Description
What is Grade A Tooling Leather?
Hermann Oak #1 tooling leather, or Grade A as we call it, is the best quality of Hermann Oak veg tan leather that money can buy. For the extra buck, you ensure that you get an excellent piece each and every time. Some imperfections are still possible, but they are negligible for all intents and purposes. If you want to learn more, check out our blog about the Hermann Oak tanning and grading process.
When do people use it?
Projects that require larger pieces of leather are usually better suited for Grade A. When you want a top-of-the-line finished product, you want a top-of-the-line leather to make it.
What thicknesses and sizes are available?
At Montana Leather, we offer a full range of thicknesses in tooling leather from 2 oz (1/32 in) to 12 oz (3/16 in). Average hide size is 25 square feet.
steeliern (verified owner) –
I have been using HO b grade thinking it was the best I could get. I was wrong. For the little bit more I have to pay I get very nice A grade leather. This HO veg tan is used for holsters and knife sheaths primarily. It is worth the few extra $ to not have to “work around” areas that are not uniform. Yes, there may be a spot or 2. But nothing like on a b grade. Thank you for taking the time e to pick over the lot and set aside some A’s! I’ll be back.
powellcustomleather (verified owner) –
This HO leather from Montana is by far the best. And what’s crazy is how fast they ship out. Lifetime customer here
justindh85 (verified owner) –
I had been using B grade Hermann Oak and wasn’t very happy with some of the hides I had purchased. I found this A grade on Montana Leather’s website and decided to give it a try. Other than a few scars and bites it is a very clean hide. The flesh side is also very clean. I’ll be back for more!
Stuart Campbell (verified owner) –
Got a little fed up with the condition of the last few HO sides I recieved from my previous supplier. This was a nice change of pace. Great quality hide, shipped plenty quick. I’ll order again.
Debra A S. (verified owner) –
The first Herman Oak we purchased was wonderful. Last two, not so much. We have upped the grade when we order, and many flaws in the last two
Pat@MontanaLeatherCompany (store manager) –
Hey Debra! I’m sorry to hear the quality wasn’t quite to your liking. Please give us a call or email and we can arrange a return for you, we’d be happy to help.
Mark Johnson (verified owner) –
Another excellent shipment
Top grade leather, great quality
Cut out 5 more shield covers with plenty of left-overs for wrist and arm bands. Have lots of painting and assembly to do, so I have no photos as of yet. This will keep me busy all winter. Keep up the great work.
Robert (verified owner) –
Herman Oak is worth the extra purchase price (cost is relative – what I save in reduced waste makes up for up front expense)
Lorie Purdy (verified owner) –
Great leather, but I think H.O. might have mis-graded one of the sides I got. Otherwise great leather and great service!
homesteadproductsmt (verified owner) –
I can’t wait to open my orders and see how stunning these hides are each time! I use 2-3 and 4-5 oz on a regular basis with dozens of different products including wallets, straps, and a ton of littles. I always seem to run out of these because I just use them for everything!
Kimberly Johnson
Homestead Products
Bigfork, Montana
Bill Holden (verified owner) –
Tooling strap is very clean even through out, with very little waste. Montana leather does a great job taking orders and getting it shipped out.
David (verified owner) –
Montana leather – you exceeded my expectations. My first couple Hermann sides I ordered elsewhere were much better than normal hides but not what I expected or the prestigious “Hermann Oak” , a lot of bad spots/waste. I wanted the best grade I could find. I read some reviews prior to ordering. The other places I couldn’t pick the grade , it was whatever they sent me. You probably cost about $50- more but well well WELL worth it !! I unrolled the hide and flipped. It is BEEEEA-UUUTIFUL !!!! Clear as a sheet of paper with that Hermann Oak color. I’m already looking at your latigo and various other products I will buy from YOU !!! You’re the best. And you kept me up to date constantly, when it was coming , when it arrived , etc. thank you thank you. You have a company to be proud of. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Caleb Helm (verified owner) –
For Herman oak grade A tooling leather it came with a lot of scratches and to be frank the hide it’s self was very good
Dennis Clem (verified owner) –
Best looking side of leather I have had in a long time!
Kimberly Johnson (verified owner) –
Great as usual!
EVAN L. (verified owner) –
This leather is amazing. Has a very firm shiny skin side but is also nice and pliable. I can really see the difference in stamping using this leather vs the leather I was using before. It’s a very consistent thickness throughout the hide. Well worth the extra few bucks a square foot.
It wasn’t in stock when I ordered. I got a phone call the next morning letting me know. I appreciated the the fact they called to let me know what was going on with the order, great customer service. Thanks.
Jacob Rhodus (verified owner) –
I appreciated the phone call to discuss the leather selection before shipping the order out to insure the quality of the material.
David (verified owner) –
Not bad for a mid grade I will be doing more business with them soon
John Conner (verified owner) –
Very clean side of leather with a medium firmness/temper. Mainly used for sheaths upgrading to the top grade is worth it. The higher yield of usable leather makes up for the cost in my opinion. Shipped fast as always. My money staying in Montana makes it even better.
John (verified owner) –
The side of leather was definitely not grade A. I would have sent it back if I didn’t have pending orders waiting. Unfortunately about 1/3 of the side that usually is usable is now scrap.
Pat@MontanaLeatherCompany (store manager) –
Hey John. I’m sorry to hear the leather was not to your liking. As you may know, we do not do any grading ourselves, but we will be happy to do an exchange for you if you haven’t already cut into the side. I will reach out to you via phone as well just in case.
