Types of Leather

M

Mrtanto

Joined
May 13, 2012
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Ive Just started to do leather working and I've done a few projects to cover the basics, (stitching,cutting,dying, etc.)
I want to start making sheaths. But I have NO idea what kind of leather to buy all I know is vegetable tanned.
I was just kinda wondering what thickness or what ever to buy.. As I said I'm new to leather working and
haven't needed to buy any leather so all advice, and tips would be very much appreciated.

Also If anyone has any advice on tools that you need for basic no stamping sheaths I might could they leave
a list of tools/materials/etc.




-MrTanto
 
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Good question, many answers. I hope some others come in to add to what I have. Its bed time and I will probably forget something. :p

Basically a rule of thumb is for smaller sheaths use a 7/8 ounce, under 5" fixed blades and folders. Large bowies and choppers really need 8/9 ounce.

I know it seems nice and cheap, but please avoid belly leathers, they are not worth the trouble they will cause you. The leather is loose fibered and will be stretchy to an alarming degree.

Look for shoulders, culatta's and butt's. Culatta traditionally refers to the central area of the side, and sometimes includes the butt. Add a shoulder to a culatta and you get a side without the belly. Sides are normally huge and cost prohibitive for the crafter. Butts are expensive as well, but are very dense, good for large hard use sheaths.

There are two to three grades of leather, oddly enough they're numbered 1,2, and 3. Lately Tandy have come through with some nice utility shoulders in what they call the -32 (for reference 9052-32 is the 8/9 ounce) its untrimmed shoulder and not all of them are really good but if you have some to dig through you'll find some good stuff.

Visit your local Tandy and or Leather Factory if you have one, the guys that work there are normally very knowledgeable and will help all they can.
 
Wow thanks, I really didnt know there was a difference in the "location" of where you got the leather in regards to it on the animal.
I go to tandy leather, i actually just got a gift card for my birthday to the store.

Thanks for the help Leatherman
 
Bellies are weird. They can be very hard when dry but they do funny things wet. I use them for welts. The problem is they absorb finish products at a much different rate than other cuts and thus you end up with a white welt. However, I kinda like the look so it doesn't bother me. It would bother some greatly I think. Bellies are pretty much good for welts and doing things like lining a toolbox...little else.

You can see the belly welt pretty easy on this sheath.

BK7_Sheath_6.jpg


BK7_Sheath_4.jpg


BK7_Sheath_3.jpg
 
I use Wickett & Craig tannery's. The utility skirting is by far the best on the market. And it's drum dyed, so the finish is already there. And as for cost, it is a minimal difference. And the whole piece is top quality. The 8 - 10 oz. is sufficient.
GOD BLESS!!
Michael
 
Mrtanto said:
If anyone has any information on what kinds of tools that would be great.
Click to expand...

A good reference is those ready made kits that Tandy/The Leather Factory sells. Not everything you'll need in some of them and a lot more than you'll need in others, but they do make a great reference to look at to get your bearings about what someone might want to get to start. The "Ulitimate Shop" or something like that (cant remember the name but its the biggest) is overboard but some really nifty stuff inside that box.
 
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