Leather weight

[Lost Arra]

I need to get some leather for a self bow grip. When looking at leather sites they describe the leather in oz.

Well I know what I like in a grip (relatively thin, smooth surface, easy to adapt) but I'm not sure how that translates into oz.

Are there different wts of deer or elk hides?
I had some deer that was perfect in wt, texture and adaptability but I don't know it's specs.

Thanks

[joekeith]

I think you just want 1-2 oz. leather.  That's what I was told and went with.  Worked fine for me.    Good luck....oh yeah, if ya use laceing, keep it thin.

[madness522]

I think the lighter the oz of the leather the thinner it is.  I would ass-u-me that weight measure correlates to all leather.

[varmint]

Here's something from Moscow Fur and Hide......

Leather thickness is measured in ounces, with one ounce equal to about 0.4 millimeters. For reference, 1/8 of an inch is about 6.5 ounces.

Deer, Horse, Goat and Antelope 2-3 oz
Elk, Moose and Beef Regular Weight 3-5 oz
Elk, Moose and Beef Moccasin Weight 5-8 oz


I got some buckskin from them,perfect for a grip on a longbow.

[mike g]

Lost Arra....
You'll be able better to relate to this way of measurment....
5/6 oz is 1/8
3/4 is less and 1/2 even thinner
10/12 is close 1/4

[sticshooter]

1-2 oz. is perfect (and what I use most) for grips...you can always stretch the leather even thinner as you work it with glue or by dampening it with water and then forming it around the grip.

You can get bison, elk and moose that has been split down to that weight but deerskin is much more available and less expensive for that purpose and has the exact same qualities. Plus it's got the best tackability feel. The bison offers a more grainy texture that some prefer more.
There are also places that will sell scrap pieces in that weight for a great reduced price versus a whole hide and whats nice is you will get a mixed bag colors on top of it for variety.

I can send you some pieces if you would like and also my supplier's info...just email me your address and I will get it in the mail    

I've done grips for Kevin & Sue at RER bows and they liked the deerskin and bison equally.

Shell (on hubby's login)

[breathed]

The weight of leather correlates to how many ounces per a given area which can be roughly converted into thickness. This will vary, of course, by density, but roughly 1 oz = 1/64".

[sticshooter]

I almost forgot to add that you can go to a thicker weight for more swell if you feel the grip is a bit too thin for your hand (for those who are wanting a bit more than just for the tack of a grip)

and that these gent's are correct about the calcultaions of thickness to weight ratio...you guys are too smart on here!

Shell, again (on hubby's login, again)

[Dano]

This table is real helpfull.
 http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/conversions.html

[Lost Arra]

Lady and gentlemen, you are terrific!    
Thanks for the help.

Now if I could just improve my leathersmithing skills past Kindergarten Crafts.  

[Dryrot]

Lost Arra where in OK are you? if your not to far I can probably spare something that will work for you.

[Lost Arra]

Thanks for the offer Larry but I think I've got this bow covered now.

I'm located between Arcadia and Jones (NE Okla County)....exactly 45 minutes from OJAM!