Thread: replacement leathers

okay, so whats next best after shell cordovan?

Originally Posted by JoelLewicki

okay, so whats next best after shell cordovan?

Go To tandys,look at Swedish Single bend,is actually imported from Sweden.Downside is you will have to buy an entire half Hide, not cheap.

I've tried to find shell cordovan from Horween. Pretty much a no go for the reasons stated above. However, their Cromexcel line is also very nice. You might give that a try. You can't order directly, so try this link:

MAKESUPPLY | A Brief Guide to Buying Horween Leather

Originally Posted by JoelLewicki

okay, so whats next best after shell cordovan?

vintage strops is my source...of shell.


SRD sells about 7 different leathers available as replacement leathers. There's a thread on here about them somewhere. They did sell a horse leather, but dropped it and i suspect that because this country has a tendency to get all weird* about the use of used horses in the leather, glue, and pet food industries, which may have affected the supply of shell leather.

*Oh no, can't do that here. Just let us import it from the rest of the world...that's different somehow [/end snark]

Originally Posted by MinATX

I've tried to find shell cordovan from Horween. Pretty much a no go for the reasons stated above. However, their Cromexcel line is also very nice...[/url]

You have to be careful about chromexel, as it has a number of intended uses and comes in quite a few types, most of which are not suitable for strops. Essentially it is a veg-tanned cowhide that has undergone re-tanning to produce what they call a 'full grain pull-up leather' - full grain means that it has the original skin surface, not milled or regularised in any way, and pull-up means that it has been treated in a tub with hot oils and waxes - this greasy sort of leather usually stretches a fair bit and in the process it changes colour, becoming lighter then getting dark again as the pressure is released.

Some types are modified so they are not over-greasy, but some types are so saturated you need to clean your hands after touching it. I had a full side once and sent it straight back - it was wrinkled, had a very uneven surface and was caked with grease, despite the supplier telling me it was good for strops. I have seen some very fine strops made from it, so a strop-quality chromexel definitely exists, but for what it is - cowhide - you are paying a lot for it.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I have looked for a source for yrs,The shells on a Horse (posterior section) do not create alot of material when processed. have been told about enough for 6 pairs of High end custom fitted shoes that can run thousands of dollors a pair.
Have talked to Horween many times,no go.

That's a bummer man

Originally Posted by ColdComfort

That's a bummer man

Not Really a bummer,is what it is.

If you want to make it simple, buy a 3 inch strip of cowhide from Tandy. Do Not mail order it, ( personally hand select the strip yourself ). Apply a light dabbing of black Dovo paste. You will have a nice strop with a mild draw to it for a reasonable price. Not fancy but practical. Don't forget to chamfer the long edges of the leather.

No bummer here.

Dumb question-What's the black Dovo paste for? Thanx for any info-Gearhead222

Originally Posted by gearhead222

Dumb question-What's the black Dovo paste for? Thanx for any info-Gearhead222

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Barbers of yesteryear put a small amount of black paste on their strops for the purpose of creating draw. I prefer a bit of draw on my strop. It's just personal preference. I got my first strop in 1968 from my barber and he dabbed just a very small amount of black paste on it for me. Once it was rubbed in, it was not noticeable except for the added draw.