Hey all, I've been slowly increasing my watch strap making skills with cheaper leathers. Now I think I'm almost ready to try some more expensive leathers. I'm looking to get try some alligator or crocodile, but not totally sure what to get.
I read online that caiman isn't the best because the skin between scales cracks easily and it isn't too flexible, so I don't think that's a good option.
Alligator seems more flexible, so my first guess would be to go for that, but maybe someone has a better advice.
I saw that @Leathercraft Masterclass had a bunch of tail sections (of crocodile?), but I'm not sure where to get those. :) I'm from Europe, so I'd prefer a EU supplier. And preferable not the most expensive skins yet, I want to get some more experience first.
Any help would be appreciated!
I’m told there are many suppliers in Vietnam, cheap as chips however paperwork and ethics aren’t their forte. Legality issues aside, I personally have issue with animals who endure the slaughter process. Quick, easy and painless is a must.
Amtan has a link to their partners.
http://www.amtan.com/foreign-partners.html
Hey Mate,
I was reading about Caimans a few days back and apparently, they have lots of calcium deposit between the scales so hard to stitch.
I don't know about logistics, but District Leather supplies sells pieces cut for watch straps:
https://districtleathersupply.com/search?type=product&q=watch
I have one from them, good quality. Sources from American Tanning.
might be a good solution for you.
You also have Sibel in Paris: https://www.sibel.fr/boutique/fr/14-crocodile
@Ramon Snellink Generally I use tail sections for courses as I have a few left over and the products made in the video's aren't for customers.
There are some places that sell off cuts but generally they are not reliable for regular purchases.
Try these guys below, they sell whole skins inside Europe at reasonable prices. They are EU suppliers for Amtan skins in the US:
https://white-line-srl.myshopify.com/collections/alligator