WHERE DO YOU PURCHASE YOUR LEATHER LEASHES FROM ? - Page 3

I get all my leather from these guys : http://www.signaturek9.com/shop/ - they have great working leashes, harnesses...pretty much everything...I've been happy with it all :)  Havent lost anything but a nylon police leash to my uber-chewer, which is better.  Everything they have is hand made by the amish, and awsome...I have a leather six foot and a leather three foot for OB.  :)

~Cate

Louise mentioned him, but I'll second him Bill Forbes!!!  http://www.fullgripgear.com/  Bill has even repaired/re-braided damaged leashes made by others--at no charge!!

Again, I've seen "handmade", "hand-braided" leashes from most of the vendors (or their websites) you all have discussed. The important thing for comfort and durability is to buy leashes that have been chrome-tanned. If you see leashes that have even slightly shiney finishes or specify that they have been heavily oiled, you can bet that they have not been chrome treated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather: "Chrome-tanned leather, invented in 1858, is tanned using chromium sulfate and other salts of chromium. It is more supple and pliable than vegetable-tanned leather, and does not discolor or lose shape as drastically in water as vegetable-tanned. More esoteric colors are possible using chrome tanning."

I'm a real fuss-budget (read: anal--about quality--equipment, dogs and their work, veterinarians, photography, dog food, etc.) and won't settle for (or recommend) anything less than the very best.

In the past I have purchased all my leashes from Germany (Schweikert).  I was just at a trial this weekend and met Bill Forbes and checked out all his products.  I would say his leather leashes are every bit as good as the ones I get from Schweikert.  I would definately recommend Bill Forbes.  I have several friends that have leashes, blinds, sleeves from him.  All  his products are top of the line.

Shawn

I've purchased from Gappay, Schweikert, Kurt, Hallmark, etc.

By far if you want a leash that is cut to your specs, regardless of thickness, braiding, material, clip, etc, is Horton's.  He made a couple of things for us on the spot at Nationals in Georgia, and the quality could not be beat.

 

http://www.hortonsquality.com/leads_collars.htm

They're an awesome small business, I'd sponsor them before just about any other company.

Cheers...

A bit off topic but an honest question! I promise! What is chromium sulfate? Is it the same stuff that is being talked about in this report? http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/c4389.htm If it is, I am sure that the amounts used are probably small enough to not make a difference to the dog. But in the current environment of trying to go natural and safe and staying away from chemicals and altered materials for our dogs, why would you choose chrome tanned leather? I will admit that others than the braided leash I have mentioned before, I don't own any leather leashes. So please go easy on me.