David (verified owner) –
I wish there was something I could complain about to help u. You’re the most reliable , courteous and expedient company I’ve ever dealt with. Your Hermann Oaks are beautiful (both flesh and grain sides), clean and unbelievable to tool and work with. U keep me posted almost down to the minute of delivery with your updates. I also can’t believe how u get my order to me from Montana to florida in only a few days since it takes everyone else all that time just to process my order. You’re the best. U have my loyalty as a customer until I die – can’t promise behind that – lol. THANK U !!
Michael Bennett (verified owner) –
Super fast shipping, and excellent quality. Will most definitely be ordering from you again. Thank you for outstanding customer service!
Michael Bennett
Ed (verified owner) –
Not impressed. I have been burned before with Herman Oak and won’t be taking the risk anymore. You pay a premium price but can’t guarantee that you get a premium product. You see this same complaint all over the internet.
I have switched to Wickett and Craig (and suppliers that ensure you get what you paid for).
Pat@MontanaLeatherCompany (store manager) –
Hey Ed, I’m sorry to hear your Hermann Oak side was not to your liking. Hermann Oak grading does encompass a range of quality, with grade A only meant to imply that it has the fewest imperfections, as opposed to no imperfections at all. I will give you a call a little later to see if we can work something out to either get your side coming back to us or for a refund or offering an alternative (which we have).
Mark Johnson (verified owner) –
Great as always
Best Service
Best Product
You’re amazing
Beverly Young (verified owner) –
Jan Vaterlaus (verified owner) –
They had to split my order due to current inventory but the back ordered roll was on its way within a week or so. Montana Leather is my only supplier!!! Thanks for the great product as well as the great communication when things go a little crazy.
Terry (verified owner) –
Arrived in good shape and looks great. I will be starting a new project with it in a week.
Mark B. (verified owner) –
High quality and great YIELD!
Verified Buyer (verified owner) –
Definitely softer than the HO I was buying before but not as clean as the description would have you believe for the cost. Will probably try a different HO option through MLC next order and save the difference.
Verified Buyer (verified owner) –
Best hides ever! He always sends me a huge clean Grade A hide where I can use the whole hide.
Ross Foshee (verified owner) –
GOOD SIDE WITH VERY FEW SCRATCHES OR MARKS. WOULD HAVE MARKED IT WITH 5 STARS IF IT WAS A LITTLE CHEAPER. OTHER PLACES HAVE IT CHEAPER BUT NOT SURE WHAT YOU WOULD GET AND YOU GUYS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GOOD TO ME.
Mark Brooks (verified owner) –
Grade A sides always have good yield. No problems ordering online. Customer Service is very responsive when they are needed, Thanks.
ss327chevelle (verified owner) –
I tend to stick with Hermann Oak as it’s the most correct for period leather for Brogans or Pistol Holsters. Usually only about 60 percent of the hide is useable, regardless of where you purchase Hermann Oak. The hide I received seemed more on the B side but was still able to get some items cut out of it.
Clint (verified owner) –
Mark Brooks (verified owner) –
This side was substituted with a Turkish import. ML was out of HO 8/9 and I was on a tight time frame for an order. The leather was correctly represented and I agreed to the order. However, the mid-grade quality didn’t meet my needs. I may find other uses, but I’ll hold out for Hermann Oak in the future.
Samuel Lucas (verified owner) –
I was not impressed with the quality of the hide. I ordered Grade A and expected a really good hide. Although not horrible, it did have plenty of flaws.
darren frank (verified owner) –
Blemish in butt of hide
Doug H. (verified owner) –
Scott M. (verified owner) –
I was very displeased with this side of leather. I purchased a side at a premium price that was supposed to be a A and it looks like a TR side I could get for much less money. I have purchased Herman Oak from Montana Leather and have had few issues, but the last couple of times it was a disappointment. I had to send one side back because it was not useable, this recent side looked like a C or D side. I am not sure that I will order any more Herman Oak from Montana in the future.
Pat@MontanaLeatherCompany (store manager) –
Hey Scott, I am sorry that the leather was not to your liking. We are always willing and able to accept returns within 30 days, and will even pay for return shipping in some cases. Additionally, we can offer expedited shipping on replacements if time is an issue, just give us a call or email and let us know. If we can help on this particular order, please reach out to us and we will go from there.
Harold Broussard (verified owner) –
the last 2 sides of Herman Oak Grade A was the best leather I received in some time Thanks
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Shipped promptly! Excellent quality carving leather! Couldn’t ask for any better, and we WILL be back later on!
DALE GRAHAM (verified owner) –
Riley Hayes (verified owner) –
Far superior to any other leather I’ve used for tooling. I will definitely be purchasing again.
Derek (verified owner) –
Jack Tidaback (verified owner) –
Sam Kelly (verified owner) –
Excellent side of Herman Oak! Superb customer service! Fast shipping. Can’t beat Montana Leather Company!
Ron (verified owner) –
Bill Holden (verified owner) –
Kimberly J. (verified owner) –
I just love laying out this hide and seeing all the possibilities, it’s soft and thin making my jewelry lightweight!
Frank Velasco (verified owner) –
Thomas B. (verified owner) –
I have been ordering 2-3 of these a year and they all have been of the best quality. Thanks for your great service and fast shipping.
Tom
Adam Peters (verified owner) –
The best quality Hermann and Oak available.