where to get leather?

chuck buck

chuck buck

Joined
Nov 4, 2007
Messages
453
ive been looking all over for a place to get 8oz tool leather for sheath making and have not been very successful. anyone know any good websites? stores in the southeast? i am looking for smaller pieces rather than whole hides as this is just an experimental new hobbie. thanks
 
You can also get it from knifemaking suppliers: TKS sells it, I think Jantz does too, or try CrazyCrow. I go to a local cobbler for mine. The knowledge I get from talking to him is worth even more than being able to buy small amounts. Otherwise, I'd probably use Tandy as well. The Tandy pamphlet (about $5 IIRC) is great if you haven't done it before.
 
chuck buck said:
ive been looking all over for a place to get 8oz tool leather for sheath making and have not been very successful. anyone know any good websites? stores in the southeast? i am looking for smaller pieces rather than whole hides as this is just an experimental new hobbie. thanks
Click to expand...

I purchase entire hides from a wholesaler for the shop. But, the little you need, it might be best just to get it from Tandy or The Leather Factory (owned by the same people now). Number #2 shoulders (cheaper) are just fine for sheaths as you are just beginning. Don't be afraid to purchase several square feet (at least 8 - 10). This will be much less expensive in the long run over those small craft pieces. The difference in shipping is minimal. Too, the extra leather will come in handy for other projects. :)
 
I would check around town as well! I used to order my leather from Tandy and then searched around and found out there was a Tandy leather store 10 minutes away from me!! I couldn't believe my luck!
 
raythebigfoot said:
I would check around town as well! I used to order my leather from Tandy and then searched around and found out there was a Tandy leather store 10 minutes away from me!! I couldn't believe my luck!
Click to expand...

I almost ended up in the same boat, but I realized there's one in town before I placed my order.
 
The economy shoulders go on sale fairly often too. You can get a single shoulder for about 18-20 bucks, plus shipping, when they are on sale. You will spend nearly that for a smaller piece too.
If you order from Tandy, you can pick up a few tools at the same time, that will make things go much better. A stitching groover, overstitch wheel set, skiver, gum t, dye, and an edge slicker. Also needles and thread.
For 75 bucks or so, you can be set up fairly well to start. You don't have to spend the money on the tools, but it will save you money on shipping later, and will save you time in building, and let you make things that you will like better due to their more finished look.
 
Craft stores usualy have a very small leather section with squared peices of leather .
 
I'm also lucky enough to have a Tandy store fairly close by. My needs are fairly small so I usually just go and see what they've got in their scrap bin when I when I have a project in mind. If you're not too picky about where your leather has been before you use it you could also try to find an old pair of boots at a thrift store.
 
yeah, i just walked in the house with my single shoulder veg-tanned leather. went to tandy tonight after i got my pops some game bird feed. awesome store. the manager was very very helpful and quadrupled my knowledge in an hour. we talked for a while and she gave me here card etc. very pleased with the price too. whole shoulder and contact cement for 30 bucks. thats what i paid for 2 little craft store pieces to experiment on. she also told me that the owners of tandy only buy leather from companies of which it is a by-product. or, only hides of animals that are not killed just for their skins. nice company, good ethics. im very pleased with them. thanks for your help guys! now to get started on my new sheath for the rat-5.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top