The Leather Element: Hardening Leather

Purchase Weaver Leather Firmer here: www.weaverleat...
*Note: the leather is baked at 200 Fahrenheit
In this week's "The Leather Element," Chuck Dorsett answers the question, "How do I harden leather?"
While there are many methods out there, Chuck's leather hardening methods are both easy and safe for crafters of all levels.
Buy Hermann Oak® Natural Vegetable Tanned Leather for hardening at www.weaverleat...
#TheLeatherElement

[@kylestudinski9633]

I tell people he is the Bob Ross of leathercraft. Bob Ross inspired my girlfriend to start painting and Chuck Dorsett inspired me to start leather craft.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

You mean Master Sergeant Robert “Bob” Ross, United States Air Force, retired?

[@noboby4904]

@@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ yes that guy.

[@PetrusGladius]

yo, i was JUST thinking this. I just bought my first swivel knife and stamp set sitting here soaking up knowledge and practicing.

[@bobbobbing4220]

i seriously love how excited this man is to talk about making leather stuff,

[@leadhead880]

*smashes 100+ hour project with hammer* See? not a scratch. That's confidence.

[@TheBees95]

Its like shamwow but actually good

[@TLAS]

Weaver Leather is beyond fortunate to have him. His genuine and positive energy is rare.

[@wormhole331]

He's the perfect host for a show.

[@jonathanwall5784]

I would love to see a more focused in depth video on the "curing" of the leather

[@manuelkong10]

ME TOO

[@ATD-crafting]

After much trial and error I finally nailed this process. I actually think this might be the superior hardening method out of all of them

[@julialewis8794]

There is a Tandy's near my house but I've decided in going to buy some stuff from Weaver just because of these videos.

[@billman6364]

that's the general idea julia

[@rwtheomighty867]

Just got into leathercraft a month and a half ago. Made a holster, put it in water and then used my foodsaver to vacuum all the air out and wet formed the leather. Then stuck it in the oven to cure! Thanks for your videos!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's great, Ron! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Thea_MojaveOutliersWhipmakers]

Note to self: Do not sass Chuck when he has a leather mallet in his hand.

[@grenshaw6836]

or talk shit about leather, he will turn you into leather

[@jethrox812]

or when he is wearing his leather armor

[@maryrosecarroll4558]

🤣

[@podjawsomness4642]

A hammer to my project? I am an blacksmith.. thats kind what i do! Loved the vid and youre energy :)

[@Pfurlan26]

Just recently picked up leatherworking because I'm a competitive axe thrower and throwing coach and wanted to make some sheath and axe beards. These videos have been incredibly helpful in explaining the little things that will make my projects go much smoother. You've got good energy, are concise and provide great examples. Your work is much appreciated.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@DougWC]

These videos are exceptional. So informative and the passion for the craft is infectious. I never feel like you are pushing your products (which I'm sure match the high quality of the videos) but rather genuinely looking to share your knowledge and tips for the betterment of the art form. I've watched most of the videos twice and eagerly await the next ones. Thanks so much (from Canada, "eh")

[@OkieRCguy]

I think it would be great if you could do a series on the layout and construction of leather armor IMHO.

[@WindWolfAlpha]

Absolutely! That's a great idea!

[@famvirious]

Dude, your projects are amazing and your craftsmanship is incredible. I love your content!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@robertkirkpatrick75]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.We never get to old or to good to learn from others.

[@craigells4151]

My first project in leather was my hat. I accidently made it hard as a rock by wet forming with boiling hot water and then the dye hardened (dried) it even more. I ended up having to treat it with steam from a boiling pot on the stove to rehydrate the leather a bit to regain some flexibility in the leather and to adjust the fit. It was a learning experience lol. I know I could have taken a hammer to it it was so hard but I didnt.

[@KevinSmith-gh5ze]

Very impressive demonstration on the armor. It's always nice to see a craftsman who is confident in his methods.

