Need Leather

[50cal.cliff]

I want to build a possibles bag, but don't know where to go to purchase the leather. I want a bag that is firm enough to have form. I don't know even, what grade of leather to purchase. I have been thinking about vegetable tanned leather. I just don't have a clue as to what I am ordering. I have thought about kits, but I think I want something that is customized inside to my needs. Anyone want try and explain leather grades, and what is the best cuts for the job.

Any advice? Come on don't be shy I know someone is willing to share their info. Think of this project for myself as a comparison to the first time you ever tried working a computer, (that will give you and idea were I am at with getting started)! Maybe I should say when I went to school they not only didn't teach computers. NASA and some colleges had the only computers, and they took an entire big room, and when they showed them on TV they allways showed some guy in a white coat, beard and thick black framed glasses. :blah: :rotf: :rotf: Guess I jut dated myself with that statement!! :youcrazy: :rotf: :rotf:
Gotta laugh life is too short without it!

 

[jasontn]

leather is graded several ways first split or full grain. split is sueded on both sides while full grain is smooth on one. im talking commercial leathers.not brain or barlk tan as i dont know a lot about those. second you have weight which is graded in ounces . this is determined by the thickness of the material. as far as stiffness goes i have seen some that is thin but very rigid and thick stuff that was soft so it can goe both ways depending on the tannage or material. the 2 i use are cowhides from a local tannery that are used to make baseball gloves and some chrome tanned pigskins i get at the flea market here. the cowhide is around 3-4 ounce and can be worked to soften it up some and really hold shape well but is a bugger to turn the pouch when youre done sewing, even wet. the pigskin is soft but incredibly durable. i line the pigskin ones to help stiffen them up some. these are my favorite because they are easy to sew and turn when youre finished.

 

[kansas_volunteer]

One good place to buy leather for bags:
[url] http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/[/url]

Check back periodicallly as their supply changes often.

 

[spudnut]

I go to garage sales and look for leather jackets that are comercialy distressed you know ,cracked and worn looking.I cut out the body of my bag with the flap attached then tack it with a little rubber cement and lay it out on a piece of ticking.Sew it inside out then turn it right side out.The cloth makes it pretty sturdy.I carry trade gun ammo in mine

 

I HIGHLY recommend....
"Recreating the 18th Century Hunting Pouch"

the secrets of making aged leather possibles bags,
full color, detail photos of 20 antique bags,
by T.C. Albert.
[url] http://www.trackofthewolf.com...tId=1&subId=6&styleId=21&partNum=BOOK-R18-CHP[/url]

FWIW - Traditionally a "possibles" bag was a large bag used to carry ones clothes, etc. The Shooting or Hunting pouch is the "proper" name for a small bag/pouch used for carrying ones shooting items...

 

[50cal.cliff]

I appreciate all the good info everybody! Will check into the links. I never though about ole leather jackets, good tip!

 

[jgr1974]

I have a nice comercial tanned elk hide I would part with. It should yeiedl several bags. If interested, enmail me [email protected]

The Mad Mick!!!

 

[TANSTAAFL]

One good place to buy leather for bags:
[url] http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/[/url]

Check back periodicallly as their supply changes often.

Excellent people to deal with, he goes out of his way to find what I want, even for very small orders.

They are listed in the member's resources.

 

[KHickam]

What weight leather do you guys use for shooting bags?

 

[50cal.cliff]

That's the kind of answers I was looking for myself, so can't help you much on that one! I did just pull this leather scale off line.It may help some.[url] http://www.appalachianleather.com/tooling.htm[/url]
I think I want the bag I am going to make to be somewhat rigid so I can put like dividers and pockets in it. That way everything wont' be crammed at the bottom. I think it will be sort of a combination shooting bag annd possibles bag. This will allow me to stick an extra set of clothes in their. I have seen the time when a rain or quick moving front will make you want some extra clothes. I suppose this is not eaxctly PC correct, but will suit my needs better! :v
Thanks for all the info everyone!
Gotta laugh, life is too short without it!! :rotf: :rotf:

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Might take a look at haversacks for extras.

I now try to keep my shooting pouch for gun only, have two haversacks, one large and the other medium in sizes. Sure makes it nice for carrying possibles in them.