Description
What is Midgrade Tooling Leather?
Hermann Oak leather in midgrade is the most affordable option from Hermann Oak that we offer. At midgrade quality, these sides may sometimes have marks, brands or holes. However most of the time, those flaws are only minor if they are even present at all. Only need a piece? We’ve got you covered. Otherwise, check out our blog to learn more about the Hermann Oak tanning process.
When do people choose to use midgrade?
This leather is a great choice for customers trying to save some money. Additionally, smaller projects are perfect fits for midgrade, as they allow customers to avoid any potential flaws. Wallets, lining, holsters, sheaths, armor, leather accessories, and myriad other projects commonly require this style of leather.
What are the thicknesses and sizes offered?
We offer a full range of thicknesses from 2 ounces (1/32 inch) to 12 ounces (3/16 inch), and the average size is 25 square feet.
Todd Anderson (verified owner) –
I ordered a grade B side. When it arrived, I noted a brand on the hip and another brand in the middle of the hide. I expected a brand, possible blemishes and scratches, but I did Not expect a brand in the middle of the “sweet” part of the hide. Very disappointed and will not be ordering hide from your company again
Larry C. (verified owner) –
Disappointing Quality
I recently reviewed, on my social media, the Hermann Oak Mid-Grade tooling leather I purchased from Montana Leather Company. I must say, my expectation was far from satisfactory. Initially, I was drawn to purchase the side due to making a similar purchase on 9/21/24 for a Hermann Oak 11/12 oz but after determination of that oz being out of stock, Montana Leather Company sent me the 10/11oz. The promising quality of what I received was a significant success. Which is what lead to me purchasing the same Hermann Oak Mid Grade tooling leather but this time in 3/4oz.
Upon arrival, I noticed that the leather side had numerous amounts of holes, stretching, blemishes, scratches etc all over the most usable places of the hide. I didn’t expect a luxurious grade A leather side but I also didn’t expect to see so many defects in the leather side that the majority of the leather side is unusable for the premium products i produce.
Additionally, I can make some defects usable for my products but not when they are in the best areas of the hide. For a product that is marketed as mid grade tooling leather, I already expected these flaws but not in unacceptable areas.
Moreover, I encountered issues with discoloration in quite few areas, gouges, dents, scratches, burn marks etc of this Hermann Oak leather side.
My experience with this 3/4oz leather side purchased from Montana Leather Company has been very disappointing and further delays the items I had set to go out to my customers, further back. The defect locations does not match the price point nor the description under the item that states, “the sides may have minor marks, brands or holes”. I cannot recommend purchasing this product online to anyone looking for a decent Hermann Oak leather for their crafted products. Do yourself a service and go inside a store to hand pick the leather yourself.
Pat@MontanaLeatherCompany (store manager) –
Hey Larry! We had a discussion on the phone, but I figured I’d give a response here on the website as well. Hermann Oak is great leather, and has arguably the best tanning process out there to make leather that is excellent for carving and tooling. Midgrade Hermann Oak (which is to say those that aren’t A’s or B’s) can and will have some imperfections, but whether or not they are significant depends on the person viewing the side. Your side seems to be within reason based on your photos, and I therefore recommend trying an A or B, or possibly another brand like our MTL veg tan. I did send you a return label all the same though, and hope you enjoyed our phone call as much as I did!