What can I make with a 5-6 oz side?

Handbag and purse bodies, totes, wallets, clutches, straps and small accessories. It is a common weight for bag panels that need some body but still fold.

Will it hold a structured shape?

Not on its own. The semi-soft temper drapes, so structured bags need a stiffener or lining. For slouchy bags it works as is.

Can I tool or carve this leather?

It is chrome-tanned, so it does not take tooling or carving well. Use veg-tan if you plan to stamp or carve.

How thick is 5-6 oz in millimeters?

About 2 to 2.4 mm. That is mid-weight, heavier than garment leather and lighter than thick belt leather.

Can I sew it on a home machine?

Usually yes with a leather needle and heavy thread, though thick seams may need a walking foot or hand stitching.

Is the color the same across the whole side?

It is a solid dyed color with a flat-to-satin finish. Natural hide variation can still show slight tone differences.

Smooth Cowhide Leather Handbag Side Sophisticated Taupe 5-6 oz

Best price now

$88.81at The Leather GuyChecked Nov 2

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit The Leather Guy

Smooth Cowhide Leather Handbag Side Sophisticated Taupe 5-6 oz

Best price now

$88.81at The Leather GuyChecked Nov 2

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit The Leather Guy

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $88.81 at The Leather Guy on Nov 2.

Our take on the Smooth Cowhide Leather Handbag Side Sophisticated Taupe 5-6 oz

This is a full side of chrome-tanned smooth cowhide in Sophisticated Taupe, a solid taupe color with a flat-to-satin finish. At 5-6 oz (about 2-2.4 mm) it has a semi-soft temper, which is the weight range most often used for handbag bodies, wallets and small accessories. Compared with stiffer veg-tan sides, it is easier to fold and sew on a home machine, but it is not firm enough to hold a structured shape on its own. Buyers choose it for the even color and consistent thickness across a whole side.

Best forHandbag and purse bodiesWallets and small leather goodsLeathercrafters who want one large matching pieceSewing on a home machine

Pros

Even solid taupe color across the side
Flat-to-satin finish takes edge paint and stitching cleanly
5-6 oz weight suits bags and wallets
Semi-soft temper folds and drapes without cracking
Chrome-tanned for softness and colorfastness

Cons

Too soft for structured or stand-up bags without backing
Chrome-tanned leather is harder to tool or carve than veg-tan
Limited stock, so matching a side later is uncertain
Full sides leave offcuts for small projects

Smooth Cowhide Leather Handbag Side Sophisticated Taupe 5-6 oz prices at every store

The Leather GuyNew
Availability unknown
$88.81Checked Nov 2
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Smooth Cowhide Leather Handbag Side Sophisticated Taupe 5-6 oz price history

Lowest price we've seen: $88.81 on Nov 2 at The Leather Guy. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 2.

From The Leather Guy

Smooth cowhide leather in solid Sophisticated Taupe
Chrome-tanned with a flat-to-satin finish
Semi-soft temper suited to handbags, purses, wallets and accessories
Sophisticated Taupe is 5–6 oz (2–2.4 mm) thick
Sold as full sides or smaller project pieces
Limited stock, available only while supplies last

Sizes: 18-20, 24-26, 30-32, 6.5-7.5, 21-23, 27-29, 21-23 Low Grade, 18-20 Low Grade, 24-26 Low Grade, 15-17, 15-17 Low Grade
Materials: Cowhide leather, chrome tan
Fit: Semi-soft temper; Sophisticated Taupe 5–6 oz (2–2.4 mm); average dimensions for 21–23 sq ft sides: 31" x 78"
Sizing: Most colors are 4–5 oz; Sophisticated Taupe and Renewal Green are heavier at 5–6 oz. Square footage ranges 18–29 sq ft.
Returns: No returns accepted on this product due to restocking complications; customers are exempt where EU Directive 2023/2673 applies.
Shipping: Shipping calculated at checkout.

About the Smooth Cowhide Leather Handbag Side Sophisticated Taupe 5-6 oz

This is smooth cowhide leather in solid Sophisticated Taupe, sold as a side. It is chrome-tanned and has a flat-to-satin finish.

The leather has a semi-soft temper. It suits handbags, purses, wallets, accessories and other leathercraft projects. This color is 5-6 oz (2-2.4 mm) thick. It is sold as full sides or smaller project pieces.

Material: Cowhide leather, chrome tanned
Color: Sophisticated Taupe
Finish: Flat to satin
Temper: Semi-soft
Thickness: 5-6 oz (2-2.4 mm)
Hide: Side
Average size: 31" x 78" for 21-23 sq ft sides
Side sizes: 6.5-7.5, 15-17, 18-20, 21-23, 24-26, 27-29, 30-32 sq ft; Low Grade also in 15-17, 18-20, 21-23, 24-26

Specifications

Color: Sophisticated Taupe (5-6 oz)
Hide: Side

Questions and answers

What can I make with a 5-6 oz side?: Handbag and purse bodies, totes, wallets, clutches, straps and small accessories. It is a common weight for bag panels that need some body but still fold.
Will it hold a structured shape?: Not on its own. The semi-soft temper drapes, so structured bags need a stiffener or lining. For slouchy bags it works as is.
Can I tool or carve this leather?: It is chrome-tanned, so it does not take tooling or carving well. Use veg-tan if you plan to stamp or carve.
How thick is 5-6 oz in millimeters?: About 2 to 2.4 mm. That is mid-weight, heavier than garment leather and lighter than thick belt leather.
Can I sew it on a home machine?: Usually yes with a leather needle and heavy thread, though thick seams may need a walking foot or hand stitching.
Is the color the same across the whole side?: It is a solid dyed color with a flat-to-satin finish. Natural hide variation can still show slight tone differences.
Where is the Smooth Cowhide Leather Handbag Side Sophisticated Taupe 5-6 oz cheapest?: At The Leather Guy, for $88.81, as of our latest check.

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