Oil pull and jerky hides

[Adam in Canada]

Here's my understanding, which, admittedly, is very simplistic:

"Jerky" refers to the "raw", grainy, naturally blemished unmatched hide used in a jacket (some smooth areas, and some not so smooth areas, both in one piece of hide). Follows the waste-not-want-not approach to utilizing as much of the hide as possible.

"Oil pull" refers to a particular tanning process that results in a rapid acceleration of the patina and character the leather would otherwise develop after years of regular wear. This process doesn't degrade the hide or damage its durability and longevity. Instant gratification. All the aesthetic benefits of a vintage, well-worn, hide without the weakening caused by age and experience.

Again, I acknowledge that these dumbed down thumbnail sketches likely don't do justice to either type, but are they (reasonably) accurate?

If no, can you give me a dummy's guide to oil pull and jerky hide?

If yes, does Aero offer an oil pull jerky horsehide?

And, if yes, can anyone share a picture or three?

Thanks,
Adam

 

[Creeping Past]

Ask Aero, they very helpful.

 

[JanSolo]

Hi Adam,

Here are a couple of characteristics of both hides:

Jerky HH

-Grainy surface, natural creases and folds.
-Leather mainly comes from the sides and the shoulder and neck area of the animal where the skin is less smooth compared to the back.
-The colour of the leather is applied by spray finish, whereas the base colour is of a lighter shade due to veg tanning.
-The leather is quite abrasion resistant and it takes some time to develop some sort of patina.
-Jerky HH is water repellant to a certain degree (though not waterproof)
-Jerky HH is a mid weight leather and nowhere near as stiff as Aero's FQ HH

Oil pull HH

-Smooth surface with almost no grain visible
-Surface will start to "suede" and develop a light nubuck appearance in areas that receive wear, typically on the windflap, elbows, pockets etc.
-Gently run down the leather with your fingernail - mark
Fart against your jacket - mark
-If desired most marks could easily be removed by either applying a light coat of leather treatment (not recommended), or by gently brushing the jacket with a warm, wet sponge.
-Oil pull HH is heavier than Jerky HH though not as heavy as FQ HH.
-No other leather will develop such a nice patina in such a short period of time.
- Oil pull HH is not water repellant and in some cases water drops can leave a mark (which can easily be removed, or will disappear on their own)).
-Oil pull HH is very pliable and needs no breaking in...it is comfortable right out of the box.

Here are a couple of photos of me wearing my Dad's Aero A-1 in oil pull HH:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3028923287_e18e94c453.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/3028925329_ed9b80f91a.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/3026543285_02ef85e414.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/3027367990_2d1ca0424a.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3027370478_1656548fa6.jpg?v=0

Hope that helps,

Jan

 

[PADDY]

Yes.

Yes - to most of what you've said Oh and YES to a pic (now gone, but this was my Aero A-2 oilpull after a year's wear).

Where you see TWO jackets - the one beneath is the repro (oil pull & berry knits), the one with the Sqn. patch is my original Aero A-2 (just to compare).

 

[Adam in Canada]

Thanks, gentlemen. Very helpful, indeed.

I had something different in mind for an Aero Bootlegger, but have abandoned the idea and gone back to working with brown FQHH.

This is a terrible affliction... my custom 1930s Bootlegger in vintage black HH hasn't even left the factory yet and I'm already working on plans for the next one!

Mark has a photo of a custom chrome tanned brown horsehide bootlegger on his Picturetrail site, the one with bi-swing shoulders and zip sleeves, and it's just a fantastic jacket. I'm considering something along those lines, almost exactly like the custom job on his website.

Based on your advice here, and Mark's, I'm going to stay away from the oil pull and jerky. They are fantastic hides, but not what I'm looking for this time around.

Thanks for your input.

Adam

 

[Adam in Canada]

ps... Hey, Paddy... NICE Pannie!

I'm a big fan of classic military and sports watches myself. Here are two of my favorites: