The Leather Element: Which Leather Should I Use For My Project?

Shop leather: www.weaverleathersupply.com/c...
One of our most asked questions from people just getting started in leathercraft is "what leather should I buy or use for a specific project"? There are a lot of ways to go to answer this question, so we took seven basic projects and Chuck breaks down the leather to two options that will work nicely for each project. We hope this helps answer some of your questions and makes it easier to pick the perfect leather for your project.
Leather in this video:
Belts:
Natural veg tan double shoulder: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Natural veg-tan belt blank: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Water Buffalo Single Bend: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Water Buffalo Belt Blank: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Bracelets:
Chrome Tanned Pull-Up Leather: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Crazy Horse Water Buffalo Side: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Arm Guards:
Single Shoulder: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Suede: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Holsters:
Veg Tan Single Shoulder 4/5 oz. or 8/9 oz.: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Panel: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Holster Leather: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Wallets:
Veg tan 2/3 oz. and 3/4 oz.: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Chrome Tan: www.weaverleathersupply.com/c...
Purses and Bags:
Lexi Top Grain: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Pines Milled: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Boot Straps:
Telfair Pebble Grain: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
Santa Rosa Pull-Up: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
#TheLeatherElement #TLE

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

I always feel a little better about life after one of Chuck's videos. Such a positive guy. Thanks. And thanks for the info!

[@knight4today]

Rob the Wayward Woodworker same!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, Rob!

[@bryanbilek2146]

You couldnt be more right ! Chuck has a Bob Ross vibe about him...

[@philwatson3646]

Totally agree! Thank you Chuck! Love the videos. Nicely done.

[@philochristos]

Whenever he says, "Drop a . . . in there," it gives me confidence, like it's going to be easy.

[@oldschooljack3479]

Chuck, your enthusiasm is contagious. Your videos always get me pumped to do leather work. Keep em coming!!!

[@trentnichols5075]

Oh man! I’ve been looking for this video for years! Great video. Lots of useful information. Thank you

[@kennethrutledge9222]

ThankYou for your encouragement!!! You have helped me tremendously

[@ChinqMiau1]

Great information, thanks for making these videos, super helpful.

[@aryktube]

Once again chuck thanks for schooling me. Pls keep the awesome videos coming.

[@ArcticFlies56]

Chuck, great video for newcomers and seasoned leather workers alike! Great info!

[@Whenuatu]

Idea for a leather element: watching your armor in the back, it would be interesting to watch, not exactly a full armor pattern tutorial (that would be amazing, though), but a leather element on the phylosophy behind articulation and other concerns when designing patterns for an armor :)

[@usafretboy]

Wow. Was just wondering about this yesterday. Thanks for answering my question. Great video....as always.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you!

[@aria_leather]

Very good job👌👌

[@marty01957]

Good info, Chuck! Thank you!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Martin!

[@Native_love]

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST LEATHER VIDEOS ON KZbin!!! I'm shopping from Weaver on my next purchase! :-)

[@iannielsen4651]

Thanks for including the item numbers. Now I won't get confused on which one to get. Really appreciate it

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Ian - glad that was helpful!

[@vortex514]

Excellent episode as always Chuck.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Mark!

[@rubberduckie2126]

Great vid. It was the bracelets that got my daughters to push me to try leather working. Its great fun running the different kits. still a beginner, thanks again.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's great to hear - so glad the kits and videos have been fun and helpful!

[@SilatBegin]

Thanks for the video! Love from Malaysia

[@richardbenson4750]

Great video and tips

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you!

[@tinastreasures1]

Good info!!! I’m curious to see some bracelet projects using/cutting hair on hide scraps and leather pieces.

[@gol2pr]

Hi from Puerto Rico, thanks for explain this to me.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello! Thank you so much for watching!

[@valleyrover4958]

I love this guy!

[@GradyGillis]

EXTREMELY informative, Chuck. Thanks again for producing such helpful videos. I'm not exactly a beginner, but sometimes, after seeing one of your "beginner" videos, I ask myself, "why didn't I know that?"

