Choosing the Correct Leather for Your Project (Made Easy)

[@jeffwilliamson7143]

I learned more about how to buy leather in this 6 minute video than I thought possible. I wish I had seen this a lot sooner. A well organized presentation explaining the foundational concepts necessary to understanding what to look for when buying leather for a specific purpose. Well done.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome, Jeff! I’m really glad you found some good info in this one! Thank you for watching!

[@jeffreyjoseph1477]

Just my two cents as many newbies don't know this, while when we talk about weight "ounces" of leather referring to thickness, how is the weight determined? the weight or thickness is determined by "One Square Foot of Leather" so if you have leather that's labeled at 4/5-oz, one square foot of that leather should weigh 4/5-oz.

[@rollingstockco8223]

You read my mind!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks so much for adding that! Great to know where the measure of thickness in “weight” comes from. 🙏🏼

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Really good clarification! Thanks, guys!

[@ABaumstumpf]

Came here for this. Many leather-videos sadly falsely claim that the ounces is not a measurement of weight here. That measure simple comes from just tossing the leather onto a scale being far easier than having to measure a very odd-shaped sheet of material. the rest of the world of course simply measures the thickness directly.

[@mikedee1]

I think it should be noted that the measurement of leather in oz predates the advent of modern tanning methods. Take oil tanned leather, it’s quite heavy in proportion to its thickness as compared to vegetable tanned leather. So while I believe that oz does refer to literal ounces, the term ounces no longer applies to simply weight unless strictly referring to vegetable tanned leather. My 2 cents.

[@Handles-R-Lame]

Great video brotha. If I may add, the reason leather uses ounces is because the weight is represented by a single square foot. So 1sqft of 2oz leather would literally weigh 2 ounces roughly, and 1sqft of 10oz leather would roughly weigh 10 ounces and so on.

[@amateurmakingmistakes]

Yes, this makes sense. It's similar to the way fibreglass is measured: by the weight of the cloth per square foot.

[@Cole-Baker]

This should be the top video for how to buy leather search

[@tomtrahan8433]

This is rapidly becoming my favorite leatherworking channel on KZbin. I wish I had seen this video sooner in my leather career! I recently bought some (beautiful) leather to make wallets only to find its temper is too soft - I will use it now to make moccasins. Your videos are informative and friendly-sounding. THANK YOU!

[@M319-n3l]

Great 👍 job you answer a lot of the basic questions that a first timer needs and wants.

[@Juh812]

Thank you! Just starting out and have zero clue what I’m doing. I don’t have a store close so I would need to shop online so this was very helpful.

[@pmelchman]

again a great video Tanner. Something that I wanted to bring to the attention to everyone is the 5 types, grades, qualities ( slippery slope) full grain, top grain, split, genuine and bonded leather. We answer this question a lot. It is my belief that the general public is more familiar with the 'genuine leather' term rather than the full or top grain leather. a great video I had in mind was to purchase some 'genuine leather ' belts and cross cut them along with my personal daily wear belt to show the difference between full grain belt and genuine leather department store belt. MOre times than not the genuine leather item is an import.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Patrick! Yes, this is a fantastic point and would be a great topic for a video!

[@aidanzwiz5059]

This was insanely helpful! I haven't started leatherworking yet, but I'm excited to try; this helped a lot!

[@zedsyzygy205]

I've been doing a ton of Leather Crafting for a few years, so this was mostly review. That said, I watched the whole thing to make sure what I had picked up gibed with his info. Excellent Video and I wish I had seen this years ago.

[@MochaboyRC]

Thank you! shopping now! :D making a sheath for my wife's pruning shears :)

[@GT_Racer347]

Wow. Thanks for the info! Gonna try my hand at purchasing a little bit of leather for a couple of projects.... 🤞🙏

[@JR-bj3uf]

Thanks for the basic info on leather types. It was very helpful.