[@urielcantarero4965]

Chuck....You 'Da Man!!!!! I was just looking into hardening leather to make some ladies bangles. This video is very timely. Thank you.

[@AaronLyNxAI]

Been learning leatherwork in my free time and these videos are amazing faucets for knowledge

[@waytograce]

Thanks Chuck! I thought waxing was the only way one could go for hardening. Sooo much easier and delimiting for finishing. Fantastic and simple.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That is great to hear - so glad it simplifies things for you!

[@rikospostmodernlife]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply Tod from the channel Tod's workshopp has a video where he hypothesizes it was made by soaking the leather in hot glue so that it becomes a composite material and it may have 'boiled' by bubling up air and gases. What are your thoughts on that method, sir?

[@andyd2960]

I just started working with leather today and I want to make one of those armored suits now. Looks awesome.

[@lazywolf8297]

I dont look up "Weaver leather craft" videos. But it seems every time I'm looking for an answer to a question on leatherworking this man here always has exactly the answers I'm looking for. On a completely different note I happened to buy some of their leather for a project recently and that was some of the finest leather I've ever used, most even thickness, not a visible stretch mark, scars, or tooling marks on it, and the backside looked like they went though and groomed it, no fibers hanging off it at all.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, so glad the leather was good to work with and that the videos have been helpful!

[@TheRychanek]

could you demonstrate this technique

[@calebjensen1560]

I second this notion

[@tingcraft3920]

I third it

[@robertdelisle2412]

Soak it in bakeing soda and water

[@ILLDreams]

I have to say thank you. I have picked up this art and your videos have more than helped me on many subject's. Keep up the great videos.

[@jrmorrisjr1471]

I have been waiting to get a closer look at that suit... THANK YOU!

[@TNT-km2eg]

Now i know as much as I knew before watching

[@franciscomoreno9916]

Man, you are amazin teacher, I learn so much from you, I bet you are the number 1 employee of the hole company, cheers and keep those vids coming

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Francisco

[@bs78315]

Love the energy he has you can tell he loves what he does

[@hallstuart6604]

These videos are amazing!!! I cant believe I only found them now!

[@TheCooldrummerchic]

Wow!!! That is GORGEOUS armor!!!! Game of Thrones needs you! Beautiful!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much, Christina!

[@richardkatzman1215]

Chuck, I can't believe how beautiful your Coat of Armor is! I'm going to use your method for another purpose. I don't plan on going to war with my project. I need to use your method to protect the skin my arms from the elbows down to my wrists. Whenever I do some work where my skin comes in contact with an object, I get bruising on my skin. I thought if you can use your suit of armor to protect your body from joisting and fighting with axes, I should be able to get the same protection from rubbing my arms against wood or steel. Thanks Chuck, you're the best. Best regards, Richard

[@artfulcoyote]

Great video! Have watched several. Great teacher/teaching! Thank you for posting!

[@kylediablo4464]

Just found your channel and I can't stop binge watching it. Great stuff!

[@LordHonkInc]

I might be a year late, but thank you. I recently started planning to make a custom sheath for one of my tools (old cheap one wore out) and was hunting endlessly for a nice and concise solution for hardening the leather. I've found so many pro/con lists for any imaginable method, but after watching this video and some time looking for second opinions (hope you don't consider that a slight) it seems oven hardening is the most reliable (or, better in my case, foolproof) option. Again, thank you!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

So glad the video was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@bullandtimber]

Awesome demonstration Chuck!! I remember seeing that armor at Tandy when you worked there, it was pretty impressive then and still impressive now

[@davidlewisbrokenanvilforge4555]

I am super excited about this technique chuck I can see all kinds of things that it could be used for thank you very much once again great teacher

[@josephshaff5194]

NICE ARMOR ! omg ! You're amazing ! So impressed with all that can be done with Leather. It's like the all purpose material ! LOL! EM CAD Designer/Drafter 13 yrs. 2 yr. Deg. + 4 yrs HS Formal Edu M Drafting Physics Major (Off cycle currently xfer student)

[@someonebartender]

you are the beeeeest. I tried everything, nothing worked . but your method worked so good :D thanks

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, glad it worked for you!

