Can anyone suggest a source of leather for oars? (In the UK)
This one comes up quite often!
Two sources I have used:
First is to keep an eye out at charity shops, car-boots and junk shops for old leather briefcases. The old brown civil service issue ones are great. Enough leather for several oars and generally £5 or less.
Other option is to search out saddlery people. People with horses sometimes require scrap leather to protect the horses hooves so there is likely to be a box of scrap pieces to pick through. Particularly good can be large pieces from old saddles (the big flaps that hang down each side of the horse) because they're beautifully oiled and wear proof.
If the scrap box doesn't deliver then the Saddlery people will buy several hides at a time so they can be helpful in selling on suitably sized pieces of new leather.
Good luck.
Tim.
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