[@billchapman9169]

hi, In the last yr or so I have mysterily aquired lots of cool tools and stuff, I was given a brand new sculpfun S9 lazer engraver/cutter. I havent been able to use it yet, still in box due to health reasons. I belong to a group on face book that is what people do with their varius sculpfun lazers. ive seen that it works on alot and I will be using the light burn program with mine. thanks for the great video! Bill

[@synkh11]

This is brilliant, thank you. This video is very helpful for someone who is just starting out. I had made the rookie mistake of buying soft chrome leather for a wallet. I had no idea soft means floppy 🙁. I wished i had watched this video first!

[@me5leathercrafts247]

Thanks I wanted this info for along time about the soft and stiffness

[@KathleenWicklund-g3v]

Great video! Right to the point and easy to understand. Thank you for the great information!

[@utkf16]

Really useful especially for us guys just starting out, well presented too.

[@graceland75]

Hello, as a newbie to leather I took good notes on your explanations, thank you on a future video fo r newbies would you give your thoughts on buying price as they can get very expensive etc, and where to seat without going too cheap or too high end. Thanks again.

[@chicagotypewriter2094]

Man, you literally have the PERFECT name for the job (Tanner lol)

[@timbrock2306]

I would like to use a fabric liner in a wallet. what material could I use?

[@jerryroberts631]

Great info. Keep it coming, us newbies need all we can get. Thanks.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

So good to hear, Jerry! I’m so glad you have found some value here! Looking forward to what’s ahead!

[@runningriverbushcraft]

Awesome Information Given..👍

[@davidenglund]

I'm pretty new to leather work, and I'm still trying to figure out what to look for in tje actual grain of the leather I am buying. I've bought natural Veg Tan, as well as dyed Veg Tan. It always seems like a bit of a guessing game when I look over a shoulder for sale. I can see patterns in the leather itself. Do I want to look for minimal pattern appearance? I think with further treatment, like Neatsfoot oil, or a Sophir conditioner it can be improved. But how much? I am guessing you would rather look for leather you don't have to treat further. But what's available in the shop doesn't always permit that. Would love to see a video on how to really look leather over closely and what specifically to look for. Thanks!

[@danpost4755]

Nice explanation! Thanks for making this video.

[@johnhull2941]

it is super hard to pick leather when you know nothing about it i would love a shop like slc that i could walk into but you dont get that here in ireland its all on line and you dont know what they will send you .ye are so lucky in usa plenty of places to chose from but thank you tanner for the insight.

[@theBoonarmies]

Man, this video is such a great resource. Thank you so much for this Tanner.

[@hugomillere4315]

Great video... I'm about to start leather crafting and I wasn't quite sure what kind of leather I should buy. Very clear explanations and now I know my way to go. Thanks..

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome! So glad you found it helpful! Looking forward to being in touch about what you’d like to learn in the future! Glad to have you here, and I appreciate you watching and leaving a comment. See you on the next one, Hugo! -Tanner

[@AnchoredLeatherworks]

Great video. Very thorough. I learned the hard way - by spending money on leather until I figured it out. This is way more helpful.

[@adamdport]

I just found this channel while doing some research to rewrap a steering wheel. I really liked your style and presentation! Looks like maybe you're done with KZbin though? If you're still reading comments, I'd love to hear recommendations for how to buy long leather strips like I'll need for my steering wheel, as well as tips on how much it's going to stretch when I'm wrapping it. 5%? Thanks!

[@giorgiaratta3357]

Really easy to understand! Now all makes more sense! I believe your videos are the best for learning leather craft. Thanks for your time and for sharing this amazing knowledge 😊

[@Aethalops]

Thanks! Is leather sold according to some quality gradation? I want to make a bunch of tool sheaths as economically as possible, and certainly don't need it to be unblemished.

