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.
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
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
Rated 5 out of 5
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!
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
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)
Rated 5 out of 5
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
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
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. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Rated 5 out of 5
Dennis Clem (verified owner)–
Best looking side of leather I have had in a long time!
Rated 5 out of 5
Kimberly Johnson (verified owner)–
Great as usual!
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
David (verified owner)–
Not bad for a mid grade I will be doing more business with them soon
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
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 !!
Rated 5 out of 5
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
Rated 5 out of 5
Mark Johnson (verified owner)–
Great as always
Best Service
Best Product
You’re amazing
Rated 5 out of 5
Beverly Young (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
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.
Rated 5 out of 5
Terry (verified owner)–
Arrived in good shape and looks great. I will be starting a new project with it in a week.
Rated 5 out of 5
Mark B. (verified owner)–
High quality and great YIELD!
Rated 5 out of 5
Verified Buyer (verified owner)–
Best hides ever! He always sends me a huge clean Grade A hide where I can use the whole hide.
Rated 5 out of 5
Clint (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Doug H. (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Harold Broussard (verified owner)–
the last 2 sides of Herman Oak Grade A was the best leather I received in some time Thanks
Rated 5 out of 5
Anonymous (verified owner)–
Shipped promptly! Excellent quality carving leather! Couldn’t ask for any better, and we WILL be back later on!
Rated 5 out of 5
Riley Hayes (verified owner)–
Far superior to any other leather I’ve used for tooling. I will definitely be purchasing again.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jack Tidaback (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
Sam Kelly (verified owner)–
Excellent side of Herman Oak! Superb customer service! Fast shipping. Can’t beat Montana Leather Company!
Rated 5 out of 5
Bill Holden (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
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!
Rated 5 out of 5
Frank Velasco (verified owner)–
Rated 5 out of 5
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
Can i buy bit cheaper if i or as bulk purchase ?robert t. asked on July 20, 2023
Hello Robert! We do offer wholesale prices, which we would offer as a default for bulk purchases. Please feel free to reach out to us via email or phone so we can discuss specifics.
Pat@MontanaLeatherCompany answered on July 25, 2023store manager
(1)(0)
Sorry, no questions were found
Ask a question
Your question will be answered by a store representative or other customers.
Thank you for the question!
Your question has been received and will be answered soon. Please do not submit the same question again.
Error
An error occurred when saving your question. Please report it to the website administrator. Additional information:
Add an answer
Thank you for the answer!
Your answer has been received and will be published soon. Please do not submit the same answer again.
Error
An error occurred when saving your answer. Please report it to the website administrator. Additional information:
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.
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)
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. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
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.
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
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) –
Best hides ever! He always sends me a huge clean Grade A hide where I can use the whole hide.
Clint (verified owner) –
Doug H. (verified owner) –
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!
Riley Hayes (verified owner) –
Far superior to any other leather I’ve used for tooling. I will definitely be purchasing again.
Jack Tidaback (verified owner) –
Sam Kelly (verified owner) –
Excellent side of Herman Oak! Superb customer service! Fast shipping. Can’t beat Montana Leather Company!
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