Leathers

[rbscragg]

When you have a moment could you please provide your updated opinions of the following leathers i.e. Gunner Saddle, Columbia Butternut, Dream Tobacco & Fawn? I also like the Antelope Harness but have noticed your your more recent cautions about this Grade IV protected leather. I like the look and feel of these leathers. Where do these leathers come from and where are they tanned? Thanks for all the great information you provide in the forum!

[drcollie]

Gunner: Excellent GR 1 finished leather, probably China (not sure, however)
Columbia: Semi-Aniline GR 2 out of Columbia, another good pick. Has some sheen to it, soft.
Dream: GR 2 leather from China. Sofa, Finished hide. In a GR 2 my top pick is Angelo for a finished hide.
Antelope: Pass. It's too expensive for what it is, and its a finished leather, GR 4. Prone to loosing its finish due the very light coat of paint on it. If you are going to spend GR 4 money - get a REAL leather like Capri or Quintessence.

[rbscragg]

Thank you Duane.

Curious to know if Gunner, Dream, and Columbia are all top
grain semi-analine leathers? Also are they two tone or monotone?

[rbscragg]

Also, are they nice soft leathers?

[drcollie]

Type specified in the first post. All H&M leathers are top grain. Most have shading on them (special effects), none are monochromatic.
You are not going to get soft leathers until you get into GR 3 and GR 4 pure anilines.

[rbscragg]

Thanks Duane. Is a semi-aniline such as GR 2 Columbia a better quality than a non semi-aniline such as GR 1 Gunner Saddle What's the difference?

[drcollie]

A semi-aniline is not necessarily "better" per se than a finished leather. At the end of the day it's about the hand of the hide (softness, texture), the appearance (finish, sheen, etc), and how it drapes on a particular frame. Both Semi aniline and finished leathers are coated, or pigmented and have a top coat on them. I would not have a preference of Columbia over Gunner or vice versa.