[@BoilsonA]

I got the leather strap so often in school in the 1970s. It was definitely hardened leather given the state of my hands after a good few slaps.

[@brimcg4493]

Thank you so much for the lesson. Teacher!

[@dustinmeritt5593]

this guy is awesome, i just started and this advice is really helpful

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Dustin!

[@Jager-er4vc]

Dustin Meritt completely agree! I’m just getting started too (about 5 projects completed so far with #6 in the works). These videos are BEYOND helpful! Simple, no BS instructions and tips from a real pro. Can’t beat it.

[@James-ke5sx]

Well that was interesting it's an extremely fine craftsmanship

[@keithlehman1621]

I would like to see photos of Chuck's work shop. It is well laid out and would like to use some ideas from it.

[@wyattschmidt4166]

Hey Chuck! Love your videos! But can you cover when to stitch hardened leather? I love to use contrasting thread to my main leather color, so would it be possible to chisel and stitch my pieces after it's been hardened and dyed, or would I have to do this beforehand?

[@carsoncluff166]

Thank you guys so much, this video is awesome. Great information and great ideas for new projects

[@toth2173]

That is some wicked cool armor !!!

[@nafnlaus]

I've got two questions on this: 1. Can you bake leather to harden it after it's been sewn with wax coated thread? 2. How do you soften leather instead of hardening it?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Bryan, Since the baking temperature is so low, the thread should be ok, but, we would recommend testing it out first. Just place a piece of the thread you're using in the oven at 250 F and see how it fares. We really don't have a solution for softening leather, about the only thing you can do is work it with your hands and apply a leather conditioner. But use and wear is really what will soften it.

[@thedude5880]

Could you do a video demonstrating the leather firmer and what the final result is?

[@SuperLonney]

That gives me more ideas. To try.Thanks.

[@barbnewton5980]

As always, nicely done. Thank you!

[@WoodworkingPA]

Thank you, Sir!

[@stevemalone2010]

Quick and simple, thanks!

[@Blinkerd00d]

Until this very moment, I had lived 3 decades without realizing I need a full suit of leather armor.

[@unionse7en]

I watched this video. OUTCOME: I learned something. I watched it while eating lunch OUTCOME: I satiated my hunger. ;-)

[@davidsudjana]

i felt those hammer smacks, those are genuine smacking

[@BillyBlaze7]

Chuck, could you please do a step by step process video on hardening leather? I have a lot of questions like what should the oven temp be set at? Can I harden the leather after painting it? Can I harden the leather after I have stitched it? / assembled it? I would love to see a video with more details. I am wanting to do a bag for my bike and want to harden the leather so it retains its shape. Thanks brother

[@Ulfie_]

Might be a little late but from what I picked up in the video - You want your oven to be set at 200 degrees FAHRENHEIT which translates into 90 degrees CELSIUS for the rest of the world - You will likely want to paint your leather after hardening. Depending on your paint type etc it may crack, deform or otherwise in the oven. Not to mention it will likely smell terrible lol - While you probably COULD, this would likely lead to your waxed thread losing it's wax into your piece which could stain it and also make your thread less durable over the long run. Like i said though, this comment is a little late but if you've tried it out, I hope it went well for you!

[@BillyBlaze7]

@@Ulfie_ I did complete the project but still had the questions, some i figured out just by thinking about it more like the stitching, but your comments were helpful, thank you

[@oscarbear7498]

I WANT THAT ARMOR!!!