[@kckc4833]

thank you for making this. please make more

[@JR-tc9xm]

Hello! I am just getting into leather work, and I've been practicing using old leather jackets and bags I've found at thrift stores. Do you happen to know what is normally used for leather jackets? Would it be chrome tanned? I've noticed it seems really thin, but I'm not sure if it's even cow sometimes because it will only say 100% leather. Thanks for this video, your channel is very helpful and I appreciate all the knowledge!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Yes, that would be my guess too- I think most would be a chrome-tanned cow leather. Thanks for watching and have fun!

[@MjCecil87]

Thanks for all the info, I'm just getting into leather work and all information you provide really helps. Thanks!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

You are so welcome! I love to hear that, Micheal. Keep in touch, and happy crafting! -Tanner

[@omarzed6043]

Fast, precise and well explained. Thank you very much

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Omar!

[@coffeecupwithtea]

Excellent, very straight forward and concise.

[@argentorangeok6224]

Thank you for this video.

[@AcapRoseknightDrummer]

Oh i remember watching your video on saddle stitching. I've been stitching for 2 weeks now thanks to your video. Bought some leather for starters, making wallets and what not. Thanks for the informative video about leathers. Hope to learn more about leather working from you! 😁👍

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Wow, that's awesome to hear! So glad to hear you're getting started! Please reach out anytime-- I hope I can be of help to you!

[@michaelmehaffy7367]

10/10!! AWESOME video. Everything I needed to know.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome!! So glad to hear it, Michael!

[@brianswanton1901]

Great video Tanner!! Very informative!

[@johnsteele2177]

Brilliant video, so much information. Thank you so much. Looking forward to seeing you again.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, John- I really appreciate that! 🙏🏼

[@sunilj10]

Great introduction to leather thanks

[@donpayne562]

Great info, I just have a hard time buying anything but veg tan . I just like being able to make it look anyway you like out of the same piece of leather.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

So true, Don! Veg tan is pretty magical stuff!

[@dag36523]

Just finished Don’s Pod Cast great job and I agree on pattern making being the fun part!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who enjoys that part! 😀

[@careylogan7639]

after watching your video "How to Hand Stitch..." I popped over to your channel and low and behold you answered my second question with this video!! :o) I also have watched a couple of videos done by Stock and Barrel Co Leathercraft. One in particular he highlighted you as one of the top "5 leather workers to watch". I did not watch that video until after I had gone to your channel. blew me away!! I am just a lucky dude to have found your channel. believe it or not, my first project is to stitch up a bandolier for 44/45. couldn't find anything I liked so I decided that I could make one. I already have the leather from an old welding apron and some odds and ends I salvaged a while back. I have a "factory rig" so I have some idea what needs to be done. the very first video I watched was Stock and Barrel's video "Stitching Ammo Cartridge loops". he used a machine but I thought that I could do it by hand. You proved me right with the first video of yours that I watched!!! :o) I think I am going to enjoy this channel. FYI: I am a journeyman tool and die maker, journeyman machinist (I have my own small machine shop), metal fabricator, welder, bicycle mechanic and wood worker. I have a motto I go by; "If I can't make, it I don't need it!" I am now retired and livin' da loca!!! this is going to be so much fun. I love learning new stuff! got to get back to work and weld up a gate that I am repairing for the garden and chickens. Later.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

That’s pretty amazing... I was a machinist, and now I’m a bonafide chicken farmer and wannabe gardener... sounds like we have some common interests! Parker is awesome- I love his videos. I appreciate your kind words and look forward to hearing more about your creations! Cheers!

[@careylogan7639]

@@ClaridgeLeather going to wait until I get my SS check and will be purchasing the necessary tools to do this one project. my sister and I have 56 hens and 8 roosters (Buff Orpingtons). we hatch out our own. over the years I have put in 13,000 sq ft of garden. this year is my 3100 sq ft corn patch year. 1848 seeds will go in the ground in about 30 days from now. got the gate repaired and reinstalled. going to watch some more of your videos. :o) :o) I know you are busy so no need to reply. i will be commenting on your videos. going to watch more of Parker's videos as well.