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, Grady! Means a lot!

[@scottmcintosh2988]

Today I saw a Scuby do wallet with ears that stuck above and big eyes brown rut row !!!

[@archieowens5065]

Modern processes for chrome tan remove virtually all the chromium salts, so they can be used for sheaths and holsters if bought from a reputable supplier. I've used it on metal armor and for sheaths for custom knives for well over a decade with no problem.

[@aussiepete67]

Chuck.. you rock! Thanks mate. G'day from Brisbane Australia

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Pete!

[@aussiepete67]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply G'day Chuck.. . You have inspired me to get into this craft.. I'm currently working on a new holder for my fountain pens.. using kangaroo and your videos.. cheers mate!

[@drunkendebauchery993]

I would love to see a leather element focusing on different inside finishing techniques for different projects. Primary veg tan. My first veg tan belt I finished the inside with Angelus Acrylic Matte and it crinkled badly.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks for the suggestion! We'll see if we can do something on this.

[@heidibreckenridge5094]

Thank you for the enthusiastic and informative video🤗 Its something every leather worker needs to know👍🏼 Do you teach classes? Thank you again, Heidi

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Heidi, Chuck teaches some classes at trade shows but not a whole lot - we're hoping to get some classes planned in the future though!

[@lucky1965]

He is bad ass I like watching his videos!👍🏻

[@mindsculpter630]

Would love to see a video on boot straps or just customizing boots

[@HouseJakey]

Thank you for making this video, helps alot! What about "how to make a gunslinger belt"? Can't wait to see that one day!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you for watching! Great suggestion, we'll have to make sure that gets moved up on the list!

[@xWorshipThisx]

Yeah!

[@TheAussiePirate]

Look forward to that!

[@michaelhunkins1834]

Another idea for a video would be using zippers with leather projects. Thanks for all the videos Chuck and Weaver Leather craft!

[@minerblue9641]

As a beginning learher worker I wasn't intimidated by all the different types of leather. But I was intimidated by all the different types of projects that could be done with leather. Then my thinking turned to: these projects NEED to be done. Whew. I hope I have enough time!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

There are a lot of projects, that's for sure! The most important thing is to have fun with it and enjoy the process.

[@dalewilliams6129]

I would love to see a complete tutorial on how to make a ranger style double buscadero gun belt. I am interested in a 3 inch wide belt with 1 1/2 inch billets. I don't want the holsters part. Leather size, type and weight. Please make it a lined one. There are videos of bits and pieces of the making of one, but not the whole thing. It would be very appreciated and informative. Thank you for your videos. You have taught me a lot.

[@derptothemaxclearly]

I think it is worth trying leather that you wouldn't normally use too. Two of the wallets I sell are in 8-10oz. I guess there is a market for chunky wallets heh.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Absolutely! Experimenting and finding out what works best for you and your customers is key!

[@knight4today]

I’m making my first belt this weekend, using your tutorials! For cutting my own, what are the pros and cons of double shoulders vs a side?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's awesome! I hope you have fun with it! The main difference between a side or a double shoulder is just going to be the length. Sides will give you the full length of the hide (7- 8+ feet) whereas double shoulders will give you 55"-60" on part of the hide and then shorten as you get closer to the neck so you'll be limited on the number of straps you'll be able to get in belt length. If you're not looking for a large quantity of straps then double shoulders are a great option! There isn't a big difference in quality between the two. You might get a few neck wrinkles in the shoulder area but if you're cutting the long way you really won't notice them much.

[@holmes5517]

Watched one video and became addicted. I do have one question about leather. Here in the Iberian peninsular, and elsewhere no doubt, peasant harness and halters etc are usually made from a thick grey coloured leather averaging 5 mm in thickness, usually rather raggedy on the inside and smooth with creases on the outside. Colour greeny grey, fairly supple and stretches. Usually used for cart harnesses and heavy duty stuff. I always knew it as green leather but that could be something I invented. Would love to know its real name.

