FAQ's

You should store your deer hide rolled up or hanging. If you fold it up and store it for a long period of time, it can get creases that won’t come out.

Yes, you can make leather highly water-resistant by applying waterproofing products like sprays, waxes, or oils, although it’s important to note that natural leather can never be completely waterproof due to its porous nature.

Veg-tan leather is a traditional, all-natural leather made using tannins from plant sources like tree bark and leaves, which bind to the hide’s collagen to create a durable, stable material. This time-intensive process gives veg-tan its signature warm brown color, a stiff yet moldable texture, and a rich ability to develop a unique patina over time, making it ideal for durable goods like belts, wallets, and saddles.

Leather thickness is measured in ounces (a unit based on weight, where 1 ounce equals 1/64 of an inch) or millimeters. Tools like a leather thickness gauge or digital/analog calipers are used for accurate measurements, with gauges often displaying both millimeter and ounce readings.

No, you do not need expensive tools to get started in leatherwork; you can begin with a basic, inexpensive kit and gradually acquire more specialized tools as your skills and needs grow. A simple set including a utility knife, awl, needles, thread, and a polly hammer is sufficient for many projects, and many beginners start with a pre-made kit to keep costs down.
Yes, leather thickness is crucial because it directly impacts the project’s durability, flexibility, and final appearance. Thicker leather (e.g., 6 oz and up) is ideal for heavy-duty items like belts, while thinner leather (e.g., 1-3 oz) is better for flexible, delicate projects like wallets and book covers. Choosing the right thickness ensures the item performs as intended and doesn’t wear out prematurely or become too stiff for its purpose.

Yes we have variety of different materials and tools needed. Now people do have different styles and ways of construction and we will do our best to help you find what you need. We also have some kits for beginners.

You can fasten leather together using methods like sewing, lacing, and braiding, or by using hardware like rivets and screws.
Yes, you can dye leather to change its color by using a specific leather dye, but you must properly prepare the leather first. The process involves cleaning and conditioning the leather, applying the dye with a tool like a sponge or brush, and then sealing the final product.
Deer hide is a natural product and can have holes due to various reasons, including old bug bites, physical injury, or breakdown during the tanning process.
You can make various items from a deer hide, including clothing and accessories like gloves, vests, or moccasins, and home decor such as rugs or pillows. You can also create sporting goods like quivers, or practical items like knife sheaths, tool straps, or even use rawhide strips for binding. The process and final product depend on the tanning method and the desired stiffness.
Yes we have a variety of different belt blanks that can be cut down to fit just about any size needed. If longer belts are needed, we can work with you and find a solution that suits your needs.
Here at Loon Feather leather we have a combined 70 years of leather work experience and are more than happy to share our knowledge. We can also point you in the right direction of some great online resources.
Our belts are better than most store-bought ones because they are made from durable full-grain leather, which is the strongest part of the hide and won’t crack or fray as easily. They will last for many years, developing a unique patina, while cheaper, mass-produced belts made from bonded or genuine leather often fall apart within a year or two. This longevity, combined with better breathability and craftsmanship, makes our solid leather belts a more worthwhile investment over time.
We don’t have kits, but do have the supplies needed to make your own drums.
We have a variety of different rawhides available. From drum heads, lacing, scrap pieces and Half hides. Rawhide Drum heads are available in goat, cafe and cow. Rawhide Lacing available in 3 different sizes 1/8th, 1/4th, and 1/2 in. Rawhide half hides we have available in Buffalo.
Cow rawhide drum heads are thicker, produce a deeper, richer sound with more resonance, and are often used for lower-pitched drums like congas. Goat rawhide drum heads are thinner, resulting in a brighter, higher-pitched, and more focused sound.
Our Hides come from a variety of different tanneries throughout the U.S.
Buckskin can refer to a type of soft, pliable leather made from the hide of a deer. It is traditionally used for clothing like jackets and leggings, but also for moccasins, gloves, and other goods.
Chrome tanned leather is soft, flexible, water-resistant, and available in a wide range of colors, but it is difficult to tool or stamp, and its production can have a significant environmental impact. It is ideal for items like bags, clothing, and footwear where a soft feel and durability are important, but not for products that require a detailed patina or intricate stamping.
No, chrome-tanned leather should not be used for knife sheaths or holsters because the residual chromium salts from the tanning process can react with the metal and cause corrosion, especially on non-stainless steel knives. Chrome-tanned leather is also too soft and pliable, and it won’t hold its shape or mold as well as vegetable-tanned leather, which is the preferred material for its stiffness and ability to be wet-formed.
Faux leather is a synthetic material designed to look and feel like real leather, but is made from plastic polymers like polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. It is often used as a more affordable and animal-free alternative to genuine leather in products like clothing, furniture upholstery, and car accessories.
Genuine leather is a real leather product made from animal hides, but it is a lower quality grade. It’s created from the bottom layers of the hide after the higher-quality top and full-grain layers have been split off. While it’s real leather, it is less durable and often features an artificial grain applied to its surface to mimic a higher-quality appearance. You’ll often find it in less expensive products like budget-friendly shoes, belts, and accessories.