Other Material Suitable for Making a TAB....What Is It??

[Nala]

Hey all,

I am wondering what other materials are out there that maybe you all have used to make TABS from.  I have some Cordovan now that is hopefully going to make a couple great tabs, but I would also like to do a bit of experimenting with other stuff.

What other kinds of leather pieces would work well?  I have also read a bit about this material called OBERON that supposedly makes some really good tabs.  The only place I have found it is in Britain.  I haven't heard or read anything about it at all other than what's on their page.  I'm thinking about trying it.

What material(s) have you all used for TABS that you really like?  In your opinion, does anything beat Shell Cordovan?

Thanks for the help.

Nalajr

[ozy clint]

i've only ever made my own out of kangaroo or wallaby leather. works good.

[Rob DiStefano]

i only use 'chromed' latigo leather, 6-8oz, same stuff i use for quivers.  the smooth side is pretty slick and i can make a dozen custom tabs for just a few buck$.  here's one i cut out last week ...

smooth 'working' side
 

roughed back side
 

[Charlie Lamb]

My preference is any leather that's not "too" soft. Rob's description works for me.
I'll melt parafin into it to make it "slicker".

Having said that, it's been a few years since I used a tab.

If you've got Cordovan that is about the best.

[Mudd]

I've cut them from old boot,shoe and purse leather but I just recently decided to try some cordovan.
 
I doubt I'll be using anything else now. The more I use it, the slicker it seems to get.

OOOpppssss! I'm sorry! I didn't answer your question and 2 months ago I was exactly where you are now. So maybe I did?

God bless,Mudd

[monkeyball]

I am with Mudd. I shoot with some of the most expensive leather tabs out there.They are made from the tongues of my Danner(USA)boots after I cannot resole them anymore.Takes a couple shots to smooth out the grooves from the laces but I love seeing something brought to life a second time around.

                               Craig

[2fletch]

I like to recyle whenever possible also. I once bought a coat on &#@* that was advertised as genuine cordovan. Well, it wasn't genuine cordovan, it was cowhide that had been dyed a cordovan color. Now I buy my cordovan from the tannery in Chicago that tans it. No more coat, shoes, or purses.

Nalajr, in my biased opinion there are just two materials that work well for tabs. They are cordovan and calf hair. Cordovan works well and will last a long time. Calf hair works great but will probably last only a few months with hard shooting. I'll try to show a photo of some of the tabs we (EFA) make.