[@dannymarkgraf34]

great video. very informative. thank you for sharing

[@edenBelieves77]

That was so helpful! Thank you!

[@Thesourceofdeath]

Excellent video, please keep them coming.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

So glad you enjoyed it- thanks for watching! More on the way!

[@Steve-rm5bi]

Very helpful!

[@farukhhasan11]

Hi Tanner, awesome video on leather. I really learned a lot from since I got into making watch straps. I am now learning why some leather does not work and does not turn out according to my expectations. Great work Tanner!

[@V3leathercraft]

oil or wax pull up comes only in veg tanned? B'se some times, burnishing the edges are quite difficult.

[@1piercedguy]

thanks for the info great video! you explain it so well!

[@virtusleather]

Great video Tanner!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, my friend!!

[@troythompson5699]

Very informative! Awesome video, Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

You bet, Troy! Thank you for watching! Hope to see you on the next one!

[@EmmaSegasture]

Thanks...I was wondering about this ❤️👍🏽

[@edwardllorens]

Excellent tutorial on the different usage, types and characteristics of leather. 👍🏼I learned a few things here.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Great!! So nice to hear that. Thank you for watching!

[@Foxuniverso]

Well, i thought my wallet didnt work out due to the weight being 3oz, but now idk anymore, i got a vegtann leather 3-4oz its floppy and thin i dyed it, then used a waterproofing spray, one wallet i thew in the oven after watching a video about hardening leather (didn't work lol) i water molded it to see if it got a bit harder (it didn't... Again!) Also i think the dye made it more softer, after i dye it, its very bendy.

[@lucasmurphy5407]

I heard that leather weight does actually have to do with how heavy it is. I think it was something along the lines of how heavy one square foot is. The thicker the heavier obviously. Idk if this is true though just putting it out there because I'm pretty sure I have heard that

[@Mrbingles9]

What weight and temper do you recommend for a desk mat?

[@bryanwalker731]

Just found your channel. Great stuff!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome, Bryan! Welcome! Glad you found it! -Tanner

[@papa7745]

Tanner thanks again for a very informative uTube I learn so much from your uTubes. I am about to start my daughters Xmas presents as the leather I ordered has arrived. I am using your pattern for the key trays great and simple design suited to my skill set.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, Peter! I appreciate that so much- I hope you enjoy making your daughter’s gift. I know she will treasure it!

[@brockmitchell3989]

Don't forget that you do not want to use chrome tanned leather if it is going to have metal up against it such as a knife or gun due to it causes corrosion of the metal. This is why only veg tan should be used for gun holsters and knife sheaths.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Absolutely! Great point! Thanks, Brock!

[@eiward]

I thought veg tan would also corrode steel if left in contact long-term.

[@ridgerunner66]

Great explanation. Appreciate the info. Davin

[@ClaridgeLeather]

My pleasure, Davin. Thank you for watching!

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Really great explanation!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Ethan!!

[@keithtinkler123]

Great video....sorry it's took me 11 months to find it.....a great insite to what to use and what to buy....with limited budget I buy the wrong leather all the time A) what do I doo to find the right leather B) what do I do with all the wrong leather?????????

[@bbrachman]

I still have not figured out Chrome Tanned leather. I usually stick to Veg Tanned. Mostly Natural Hermann Oak (US) and finished Buttero (Italy). I understand these leathers. Chromexcel, from Horween has characteristics of both veg and chrome. I do wrestle with weight for each project. 3-4 or 4-5 oz. Still a learning process. Thanks Tanner. Nice clear explanation.

[@rollingstockco8223]

Chrome tanned is great if you want something that is a bit more weather proof especially a bag that may get wet from time to time. If you are comfortable skiving by hand or by machine, a nice rolled edge is a great way to go. I typically use chrome tanned in my bags at thicknesses of 4-5oz or 5-6oz with a regular to firm temper. Some folks don't like the maintenance that can come with Veg Tanned leather. I almost never use chrome tanned leather for wallets, I like the firm temper of veg tanned, it's ability to accept a stamp and the patina it gains with use. Cheers!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Yes, there are just SO many types and variations of chrome tanned leathers that it's impossible to get a handle on everything that is out there!

