Artisan's Choice Natural Veg Tan Cowhide vs Natural Veg Tan Cowhide Shoulder

Both are natural vegetable-tanned cowhide for tooling, but they are cut and sold differently. The Artisan's Choice side is a full side or project pieces with a stiff temper and a large, consistent surface, so it suits makers who want one big blank for multiple projects. The shoulder is sold in smaller cuts from about 4 square feet, which suits one-off projects and buyers who don't want to store a whole side. Reviewers of veg-tan tooling leather consistently praise how well it takes stamps and dye; the main trade-off is that sides vary in firmness and shoulder cuts can have more natural stretch and grain variation.

• Choose the Artisan's Choice side if you want a large, stiff, uniform piece for tooling, carving and dyeing several projects from one hide.
• Choose the shoulder if you want a smaller cut for a single bag, sheath or case and don't need a full side.