[@PatrickMatherne]

Can you do a video that shows what each leather term mean. like temper, pull up, firm

[@mike196425]

Have you ever thought of making a leather scabbard for a lever gun. What size leather would be used for one. I have an old lever rifle that I'd love to make a scabbard for riding horse back

[@timhyatt9185]

i'm setting up to try rebinding books and using leather as a cover....some of my research indicates goat-skin leather is the leather of choice for this usage....could you elaborate on that at some point? I'd like to do some light tooling (geometric lines and maybe some simple gilding) on the covers and spines.....

[@21blackwood]

what thickness leather should be used for a three ring binder. I am making the bulk of the binder (the flat front and back, and spine that the binder mechanism will attach to out of 3/16" thick walnut. The leather will act as the "hinge"

[@maciasrebollo]

Muy bueno, a ver si cojo soltura , para hacer codillas

[@fdghn4567]

I got a question about making straight razor strops. Would I have to go for a top grain or would a full grain work? I just bought some 3" wide 8-9oz full grain, but it's not smooth like the supplier said. I just bought a nice restored vintage razor which is shave ready but I was told it needs a final strop, I'd hate to ruin the hone by not getting the strop right.

[@jackray3352]

What about a moccasin boot project?

[@staythecourseprotect8533]

What’s more comfortable on a hybreed holster backing, water buffalo or cow hide ?

[@alanandkarenrouse747]

Very informative. Thanks. I do have one question. What do you mean by "pull up" leather?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there, Pull-Up leather is tanned in a way that when you run your finger across the back of the leather or the leather is bent, the oils "pull-up" and the leather looks lighter in that area. We'll link an example of pull-up leather below so you can take a look. www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/75-4930-c2/premium-chrome-pull-up-leather/pr_58008 You can also search pull up on our site and it will show all of our pull-up hides. Hope that helps!

[@lexykallenberger6887]

I have been using sheridan rtc as a top coat because it's more water resistant. But I love the finish that tan kote gives over fiebings antique pastes. Is it wrong to apply tan kote as a first top coat and then Sheridan rtc on top of that as a final top coat?

[@SophiaBodtmann]

What type of leather is used in jacket or punk styled skirts?

[@paukerock]

hi piet here from belgium so sorry for the bad gramer. i am looking too wrap my hamer handel for extra grip what should i use ?

[@demonwolf5671]

Hello, I am a brand new Leatherworker and rookie. I am grateful for your videos. Currently saving up to get my first leather craft tools from Weaver. I decided to start with a name tag key chain as something simple and easy. And was planning on using veg tan. What I am curious about is what general ounce weight should I use? As seeing this video reminded me that weight and thickness of the leather is important. Once I have done a few sets to get used to leather working and gain a general understanding of how to work with leather I want to make coasters or something similar.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there, I hope you enjoy leatherworking! 7/8 oz. is a good weight for key fobs and key chains.

[@demonwolf5671]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply Before even starting having fun with all of the creative ideas I want to try. Thanks for answering back as I wasn't sure if I would get a response, being a rookie and all. I planned to use a finish over acrylic paint but I want to know if there is a Leather Finish that works well for it as I plan on getting the Weaver Gum Tragacanth as well as the Weaver Tuff Kote Clear. I know you have an Antique Finish Neutral which I want to try out as you have a video about it working well with Angelus Acrylic Paint. But I have no idea about a leather finish that would do the same thing. Again Thank You Weaver Leathercraft.

[@bjen2005]

@Weaver Leather Supply - I would like to see a video on making a Welding Arm Pad. I work in this field and would like to be able to create my own instead of having to purchase each one I go through.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you for the suggestion! We will add this to the list for potential future project videos.

[@bjen2005]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply Excellent. I just ordered some tools yesterday from your site and I am anxious to get started crafting some stuff.

