What kind of leather?

[Jake Diebolt]

I've been thinking about getting into leather working as a hobby (my wife does a little bit already) and I found a pattern for a hip quiver I'd like to try and make. However, I don't know what kind of leather I should get for it. How thick should it be? Is there a particular type that it should be?

[rraming]

The heavier the harder it is to work with, if you know the old Jacks Quiver they were like 12 oz Latigo leather, which is thick, about a heavy 1/8". Makes it harder to sew than thinner stuff. Look at Tandy, join before you buy and you will get a special publication telling you what's on sale. You'll get your money back right away if you make some stuff. You can buy full and half hides as well, they show them online as well. I have a store nearby so I can go look and pick what I wanted.

[David Yukon]

Tandy is the place and if you google Tandy Canada, you will find the Canadian distributer. I would go with Latigo leather, but you can also go with Veg tan leather/ tooling leather. As for weight, it really depends what you want to built/make... I think for a back quiver, people like the 6/7 oz one, for side quiver a little ticker like 8/9 oz.  I'm sure you can get a sample pack from them to help you with your choice.
Cheers

[Tom Leemans]

Get ahold of Huntsman Lance. He has turned out some beautiful stuff. Maybe he can give you tips. In the mean time, here's a site to get you started.  leather carving

[dhaverstick]

For things like quivers, I love using 8 oz buffalo leather. It is easy to work with like deer but is tough enough to withstand the abuse it will get. And it has a beautiful textured look that cowhide just can't match! You can get buffalo at The Hide House (hidehouse.com) or Kentucky Leather and Hides (www.kentuckyleatherandhides.com)

Darren

[iohkus]

FYI ....... 1/64" = 1 oz. (leather's thickness). i.e. 8 oz. = 1/8" thick.  

[huntsmanlance]

Just saw this...Thanks Tom!      

Jake  with just starting out i would suggest the 7-8 oz veg tan leather. It is simple to use, has good body to keep its shape....and you know you will later want to do some stamp work or tooling!

The problem is the cost and Tandy's prices are high....you can find suppliers online but you have to know exactly what you are looking for.

You are going to need tools, dyes, stain ect so i would say find a local Tandy or other shop....plus they will help you pick out the right  stuff and show you how to use it.

If you have any questions just give me a hollar! Good luck....and have fun!!!

And post some pics when you finish your quiver!      

Lance

[Jake Diebolt]

Thanks guys, this is exactly what I needed.

Huntsmanlance: I'm in the midst of looking for a supplier other than Tandy. I honestly couldn't tell if their prices were high-I've never purchased raw leather before. I may end up going with them for convenience as I can't seem to find any local suppliers.

Once again thanks for the help, this forum and all you guys are amazing!

[huntsmanlance]

Jake i did some checking around and right now tandy has the Craftsman Oak sides for $3.99 a sq foot.....that is a good price...but the problem is that they only come in whole sides of 27 sq feet....$107.  Again not to bad but for someone just starting out you only want about half that size so you can do your project....correct a mistake! And have some left over for arm guards and such.

There are a few more suppliers that i know of but they are here in the states and i have no idea what the shipping charges would be to Canada.

Springfieldleather looks like it has about average prices and you can order the sq feet that you need. Just look under leather...then tooling leather. I would give them a call and see what the shipping would be.

And there are a whole lot of videos on youtube that show you how to cut, tool, stamp, stain and finish leather.

Another thing...is you dont need to buy the starter kits. Dont get me wrong they are good....IF you are sure your going to get into this. Otherwise you only have some basic stuff to get started and if you do love doing it...then buy the tools you need as you go.

For a plain quiver....since you have a pattern....all you need is thread, needles, stain and a finish. You can use some heavy duty scissors for the cutting and a drill with 1/32" bit for the holes.

When you get to where you are going to do tooling you can start off with a simple swivel knife and just a couple of bevelers.

It is when you get serious and start buying all of the tools that it gets really expensive.

Heck man i have a hammer that cost close to $100 and a swivel knife that was $60!!!    

[Jake Diebolt]

$100.00 for a hammer? do you work for the Pentagon?  

Just kidding, I know when you're into something you want to buy high-quality stuff - and you pay for the quality. I've got a bunch of the gear that my wife already has, so I'm ahead of the game. Thanks again for all the advice!

PS do you know suppliers that sell tools made in North America (Canada or US)? I like to buy as local as possible.

[huntsmanlance]

i know...boys and their toys! No matter what bike you have ou always want that Harley!    

Feel free to give a hollar if ya have questions...405-365-5503