Getting leather

[WoodWildling]

Hi guys,

where do people get their leather from for making sheaths etc...
am keen to have a go at leatherworking but don't know where
to buy the raw material.
thanks for any help

 

[Hammock_man]

Oxfam shop

I have brought old skirts and jackets in the past for only a fiver and got some nice bits.

Takes ages unpicking the seams mind

 

[fishfish]

try thes guys ,BRILLIANT SERVICE AND A GOOD SITE

http://www.leprevo.co.uk/

 

[WoodWildling]

cheers guys
oxfam was so obvious!! duh *laughs at own stupidity*

 

[ForgeCorvus]

I could send you some, I buy upholstery offcuts* by weight (about a quid a pound), I've posted 5lb to other friends (postage was under 7 squids)


*Their idea of scrap is anything smaller then a square foot of usable leather, scars, brands, holes and flaws mean that some of the bits are quite big.....and full of 'Character'

 

[durulz]

Boot fairs are the other obvious source. It's where I get mine.
For sheaths you need to look for thick leather such as you find on workmen's boots or biker boots.
For pouches and the like then old leather/suede jackets are ideal.
Make sure you choose jackets/boots/whatever that have large panels of plain leather, rather than stitched together smaller panels. That way you have more versatility and can make bigger things.
Charity shops are also a good source, as mentioned above. However, do remember that Oxfam is very much a 'trendy' choice for retro clothes, and so can be a tad more expensive than some of the local charity shops. If that's not too mean...

 

[rancid badger]

Just confirming what everyone else has already said, old leather three piece suites/furniture in general is an excellent source of pouch leather.
using old boots etc is also good for building your skill's before taking the plunge and actually buying sides/shoulders etc.
Le Prevo is unbeatable in my experience.
R.B.

 

[WoodWildling]

Hmmm might take you up on that ForgeCorvus.
Thanks for the suggestions eberyone, have been on the le prevo site before but without really knowing what i was looking for. loads of interesting odds and sods tho

 

[Dougster]

078 in leather sides, 2.5mm thick. I think jackets and leather sofa leather far too thin for sheathes to be honest. If you can hold on I'll sell you a sheath blank size piece next time I get a side (at cost)

 

[WoodWildling]

Dougster - that would be great thnks! i'm not in any rush - got plenty other crafty bits to finish :&#172
just let me know cost etc thanks

 

[a12jpm]

Out of interest how mush does a side cost Dougster.I'm getting round to the idea of making my own bits and bobs also so any info is greatly received. Recommend any good books too??