Korba Natural Carving Leather Side vs Hermann Oak A Grade Veg-Tan Side

Buy the Korba side if you want an unfinished, medium-temper veg tan you can tool, mold, dye and finish yourself, and you accept a lower grade with more imperfections. Buy the Hermann Oak A Grade if you want a firm, thick, branded side from a long-established American tannery and you plan to work the brand into the project. Korba is the more forgiving leather for carving and stamping; Hermann Oak is the sturdier, more consistent hide for structured goods. Owners of Hermann Oak sides rate the leather highly but report occasional blemishes and slow shipping, so inspect the side on arrival.

• Choose the Korba side if you want a pliable, unfinished veg tan that takes tooling, dye and oil well for belts, bags and carved goods.
• Choose the Hermann Oak A Grade if you want a firm, thick branded side for structured leather goods and you will build the brand into the design.