type of leather in leather helmets

[gabrielb]

hi guys,

Ive been toying around with the idea of building my own leather helmet, and was wondering if anybody knew what type of leather is used in the construction...

also-
Im aware of the fact that I can just buy one.
Whether or not i actually wear it, it wont be nfpa tested, but it will meet the standard
Im also aware that its going to be incredibly difficult and I dont care, the point isnt to have one, its to make one.

Thanks guys!

[ATFDFF]

I'd say the type that comes from cows!

Sorry, I really don't know. Maybe call up some of the manufacturers (or a dealer)? Just pose the question...I don't see why they would care. It's not as though you're asking for specific instructions.

[CaptOldTimer]

Found on Cairns/MSA web site..

The New Yorker and Houston shells are constructed of top-grain steer hide and impregnated with a natural resin system.

[jbrescue]

I would use as thick a leather stock you can find. The reason the Cairns helmets crack over time is the fact that they are impregnated with the resin. If you leave it a little flexible, it should not crack over time.

[Prydentradition]

Veg-Tan Leather

[FuturePrimitive]

Curious, are you going to impregnate the leather with your own "natural resin"?



EDIT: On second thought, I don't want to know!

[slackjawedyokel]

Curious, are you going to impregnate the leather with your own "natural resin"?



EDIT: On second thought, I don't want to know!

In an earlier thread they keep refering to "servicing" their leather - I hope I am way off track here.

[gabrielb]

well... no... lol. But what type of resin should i use? or what other ways are there, because the Ben 2 helmets apparently do not go through resin hardening...

[slackjawedyokel]

A Ben 2 is plastic

[GTRider245]

Lulz.......

[gabrielb]

just kidding... i meant the phenix TL2

[IronValor]

Cairns uses leather that comes from Steers that monks pray over and the resin is actually Tears from Chuck Norris.

[TillamanTrk1]

cairns uses leather that comes from steers that monks pray over and the resin is actually tears from chuck norris.

ironvalor for the win!!!!!

[footrat]

Cairns uses leather that comes from Steers that monks pray over and the resin is actually Tears from Chuck Norris.

That's not wholly accurate. Chuck Norris's tears can cure cancer. It's too bad he's never cried.

The Cairns leathers are made from the hides of cows that have served on the front lines in several Balkan civil wars. These decorated, battle-hardened bovine heroes produce leather that has already been proven under fire. Enemy fire.

The leather is hardened using a process so secret it hasn't even been patented. Let's just say that it involves: organically made, certified 100% Vermont maple syrup; child labor; the blessing of a Pope; and a roller coaster.

Don't even get me started on the thread used for stitching.