Finding leather supplier

[temp256]

I've been making many floggers, and I'm even trying to start a business out of it. One problem I keep running into is finding high quality leather which doesn't cost a fortune. My current supplier costs so much, I can barely even make a profit. Does anyone have advice on where to buy leather hides? I've seen a couple online places, but I can't easily assess quality, or figure out what to buy.

 

[KoPilot]

You might have better luck going around to places like The RPF-- just tell em you're in the business of making leather props.

 

[coy_one]

If I knew your location, I could tell you. I live in Horse country, Virginia, US.

So, I know people. I am also an expert seamstress and sometimes have to request leather and whatnot... so if you want PM me, I can tell you some places.

 

[BiBunny]

I have no particular stores in mind to suggest, but I say do look into horse and tack shops. Many of them sell finished (and unfinished, too) leather in various sizes for repairing saddles, bridles, etc. You might find something that would work for you.

 

[JustaSCOUNDREL]

Take a look at Tandy Leather, they sell leather, tools and finding for leather working.

Here's a link.

https://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/Leather.aspx?pg=all

 

[Lrn_The_Ropes]

You may also want to check into upholstery shops in the area. They may have access to suppliers.

@JustaSCOUNDREL: I thought it was 40 Virginians?

 

[Sweetdaisymae]

You may also want to check into upholstery shops in the area. They may have access to suppliers.

@JustaSCOUNDREL: I thought it was 40 Virginians?

Upholstery leather is usually a bit too thin for floggers, it makes very light and slappy falls.

Tandy are good, especially if you can pay them a visit.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Are there any shoe repair suppliers in your area?

You're supposed to need a retail number, but they tend to forget to ask if they see you're paying with cash.

The online places might be willing to talk to you on the phone. They want your business! And you can often get a much higher quality for less outlay since they aren't paying for storefront real estate.

 

[desertslave]

Take a look at Tandy Leather, they sell leather, tools and finding for leather working.

Here's a link.

https://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/Leather.aspx?pg=all

Sir is quite correct. And if you can find a nearby store, most of them have a really fun bargain bin to crawl....errr, umm....scavenge through.

 

[Evil_Geoff]

You want cheap leather for floggers?

Goodwill. Second hand clothing stores like Salvation Army or others. Yard sales.

You will find leather skirts, pants, jackets in various kinds of garment leather for cheap, and you can dis-assemble and re-purpose them easily for craft projects like making floggers.

If you are in central North Carolina - Zack White Leather. Do NOT tell them you are making sex toys or kink toys, they are not kink friendly. Just tell them you are using the leather for craft projects, wrist bands, arm bands, etc.

 

[temp256]

It looks like I'll have to go with Tandy for now. They're a bit expensive, but I need to be able to pick it out, and have it within a week. I'll look into the other places for the long term.

I've tried thrift store leather, but there's no way to get rid of the smell.

What leather weight do most people like for floggers?