Cheap Thrift Store Leather

[Patch]

Can clothing items from a thrift store like Goodwill or Salvation Army be used to make something like a shooting bag or other possible leather goods? If so, what kind of leather should I look for? I have noticed that many types of 100% leather clothing like jackets/skirts/pants can be found there really cheap. I've also seen real fur coats, like rabbit there. What would furs be used for. I am new to BP and not really into PC/HC stuff but I thought it would be fun to have some PC stuff to accomany me to the range. Besides, shooters seem to want to watch/come over and visit when they see all that smoke come from something that goes Bang. Might be nice to look the part. Any recommendations?

[Hanshi]

I bought a leather pocketbook at the Thrift Shop for near nothing and used that for some small projects.  My problem is telling real leather from the faux leather.  Almost afraid to buy anything lest it turn out to be fake.

[beowulf]

nothing wrong with using thrift store leather . thats how a lot of us got started ! like hanshi said just make sure the item you buy is leather and not pleather ! my first hunting bag was made from an old split cowhide vest ! turned out rather nice . that was in 1979 , and as far as I know the kid who bought it is still using it . thrift stores and antique stores are great places to shop for material and such !

[Red Badger]

Bulldog lady and I always check out thrift stores when we can - she has made numerous items from purchases made at thrift stores and we always look in the kitchen dept. for items for the camp,  I have several old butcher knives and even a cast iron piece or two which we picked up from thrift stores

[ErikPrice1@msn.com]

 I have enough gear to supply lotsa people and most of it came from all the different store I stop at regularly. I especially keep my eyes out for the old hippie purses and knifes.

[Bulldog lady]

if it is faux leather it will melt!  it is pretty and has it's place but not for the gear  you are wanting.  if it is real leather it should say so.  Lot of garments are made from pig skin, will have little pores from where hair was, to soft and tears to easy for anything that needs to be durable.  I made a real pretty gun sock for my little crocket out of faux, complete with long fringe. Works great for that.  just get a cheap piece and play with it.  Faux takes to painting real well if you are into that.  Hope this helps some. 

[Mountain Man]

Hobby lobby sells leather seconds cheap
10lbs bag runs $7/8
Ive made many knife sheaths and a few possible bags
Quality verys but ive had very good luck with them

[USCSURVEYOR]

I am new hear, but I know that leather goods from Thrift Stores can be used.  My neighbor caught me in the TS looking at purses/hand bags.  She asked me what was I doing.  I told her I was looking for a leather hippy type hand bag to use as a possibles bag.  A week later, she called me to come up to her house.  She presented me a leather possibles bag make out of an old black leather skirt.  She even put some fringe on the bottom.  Just what I was looking for.  Her and her husband are older and very sweet to my kids.  They call them aunt and uncle even though we aren't related.
Take Care,
USCSURVEYOR

[Red Badger]

That's the best way to get a bag/pouch and it will mean something to you in the years that follow... I still have the first one that was given to me by one of the former members here.  It sin't much to look at but the stories it could tell will have me smiling for many years...  Oh by the way your new here, so I'll let you in on a little secret....  we LOVE pictures! 

[Hawken50]

   Awesome

[USCSURVEYOR]

Picture of homemade possibles bag and yard sale powder horn my daughter bought me for $5.

USCSURVEYOR

[Dogshirt]

Looking good! 

[crazell]

Looks good. Thanks for the picture.

[DandJofAZ]

Looking good, and you are going to fit right in with the "on the cheap" theme we enjoy here.

Doug

[markinmi]

Heck yeah,Old leather jackets,try to find the stressed looking brown ones,I line them with ticking and they make great bags,garment leather is thin and lead balls and such may stretch a shooting pouch ,but ballbags and flintwallets are great,Or cover a rawhide sheath with garment leather . (Big rawhide dogbones from the dollar store)