[@cszero2109]

Please tell me there are videos about that literal suit of armor made out leather

[@davidrubio1761]

I don't know if you've heard about horseback archery. There are many quivers that you can use as projects for this channel :-)

[@Dehchurch14047]

I would like to know how to do a journal in leather

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi David, See if this helps: kzbin.info/aero/PLzvwlO3D_z7cG72Z0db3uqFJdGsrLK-Fu

[@rezamehrani3122]

Hi , thanks for amazing videos you've made & shared with us. Great help but the way. I just need to ask you something because I didn't know where & who else knows better than you man : Q : I just bought a few Tokonole online from Aliexpress & they are delivered yesterday ( FEB 20- 2021 ) . And I see this number under the bottles : 200807 !!? Guess you know what I'm going to ask!? Are they expired ? They seem norml , I opened one & used it , nothing strange but the date is sooooo backdated to me , I'm worrying they are expired. How long they last since the producing date ? Thanks in advance because I'm new to this & it's my first attempt to buy and use Tokonole. God bless

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there, I'm sorry, I do not have an answer for you on that. This could be something as simple as a batch number, not a date. I would suggest reaching out to Tokonole themselves and seeing if they can better assist you.

[@nafeesnafees1195]

Thank you soo much for thia informative video.tell me one thing please.is pull up leather is aniline leather?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Nafees, Thank you for watching! Pull-up leather can be aniline-dyed, it depends on where you buy the leather. It can also be vegetable-tanned or chrome tanned.

[@nafeesnafees1195]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply Thank you so much for your kind reply.

[@2560jay]

Maybe someone with more experience leather crafting can answer this question for me: How does that natural veg tan leather have such a nice gold/ honey colour to it? Is there some sort of oil or “natural” dye being used? Or is this just a characteristic of that particular brand of veg tan straight from the factory? Is this just the colour of Hermann Oak natural veg tan? I ask because the natural veg tan i buy here in Australia is VERY white and isn’t anywhere near as pretty as that natural veg tan colour. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you

[@garyblood3984]

If I want to make a holster and use chrome tan leather if I line it with another leather will it still have an affect on the gun?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

If you line it with veg tan, it should be fine!

[@propaneandpropaneaccessori3446]

Can I use an old leather jacket for bracelets or other projects?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Yes, absolutely! That's a great way to repurpose old leather items!

[@MrRayb67]

I work in a steel fab shop. Welding and grinding. What leather would you recommend for an apron? I will also want pockets.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Our standard suede (#10-1115SP) makes a good shop apron with some good protection and it’s supple and pretty affordable. If you want to bump up from there you can go with our Apron Split. It’s available in a 5/6 oz. (#10-1100DB) and a thick 7/8 oz. (#10-1100SGL). It’s going to be a good bit heavier but it too is pretty supple and will definitely add some good protection. Other than suedes look for something like our Chap Leather (#09-1038S) for a beautiful color or our Pebble Grain (#09-1007S). It’s a 5/6 oz. but supple.

[@MrRayb67]

Thank you so much. Looking forward to making my own apron.

[@FarLandArt]

What is nubuck leather used for? Can you tool it? (I have a big chunk and want to get creative with it in my costumes!)

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there! I'm sorry but nubuck cannot be tooled. It can be used for bags, backpacks, chaps - all kinds of things where a softer leather is needed but no tooling or molding. Hope that helps!

[@FarLandArt]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply That does help. I'm thinking I might use it for a base "armor" that I can rivet smaller pieces of tooled leather to. Thanks for all your tutorials! I'm learning a ton!

[@jeffb957]

Hey Chuck, here is a question for you. We have all seen those 500 piece leather crafting tool kits on Amazon or Wish. I've resisted the urge to buy one of those because I know how frustrating cheap low quality tools can be. Can Weaver start selling a kit of the 10 or 12 most important tools to get a new crafter started making projects, except make it good quality hobby level stuff instead of "weapons grade Chineseium?"