[@jstep100]

Good stuff! Thanks for the information!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@nataliamora8887]

Thanks, this is very helpful!!! I appreciate it! I love the soft tempered leather you have in your video, 5 ounces. i am looking just for that. Can you guide me to where I can get it? Thanks!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

I find some great leather (at good prices) at Maverick Leather or Tandy!

[@andrewrobinson6703]

Great information once again. Keep it up.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks, Drew- I appreciate your support! 🤜🤛

[@JohnTurner313]

Great info, clearly explained. Thank you! Subscribed.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome! Thank you, John! Welcome!

[@ianbryant2723]

I would love to see a video with your opinion on dry time for different dye on leather and also on how soon after dying to apply conditioner and sealer. I’ve seen so many different opinions on how long to let dye set. For example, I’ve seen some say 2-4hrs for alcohol based dye before buffing and applying conditioner or a finish to the leather. But it’s taken some of my projects days to fully dry (perhaps due to the high humidity in south East texas?). I would love to hear what you think and what you found works best over time.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Interesting… I usually let the dye dry overnight, then seal it the next day. Maybe I’m missing out on some special techniques!

[@fastrivers812]

I need a little help. Kind of frustrated. Went to leather store with my existing tool roll that contains my carving tools. The roll is flexible and neither side of the leather is smooth which is fine but it's also not as "fuzzy" as suede. Both sides kind of remind me of the feel of the inside of a baseball glove. I want to make another tool roll using the same leather. I speak to employee1 and he says my tool roll is suede not leather. Takes me to the suede area, labeled as saddle top leather. All of that stuff looks/feels slightly softer and thinner. None of it is unstained which I also want. I pick out the suede not feeling confident I'm getting what I want but he's the expert right? I take my choice to employee2 to have him cut the leather. To get a second opinion I let him know I don't feel confident that this suede is the same as my tool roll and he agrees stating that he feels my leather is veg tanned leather. He takes me to another spot that has veg tanned leather and it could be it but one side of that was smooth, the other "rough" like my leather but was stiffer. Ugh. Any thoughts?

[@Dhobby517]

Excellent video.

[@ianwisermanig362]

Very informative thank you so much

[@AFrogInTheStars]

WAIT NO WAY YOUR NAME IS TANNER!! and you're a leather guy!

[@earlelzy9975]

Are the two different tempered leathers veg tanned leather?

[@bananaeater4332]

I've learned more about leather than in years of fashion school 😅 i just wish fashion schools didn't neglected this amazing work material... But i have a question... If i want to do a padded handbag i just go for a soft tempered leather so it can be "molded" and adjusted to the padding foam so it can come perceptible right? And then maybe I can add a stiffner like talyn... Bc i have found if i try to do it with a stiff leather the padding is almost unnoticeable... Loved the video and amazing channel!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Yes, you are thinking correctly about that- thank you!

[@Tim_Pollock]

Very informative awesome video. Thank you!

[@johnconnor4594]

Very informative video 👍

[@crownj01]

Great video, very helpful.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Great, I’m so glad to hear that, Jack! Thank you for watching!

[@earlelzy9975]

Thanks for the info.

[@QnA22]

My leather shop does everything in milimeters (mm) to be more exact......Luckily in crafting more people and companies are switching to metric. It just makes more sense to use.

[@frankiegraff6658]

Wanting to make full set of leather armor how to choose what to use

[@jerryduncan1585]

Thanks agian your videos are always helpful

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Glad you like them, Jerry! Thanks for watching!