[@talexander7217]

The two major problems with boiling leather is it shrinks to about 1/3 the size and it is brittle. I made lamellar armour to fight in. I hardened all of the lames by soaking them in hot wax. It did have a parafin smell for a while, but I was fighting and sweating in it so it was less of an issue. The major drawback with the wax method is it gets soft when it gets hot...like when fighting out in the sun. The plus side of this is when it cools, it conforms to the body for a perfect fit. Another plus for the wax method is it is waterproof. I will have to give the hot-cure method a try on my next project. It sounds like a winner.

[@TheLupulalb]

In paraffin I think it's ok, paraffin has a higher melting point than wax

[@talexander7217]

TheLupulalb and it's four times cheaper than beeswax.

[@heinzerhard5031]

Hey Chuck nice teaching out there in your videos! I have some specific questions about the when to do what and would be so glad if you, or anyone out there, can help me with this. I am making myself a leather armor. Do you tool and dye before you soak it and "bake"/cure the pieces? And do you assemble it after you cured it or before? Same question with paint or antique etc. I hope you´re doing well and i wish you all the best!

[@heathervenneman7567]

My big question on this has been Can you stamp/tool hardened leather? If so, when can you do that? It would seem to me that tooling beforehand would lose the impressions once wet, and tooling afterwards would be almost impossible on a shaped surface... Also dying? Assuming you would try to dip-dye after hardening? What if it is a larger piece? So many questions! I am LOVING all of your videos, especially love your passion for leather!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks for the comment, Heather. Absolutely you can tool hardened leather. Tooling should be done prior to molding, and go a little bit heavy on the impressions if you are planning to mold and harden because a little bit of the depth will be lost as you wet mold; however, if done properly, you won’t have a problem. Yes, I always do the dip dying after hardening. If the piece is too large to dip-dye, then I use a wool dauber and apply the dye liberally.

[@kevinleblanc5359]

I have been wax hardening leather for years (SCA heavy fighter here) and as long as you use straight paraffin for your wax, and watch your temperatures, it's not as dangerous as this gentleman makes it sound. And using only paraffin, it won't wick into everything it touches like oil might. If you don't want it to soften in the sun, adding stearic acid to your paraffin will alleviate that issue. All that said, I'm excited to try the soaking / baking method, as wax hardening does not strengthen the leather, only make it keep its shape.

[@theslayer3787]

I wish I had this job or at least an apprenticeship

[@joshicus_saint_anger]

I love this guy

[@matthewconroy3081]

This is or may be out of your scope as research may be involved but their is a Leather glove in ARCHERY specifically KYUDO ARCHERY. WHICH USES A SAMURAI BOW. The glove is essential n kinda resembles a cast. N thumb n fingers are stiff n theirs additional features to it, Is love to make one. I used a welding glove n tight gloves on inside that have thumb ring and piece of plastic on index. Kake is its name, I can’t find a pattern or videos detailed enough to reproduce however my makeshift is working well. I’m try n harden or stiffen it.

[@ArcticFlies56]

Chuck, that is quite a beautiful set of armor. I would like to see you wear that in a video. That would really be fantastic. The only armor I’ve ever seen was a full metal one at West Point. I always thought how hot it must have been inside. It must take you a long time to get in and out it.

[@asiac8968]

This guy is absolutely awesome 😎

[@bluesnake1747]

Thanks for another great video, you have really helped me to get over some bumps in my leather projects. Just also subscribed. Good info Chuck!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much, so glad the videos have been helpful!

[@kevinhall6099]

Hey, Chuck, could you do a piece on when to use stitching iron punched all the way through the leather and when to use it more as a marking tool and finishing the stitch holes with an awl. Thanks love the videos ...........and your highly caffeinated personality !!!

[@icqtrinity]

Very educational, thank you.

[@AdmiralStoicRum]

This is the breakdown I got: Soak the leather in water for 1 to 1.5 minutes, take it out and let it air dry 20 or so minutes, shape leather and let set for an hour, (preheat oven to 200 degrees f now), check your shape, then set in 200 degrees F oven for 20 minutes, remove and allow to rest for 24 hours, then dye and all the other fun stuff. Am I correct?

