Skirting vs. bridle vs. harness leather ? Unsure of terms.

[Tallbald]

I guess I just haven't found it in my book yet, but these terms are used to describe the leather used in various holsters. Are they descriptions of thickness or texture? Thanks, Don.

[Trailrider]

Bridle leather is defined as being finished on one side. It is generally in the range of 7-9 oz.  Harness leather is generally around 8-9 oz. or maybe a bit thicker. Skirting usually runs 12-14 oz.  So what is an "ounce"?  Originally it was defined as the weight of a square foot of leather.  The problem with that is that the actual weight will vary widely with moisture content and whether the oil is "stuffed russet" (which is not a color specifically, but leather that has been "stuffed" or impregnated with oils...which rubs off on everything), or whether it is plain vegetable-tanned.  So a convention was adopted whereby an "ounce" is defined as 1/64 inch.  Since it isn't practicable to shave a hide to an exact thickness throughout its surface, tanned leather is usually given a range: e.g., 8-9 oz. or 8/64" - 9/64" or 1/8th to 9/64ths of an inch.  Some of the cheaper mail  order holsters back-in-the-day were as thin as 6-7 oz., whereas the better makers used 8-9 or even thicker.  Miilitary holsters' bodies run around 7-8 oz., hence the statement they were made from "black or brown bridle leather" (Meadows).

Hope this helps.