEATHER: This leather has a deep richness because it has been treated with oils, waxes and dyes in such a way that when the leather is pulled or stretched, the finish becomes lighter in the stretched areas. That gives an "Old World" effect or "Aged" look. The color returns when heat is applied or friction from rubbing a cloth or your hand in that area. This is considered a mark of high quality.
SUEDE LEATHER: Can be made of the splits from cows, pigs, deer, etc. Basically, it's anything with a hide thick enough to work with. Suede cut from cow hides is generally quite fuzzy due to the larger, fleshy fibers in the hide. Suede is often used for liners but is not generally recommended for holster liners due to the textured, open pores as it may get dirty and cause excessive wear on a firearm’s finish. It’s also harder to clean than the smooth surface of a full-grain leather.
TOP-GRAIN LEATHER: Top-grain leather that has had the top layer removed which removes the bug bites, scars, etc., making the grain side more uniform in appearance. This allows more of the hide to be usable; however, it has had a finish coat added which usually results in a cheap looking, plastic feeling leather. Because the actual grain surface will be removed, the hide can be a lower quality which ultimately results in a cheaper finished product though it is a bit more durable than a full-grain leather due to the protective coating that’s been applied.
VEGETABLE-TANNED LEATHER: Tanned using tannin (chemical substance from tree bark) and vegetable matter. Shows off leather in its most natural state and will last a long time. The most environmentally friendly way to tan leather. There are no chemicals used due to the use of natural ingredients. The most traditional and the most recognizable; it is the only form of tanning that is able to give leather unique characteristics yet retain the natural flaws and markings.