[@KowboyUSA]

Don't know how I missed this one.

[@tykellerman6384]

Thanks chuck great info

[@raramuri2013]

Interesting very good information I am just starting doing leather and I love it !!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's great to hear, glad you're enjoying it!

[@ryanponitz3827]

I use acrylic Resolene on my Holsters, keeps the dye in the leather and makes it nice and hard so the leather doesn’t collapse.

[@cliffwarmoth9070]

Thanks for great info!

[@propcustomz8731]

A hammer to my project? I wouldn't even consider it!! ;) Great vid!

[@gaaraxluvr]

Great video! This is exactly what I was looking for. Quick question for clarification: when hardening using the oven bake method, are you dying/finishing your project before or after the bake?

[@lukemorris261]

Hope you get an answer, I was wondering the same thing!

[@gobblerridgefarms22]

Same here. I came across this video after I dyed the cover of a leather book but think hardening would be nice. But, since it's already dyed, I don't know what the outcome would be....

[@charlottewalnut3118]

Actually, a common method back in the day was to heat up glue and impregnate the leather, using the glue, making an equivalent to fiberglass

[@eastindiaV]

Like rawhide wrapping, use raw hide, and pile that up on top of a mold... Ever hear of Rigor Mortis? Heating it breaks the cells down, and keeps it nice and soft... you wanna air dry it, or better yet, smoke it, at low temp, with some Magik plants

[@AZTigerMMA]

I’m sold this man is great! Fan! Subscribed!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@grenshaw6836]

oh yeah, my dreams of steel plated hardened leather armor is gonna be a reality

[@RustyNail5856]

very nice video. thanks for the info.

[@honeys8159]

Thanks, every time a great learn (sorry for the english)

[@hopeindirect4165]

Craftsmanship of the masters. When I put on ma leather I made, and rock to sum Metallica, Delta Parole, Foo Fighters or the Smashing Pumpkins I feel like I can do anything in the whole wide world.

[@Ronisstyles]

Great information

[@Generalphoenix8438]

Im actually looking to do this for some leather projects im doing for uni. Im going to try this for pieces, does boiling water really work well. Ill put an updatevon how it goes.

[@wild-radio7373]

Thank you sir 🥰

[@OrokuSake1]

Thank you

[@Hildolfr]

great chapter but could be possible to make a tutorial doing it? to get the little details who makes the diference! Greetings from Chile!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello, We will definitely pass along the suggestion! Thank you for watching!

[@JCraftvfx]

A couple questions on the baking process. I had already dip dyed all my parts, pro dye. Would it still work or should I have baked it first prior to dip dying? Also for the baking process, is it alright to roughly place rivets into the parts and put them together to help keep the shape I want them to be during baking?

[@jurgenruttlowsky3302]

leather, colored ore not, will darken in the hardening process. uncolored Leather will become Tan-coloured, middle brown will turn into ebony and dark brown into black... If you don't have a workshop-oven, do yourself a favor and use only undyed leather. Don´t turn the Oven higher than 80 °C because otherwise the water inside the leather will begin to boil and the leather will get too hard. That will cause the structure to crack. Don't close the oven completely during the drying, so the moist can escape. (Sorry about my bad English, I´m from Germany)

[@Steve-ps6qw]

Hmm, now that I think about it, aren't the rawhide chewies for dogs dried out via heat...guess its the same concept and those chewies are extremely hard....I have been cut by them before!

[@cakecakeham5823]

I've been f&^%ng around with trying to get this right for ages, and you've solved the mystery in five minutes. Thank you! When you come to baking in your more complex-shaped leather pieces - for example, as with your shaped/moulded holsters - do you arraign them in the oven to bake in the shape you want them? If so, how do you get them to keep their shape in there? What's an oven-friendly way of doing that?

[@vieuxacadian9455]

thanks ! love your videos .

