(M) Hermann Oak A Grade

Hermann Oak A Grade Veg Tanned Sides

This is what Hermann Oak calls their A Grade, while not 100% perfect, this leather will have the least amount of surface defects/blemishes of all the tooling leather they produce. Of course, it has all the wonderful tooling and molding properties that you would expect from legendary Hermann Oak leather.

Since 1861, Hermann Oak has been tanning top-grain leather right here in Missouri. St. Louis-based, the company prides itself on its slow and careful tanning process (referred to as Press-Yard traditional Tanning). This is a time and labor-intensive process that produces dense, sturdy leather that holds its shape when molded. They have used this tanning process for over 100 years, always resulting in the consistent properties that Hermann Oak is known for… the finest, top-grain strap and tooling leather in the world.

Fun fact: Hermann Oak supervisors grade all their leathers FOUR separate times! Their standards are regularly coordinated in group meetings, and the GRADING IS BASED SOLELY ON SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS LIKE SCARS AND BRANDS. The greatest emphasis is placed on the bend area (60%) followed by the shoulder area (25%) and the belly area (15%).

Item # HOAG