CHAP LEATHER

[Django]

I know that there is a chap thread going already, but reading through i have not found a anyone posting a definitive weight or type of leather to use for authentic 1870's/80s shotguns.
I am keen to buy some leather as Tandy UK have a sale on Craftsmen Oak Tooling sides.. but it is only valid for March!
Please advise me if you can.
Thanks.
Django.

[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

I know that there is a chap thread going already, but reading through i have not found a anyone posting a definitive weight or type of leather to use for authentic 1870's/80s shotguns.
I am keen to buy some leather as Tandy UK have a sale on Craftsmen Oak Tooling sides.. but it is only valid for March!
Please advise me if you can.
Thanks.
Django.

I'll be waiting with you DJ. 

[Skeeter Lewis]

Hi Django

Looking at the chaps I made, I'll guess they're 4/5 ounce for the leggings and 9/10 ounces for the belt.

The leather I used for the leggings I'd had for some years but it's not regular tooling hide. It's got more oil in it and it's more supple. Tooling hide is fine for the belt.

Perhaps pards can chip in to say if tooling hide can be used for the leggings - maybe oiled and softened a little.

[rebsr52339]

My photo of my chaps in the other thread shows 3 1/2 to 4 oz "chap leather" I got the leather from Tandy. Four or five oz leather would probably work also. You will be able to handle the leather there and get a good feel for it.

[Skeeter Lewis]

Working cowboys use thicker leather. For CAS, pards sometimes use thinner leather since it's not for real use.

As reb says, Tandy sells 'chap leather' though often the thinner stuff.

Django, I PMd you.

[ChuckBurrows]

Chap leather was and is generally not veg-tanned but rather chrome tanned leather which is usually more flexible..

Tandy's black smith hides are one type that are good to use for a medium/heavy weight (4/5 oz approximate), for lighter weight chaps upholstery hides work very well (3/4 oz), and regular working chaps were/are made from 5/6 oz. As noted working chaps need to be heavy and that can make them hard to walk in, they were designed to be worn while working on horseback, not while tramping around on foot, for this reason I generally recommend the upholstery hides for most CAS Shooters.
The belt section on period chaps will wun anywhere from 5/6 oz on up to 8/9 oz - I like 7/8 oz.

For a comparison go to http://www.wrtcleather.com/Chaps/index-gallery.html

Chaps 001 and 002 are full weight working chaps the rest are CAS chap made of upholstery leather....

[rebsr52339]

Those are certainly beautiful looking chaps. Something to strive for.

[Django]

Thanks Chuck, Is there a guide on the forum describing different cuts and "feel" of leathers ie: waxy, oily,firm and what they are best used for?
Am i right in saying that "splits"or "chrome" are leathers that have had the outer tooling part removed and then an artificial sheen and finish added?
If i were to use a tooling hide would using light coats of conditioning and manipulation bring them into a soft comfortable condition?
I do a lot of living history camps so all of my day kit has a hard life and chaps would have lots of muck on them from axle grease to chicken grease and every thing between!!
Django.

[Django]

I found these hides  on Tandy UK with this description:
"We made a great deal on a huge lot of premium, top grain, whole hide cowhides and we are passing the gigantic savings on to you. Besides upholstery, these hides are perfect for chaps, saddle seats and bags. We buy these value priced upholstery and chap hides as "odd lots" meaning we get whatever colors (usually earthtones) the tannery has in that particular lot - therefore colors shown may not may not always be available. Hides average 45 sq. ft. Hides are 4 to 5 oz."

Link Below
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/home/department/Leather/Chap-Leather/9399-79.aspx?feature=Product_11

It states that they are 4/5 Oz ..are these hides softer than a tooling leather of the sameweight? ]

All we need now is Davids chap pattern....?
Django

[Gun Butcher]

Django, yes those hides would be much softer than tooling leather. Those are what Chuck called blacksmith sides and would be great for everyday use. They should give you many years of good service.
As far as the muck from hard use, a lot of cowboys have been known to drag a new pair of chaps around behind their horse for a while just to keep them from looking new. All that muck is a badge of honor.

[Django]

Django, yes those hides would be much softer than tooling leather. Those are what Chuck called blacksmith sides and would be great for everyday use. They should give you many years of good service.
As far as the muck from hard use, a lot of cowboys have been known to drag a new pair of chaps around behind their horse for a while just to keep them from looking new. All that muck is a badge of honor.

Thanks G.B, i'll go for them, i wanted to put on my own finish but will have to go for the pre-coloured .
Django

[Gun Butcher]

If you want to decorate your chaps go with the conchos and spots for period correct decoration. If you are doing a "B" western style then you can applique different colors of lighter leather onto the chaps in whatever pattern you like.

The book "Cowboys and The trappings of the old west" has some great pictures and many different styles. Its a great source for ideas.
Be sure and post pictures when you get them finished or if you are so inclined do a work in progress picture report. We would love watching them come together.