Leather for Daguerreotype Cases
This was originally going to be a quick post to tell you about a new shop that I found that sells exotic leather hides but I’ll give you some other information too.
Leather Types and comments (I have used all of these on daguerreotype cases):
Lambskin $$- soft, supple, luxurious. This is the leather that is used for high quality gloves. It pares reasonably well and it is stretchy enough to pull around gentle corners. The skin isn’t particularly durable but for high-end applications it’s perfectly appropriate. Most of my cases are made of this.
Goatskin $$- medium grain, pares exceptionally well, tools very well. This leather is found on many high quality books but it isn’t stretchy. All corners will need to be wrapped in the traditional casemaking or bookbinding style.
Calfskin $$$- very fine grain, pares exceptionally well, takes tooling exceptionally well. This leather is found on the finest books. It is not as durable as goatskin but is more durable than lambskin. The leather can stretch a little bit if it is pared very thin.
Pigskin $ - medium to heavy pebbly grain, used on all kinds of products. I don’t like this very much.
Elephant $$$$ - very heavy grain and texture, exceptionally durable, very thick but pares somewhat well. Stretchy if thin and wet.
Stingray $$$$ - unique pebbly grain, not technically leather. Paring is not practical but the skin can be sanded on the top to reduce thickness and enhance appearance. For your own sanity, don’t get it wet. Best used as a feature or in pieces of the ultra-fine pebbling on the outers of the hide.
Eel $$$$ - This is a shiny, thin hide that can be bought in uniform panels. The hides are sewn together and sold in various sizes. Pliable if only because it’s so thin. Very beautiful and available in some stunning hues.
Tilapia Fish $$$ - Yep, a fish. A really sweet scaled leather that can be used for small cases or detail work. Don’t get this one wet either.
Leather sources that I frequent:
Tandy Leather Factory; eBay (paranguabud); eBay (cfried); eBay (desertexotics); eBay (leatherhut);
Next week I’ll show you some of the leatherworking tools that I use.
Jonathan
This Week in Photography Podcast
I listen to lots of podcasts. This Week in Photography is one of my favorites because I like to be reminded that there is a whole world of other artists out there. I always pick up some cool tips from their episodes. You should head on over and give it a try.
