What type of leather??

[hawkinsa21]

Hello again boys, this maybe a bit OT, but wasn't sure...

I'm gonna build my own leather sheath for my CGFBM, and I've found loads of really good links in BF about how to do this, BUT... I live in the UK, and don't really know where to look for the type of leather I'm looking for....

I understand that I wan't anything from 8 - 12oz leather (in UK I think its done in MM's, i.e. 4mm thick leather etc)

If I google for it, I get 'leather upholstry, leather sofa's, leather chairs'.... but nothing that I think is of any use...


Anyone know of any good suppliers in the UK??


Cheers peeps, take it easy as always


Alex

 

[mike biz]

Try typing "leather blanks" into Google or other search engine. I came up with a bunch of suppliers. You may have to talk to them about exactly what you'll need for sheath making, but they should be able to help you out.

here is one, even has a metric conversion at the bottom of the page:

http://www.sbearstradingpost.com/tooling-leather-veg-tan-leather.html

this is the homepage:

http://www.sbearstradingpost.com/Belts.html

Hope this helps

 

[leatherman]

Are there any Arts and Crafts stores near you? Most large crafts dealers will have a leather section. I dont guess theres any Tandy/Leather Factory's in the UK. Might try calling some shoe repair shops, saddlery's and/or Harness shops, Ranch Suppliers, etc.

Be sure your leather is Vegitable Tanned. Chrome and oil tanned leather is baaaad for steel, when it is wetted it will leech chromium salts on to your blade.

All else failing I can ship you some leather, but it will cost as much to post it as the leather costs itself. And if you need any tips and tricks, patterns etc. Just send me a note at armoralleather@yahoo.com

Good luck! And post pics!

 

[hawkinsa21]

Guys, thanks for your fast replies!! Both very knowledgeable...

mike I'll check that out now in Google,

and leatherman - WOW thats a very genourous offer... great help there!!! I may just have to drop you a line....


Cheers guys!

 

[csbjr]

I am a tanner.
8 oz. = 3.175 mm substance (thickness)
12 oz. = 4.720 mm

Most sheath/holster/saddle makers look for TOP GRAIN VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER.

The much more common Chrome/veg. retanned leathers do not mold to shape and are more suitable for shoes, upholstery, personal goods, etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[csbjr]

Leatherman is correct about the Chromium salts and ferrous based metals.
All veg leather has some fatliquor (lubricant) added to the tannage in the form of waxes and oils, both petrolium and and natural.
It is when the leather is "stuffed" with these products to create special effects such as a greasy feel or "pull up" as can be desireable on Timberland/Sebago, etc. hiking boots that you can have major problems with chemical reactions with steel.

You might want to try contacting Pittards Tannery in the UK. I think they are in Leeds. Tanneries often have scraps from trimmings they will sell at very reasonable prices.

 

[idahoskunk]

i can cut through all this crap for you...

we all use COW leather :thumbup:

 

[El_Toro]

You might want to check ebay. I've got some pieces of leather on there for a fairly reasonable price. Like it was said before, just make sure that it is veg-tan.

 

[leatherman]

i can cut through all this crap for you...

we all use COW leather :thumbup:

 

[leatherman]

I'm playing with the idea of running a "Crafters Basic Sheath Tutorial" Something that a fella can put together a nice sheath with the minimum of tools.

Does this sound like something y'all wanna see?