Where do you get your leather?

[earlthegoat2]

IMHO, the warnings about chrome tanned leather and storing guns in holsters are exaggerated. For example, I just found my old Single Six in the back seat of my truck. It was in a holster I finished early this year and had probably been in there several months. No issues. During hunting season, I keep all my hunting paraphernalia in a plastic storage bin so that it all stays together and ready to go. That usually includes whatever leather rig I'm wearing at the time. My LeMat spent three years in its holster, between carrying it afield and leaving it in that storage bin. No issues.

I also think that chrome tanned leather is not as caustic as it used to be.

Even though I agree with this in general, early on in my leather work, about 9 years ago now, I was using a chrome tanned product from Tandy. It was advertised as being treated with waxes and oils as well.

A small strip of it ended up on my dividers and got left there for a few days. Solid rust was what I found when I lifted it off. It is hard to shake that experience. I too have seen a bit of anecdotal evidence suggesting chrome tanned is not so bad for metals but I am still wary.

It was the dark strip of rust pictured here.

 

[redneck]

I used to deal with Tandy Leather all the time, but my local store has changed managers and now I never seem to find any good leather when I go in and I'm afraid to order online and let them pick. I also have found that their inventory is getting more and more "craft" oriented and they don't have what I need to repair saddles or do other more serious projects.

So I decided to try springfield leather company out and so far with just one order in I have found the quality of leather to be good, prices fair, and shipping fast. I will keep dealing with them for the time being.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

Even though I agree with this in general, early on in my leather work, about 9 years ago now, I was using a chrome tanned product from Tandy. It was advertised as being treated with waxes and oils as well.

A small strip of it ended up on my dividers and got left there for a few days. Solid rust was what I found when I lifted it off. It is hard to shake that experience. I too have seen a bit of anecdotal evidence suggesting chrome tanned is not so bad for metals but I am still wary.

It was the dark strip of rust pictured here.

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And THIS^^^^^ is why you don't let your guard down or take any chances about chrome tanned leather. While I agree with Craig to a point, that point being ALL chrome tanned leather isn't so bad I think it's wreckless to downplay the risk associated with using it.

I pretty much try to avoid putting suede lining in any holster and if a collector just HAS to have it I test with a scrap piece from any suede leather I get to see how it reacts and even after that I warn them about the risks if a gun gets left in it.

All that said I have some pieces that I've gotten from Tandy that I cut some test strips and wrapped around an old shop gun barrel and left it for months whenever the gun wasn't being used to form holsters and it never hurt or affected the finish at all.

 

[earlthegoat2]

And THIS^^^^^ is why you don't let your guard down or take any chances about chrome tanned leather. While I agree with Craig to a point, that point being ALL chrome tanned leather isn't so bad I think it's wreckless to downplay the risk associated with using it.

I pretty much try to avoid putting suede lining in any holster and if a collector just HAS to have it I test with a scrap piece from any suede leather I get to see how it reacts and even after that I warn them about the risks if a gun gets left in it.

All that said I have some pieces that I've gotten from Tandy that I cut some test strips and wrapped around an old shop gun barrel and left it for months whenever the gun wasn't being used to form holsters and it never hurt or affected the finish at all.

I once cautioned an online seller about some woodworking tool rolls he was making out of chrome tan leather. He was also making waxed canvas ones. Well he said he tested steel on the chrome tan and told me there was no ill effects. He then went on to underhandedly chastise me for my apparent inexperience.

I can’t help but notice that he ONLY sells the waxed canvas ones now.

 

[John Joseph]

AK Salz
https://aksalz.com/pages/our-leather