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Jeff, We'd definitely like to do something like this, hopefully soon! Thank you for showing you're interested - that helps us out a lot!

[@Zombeegun]

"weapons grade Chineseium I like that, have to remember that one!!! 😎

[@jeffb957]

@@Zombeegun look for a youtube channel called AvE. I stole that one from him 😁

[@jevincox166]

What thickness would you suggest for a leather jacket?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Jevin, We would recommend a 2/3 or 3/4 oz. for jackets.

[@cornwasher]

Uhh, how did I find my way over to the Home Shopping Network?

[@pbp6741]

“... seven basic projects. Some of them pretty cool.” Actually, all pretty cool, just not all to one individual because different projects speak to different people.

[@henrysscrollsawworks6367]

do you have pdf pattern for a cross draw knife sheath or a book you can recomend????????

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Lawrence, We do not have a pattern for this but it looks like you could make it similar to a regular knife sheath but change where the belt loop is located. We linked a quick overview of a build below: m.outdoorrevival.com/instant-articles/how-to-make-your-own-cross-draw-knife-sheath.html

[@ronaldsparks1870]

Will bellies work for making leather belts ???

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

We wouldn't recommend it for belts. It probably won't be long enough and belly leather tends to be a little bit softer for belts. Double shoulders work great for belts.

[@FredMcIntyre]

😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@brandonevans3573]

Snakeskin project?

[@bobheale2521]

what weight do you recommend for bags/purses?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Bob, You can use anywhere from 3 to 5 oz. leather for bags depending on the style you're making. The heavier the leather the more structured your bag will be but we wouldn't go much heavier than 5 oz or else it will be really hard to turn the bag. Hope that helps!

[@marcausedc9521]

Is garment Leather a good leather for wallets?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Marc, Garment leather is a good weight for a wallet, but, it's going to be pretty flexible - you could use it for the inner pockets and card slots and then maybe use something more firm for the exterior shell.

[@marcausedc9521]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply thank you for the advice.

[@laptopdragon]

@ 04:42 poor Mr. Hoo doesn't have a wallet.

[@luisduran1049]

What leather I need to use for a tool bag?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Luis, It depends a little bit on the style you're going for but a veg tan leather would give you good structure. Anywhere from a 4/5 oz. - 7/8 oz. veg tan would work depending on how heavy-duty you want it. Check out the following video by Corter Leather using a 78 oz. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ2ugXagnsqYbtU And this one by Jimmy DiResta using a 4 oz. bridle leather: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKCXfYOil6xqfLs

[@luisduran1049]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply thanks 👍

[@lahaza6515]

Does anyone know if you can dye vegan leather with the dye? I bought a purse that claimed to be leather, but it isn't & the color is awful & nothing like it looked online. It was supposed to be a mustard toned yellow, but in person it looks like the color of cheddar cheese:(( I can't afford to just buy another purse & am wondering if one of the more elegant, real looking leather colors you sell would work on this. Thank you!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello! Unfortunately vegan leather will likely all have a finished top side that is almost plastic and would not be able to be dyed. So at this time we do not have any dye recommendations for you. Thank you.

[@lahaza6515]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply While that is unpleasant to hear, I so appreciate the time you took to let me know! How kind of you. Today I tried a bit of shoe polish to see if it would absorb at all & you are correct although it did make it ever so slightly darker in tone (almost the way that leather polish darkens leather just that one notch) That might be enough to get me out of this yellow school bus color on this bag! Thank yo again & I think I'm going to purchase your product for a pair of leather Merrell paddock boots I have:))

[@rugger8787]

what about brain tan leather

[@janortega6936]

And for a horse headstall?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Jan, For headstalls we would recommend a 9/10 oz. veg tan. You can use bridle leather, harness leather, natural or latigo.

[@talebijordn9972]

😊😊😊iam in iran .I hapeing in paje

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello! Thank you so much for watching!

[@mymoon8501]

Есть аналоги канала на русском? или с переводом?