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Glad you like them!

[@mikeboone4425]

Chuck Mike again well I have tried to bake the leather zero results the only thing it is doing is shrink the leather I stopped at 2 hours 30 minutes . The only thing it can be I think is the treatment of the leather it is from Tandy it must have been conditioned or something I'm at a lose . I have baked, we even have a drying cycle on our Jenn- air electric stove. I used that it has to be the leather . I get more hardening from dying than from baking .So I am going down to San Diego and will pick up a side from another dealer who I know does not buy from Tandy . Thanks for your time chuck I know your busy . Mike PS. love the dip dying the only way to go for me saves in a lot of disappointments. Happy trails

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Mike! It sounds like you may be going too long. Go 210 degrees for about 20 minutes and then remove and let air dry for about 24 hours. And yes, make sure you’re using a good natural veg-tan, and a shorter time, and it should work for you!

[@nickmagill3604]

im so glad this guy has time to help me start out in leather crafting between all those lines of coke hes doing lol

[@joe4freedom676]

Are there step by steps on how to make archer arm guards?

[@scottschallock9403]

I am happy to see this. I would like to make some gift plaques for some friends of mine, using a hardening technique. The idea is leather piece about the size of standard paper, with a hand-tooled image of Africa (where we have worked) and their names/dates of service. Maybe add a very nice hanging feature with straps or loops. Do you have examples of something like this? Thank you so much!

[@magnusvorland9249]

If i use the curing method on a pair of armguards will they still flex enough to be tightened with a drawstring? Can you perhaps make a video where you demonstrate this method?🙏

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Magnus, The arm guards will flex enough to tighten them down, but, the cool thing about that is that they will almost snap onto your arms and lace isn’t really needed (not totally but almost!). If you have a much heavier weight (10/11 oz. or more) I may not harden since the weight will hold a good form and will be a little more flexible. Good luck with the arm guards and I hope they come out nicely!

[@magnusvorland9249]

Weaver Leathercraft Thanks for the advice😊

[@sarahk.6474]

1) I cannot discern the time, 20 or 3 mins? 2) Is this done after the dying? 3) Is this done after antiquing or engraving? Thanks!

[@Matt-fs8sc]

I'd love to learn how to make leather armor like a brigandine from Game of Thrones. But wouldn't those pieces have metal plates riveted between the leather to give it those raised parts for the armor? I know most people simply rivet patches of leather to make it look like it's got the metal plates under it. But how would you go about doing that? I've never worked with leather or metal. But I've always been fascinated by Medieval and Viking history and would love to make some costume replicas.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Matthew! That’s a great question! I love the look of the Brigandine but have never made one. I am only familiar with the basic construction and assume the plates will, over time, push the exterior leather up, or, a sewn line between the rows or individual plates will force the leather down making the plates more visible. Simple wear and tear will wear the leather down around the edges of the plates, making them more prominent, but I am not totally sure here. I am sorry to say that I don’t have an good answer on this but would love to do some research! If you find the answer let me know!

[@braydenlangham5154]

For historical brigandine, it was more often used with a textile backing. There's a few good videos of people making brigandines and it's earlier form, the coat of plates on KZbin. Making either would require a fair bit of metalworking.

[@Earth.Plant.Protein]

Hi Chuck, really grateful for your videos. I veggie tanned a deer leg skin, does it make a difference how stiff your leather is to start? And what animal it is??? My deer leather is 1/8" thick fairly soft tanned.

[@chrisapattee]

So, Chuck, you mentioned soaking the leather armor before baking but you did not mention soaking when you FIRST mentioned putting it in the oven. (2:25) Are there times when you put it in the oven dry and other times wet? Thank you!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Chrisa, You'll want to wet the leather before baking, otherwise it won't work very well. So soak your leather, let it sit for 15 - 20 minutes. Form it and let it sit for an hour and then bake for 20 minutes, remove and let it sit and dry for 24 hours.