Rough out or Grain Out?

[m7bacon4]

Hey Folks I'm currently in the process of making myself a pair of leather pants, and considering I'm poor and can't afford brain tan I am faced with the dilema of wether to put the suede side out or the grain side out. I am leaning towords rough out for the sake of at least appearing more authentic, but am wondering if there is any reason not to do this.

Thanks in advance

 

[davemcg]

I'm in the same boat and did suede out for the same reason, seems like I've heard it actually sheds water better that way too.

 

[blacksmithman64]

suede side out and I hope its not GOLD!

 

[m7bacon4]

Not gold thank god...kind of a nice medium brown color...definatly not HC either but at least not as obnoxius as gold

 

[pichou]

You can rough up the "hair side" à la Ben Hunt. He used hacksaw blades, but other people use wire brushes, sandpaper...

I found brushing the flesh side takes some of the chrome tan look away and makes it look a little more like braintan.

 

[Freedom]

I would have to give my vote to the grain/smooth side out.

I make a lot of things "rough-out" and after a short time the leather will take on an almost polished glossy look.

The men of old would have had nasty "Black" bucksins in just a few weeks. After a generous application of Dirt,Blood,Fat,Food,Grease, and campfire ash.

 

[Charles D. Prokopp]

I normally do the smooth side out. That way I can waterproof and wax as well as show off the grain. Makes cleaning easier.