[@grahamjamieson7752]

Nice work mate

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks for the visit, Graham! Cheers! -Tanner

[@betsystyles3245]

Would love to know your thoughts on best weight of leather for dog collars and leashes? I only make hobby gear for my dogs 🐕 👍

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Great question! I have used 9-11 oz bridle for collars with good success (on medium to large sized dogs). The same stuff I’d use on a belt for a person, but just an inch wide. It also works well to sew a couple layers of thinner leather together (5oz + 5oz, for example). Maybe use thicker leather for a big dog, and I’m not sure about a leash. Probably thick/double layer harness/reign type leather?

Good Video I am starting to follow 👍😀

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Awesome, thank you so much!

[@finestbird4784]

I love your video and I'm a new subscriber

[@LKS-1976]

Sir, can you tool chromexcel leather? I read it's its tanned both ways.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Hi Patrick- good question! The short answer is no, it’s really resistant to tooling. Its high wax and oil content makes it great for weather resistance but really tough to stamp! You’re right that it’s “combination tanned,” but the treatment after the veg tanning makes it very difficult to stamp! Heat can help when adding a logo stamp though (heat the metal stamp).

[@LKS-1976]

@@ClaridgeLeather cool. Thanks brother

[@edcnewbie8722]

Great info! Thank you.

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thanks for watching! Cheers! -Tanner

[@deankay4434]

While not having a decent leather store except for two over-priced stores, it takes away from seeing & feeling what you may spend a lot of money on. Now, left to internet purchases, it’s sold by showing 1.3mm thickness but not ounces per square foot! I got samples and bought half and full hides but still at 1.3mm thickness. I appears fine for new bucket seats for my 54+ pickup seats using a heavy machine that works well. I am concerned about perhaps suede used in areas of non-high wear areas. All information I can find or watch say similar statements. Suede and perforated leather is a wear item and holes make it not wear but collect dirt and disappoint the end user. I am the end user, this my truck, I do not want to slide or spend hours cleaning and watch it wear away. Retirement is hard, but after decade of fixing vehicles, I want one that is from my early farm life. I am well versed in everything automotive and updating to fuel injection but creating new seats is a task. Fine, I knew that going in, but had only those two questions. Thanks kindly as you share your talents. Old Guy, Omaha

[@gergemall]

Thx ,I appreciate it.

[@crisoverlookchingchang]

I was always told veg tan was far more superior and resistible. Japanese craftsman will mostly prefer to use veg tan even on wallets and small objects

[@snorttroll4379]

So I can buy vegetable tanned leather, wet mould it and then saturate it with oil or wax and have it stay that shape?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

After it is wet molded, you should seal/waterproof it with something, especially if you anticipate that it may get wet again. I usually dye it and then seal with acrylic resolene. It will keep its shape unless it gets soaked again! I wouldn’t saturate it with oil- maybe something like a wax waterproofer would be best.

[@jerryduncan1585]

The problem I have with ordering leather. I order grade 1. Get my leather and come to find out they sent the wrong one. If I drive anywhere to get leather it takes me any where from 4 hrs to 12 hours one way to buy leather

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Man, I feel your pain! I live in Montana, so all my leather comes in the mail as well. I hate having to send it back, but it happens sometimes! Wouldn’t it be nice to sort through them in person?! Thanks for watching, Jerry!

[@eross21]

just starting out. i just bought a veg tan belly cut 4-5oz. i’m worries i may have bought the wrong kind. what can i make with this cut?

[@ClaridgeLeather]

You can get lots of practice making simple cards wallets (they’ll be a little thick, but no worries), even simple clutches, purses, etc. You can even practice dyeing and tooling on veg tan. The belly may not be the prime cut, but it can be useful for all kinds of things, especially practice! Have fun!

[@ivan55599]

l thought that chrome-tanned leather is not good against moisture, water, mud, etc. Especially when making turnshoes for historical reactment-things.

[@garrettyoung9]

I do think this is the only video on KZbin that hits on the three points that you did!!

[@jamesbuchanan3439]

Two thumbs up!!

[@ClaridgeLeather]

Thank you, James!!!