Best vegetable-tanned leather for leathercraft

Start with Hermann Oak A Grade — the benchmark veg-tan for tooling: firm temper, clean grain, takes carving, stamping and dye evenly. Buy it when the project is the point.

Who the others suit:

• Korba veg-tan side — a full side of carving leather for building up a workshop stash.
• Sienna Flat Veg-Tan — flat, even 3–4 oz for wallets, belts and small goods.
• Sienna Milled — softer, milled hand for bags and cases rather than deep carving.
• Dangerous Threads / WAYNE'S DOG pieces — small offcuts to practise on before cutting a side.
• Veg-Tan Saddle Skirting — thick 10–17 oz for holsters, straps and saddle work.
• Economy sides — budget practice leather; expect more flaws and variable temper.

Firm temper matters most for carving; milled or soft sides resist tooling.