REED Leather Hides Cow Skins 20 Sq Ft Navy - Craft-Ready Cowhide

In this review of the REED Leather HIDES - Cow Skins (20 Square Foot, Navy) the bottom line is simple: this hide is aimed at makers and hobbyists who need a sizeable, consistent piece of genuine cow leather for craft projects. The reviewer found the hide to be notably soft and pliable while still providing the structure expected from a 2.5 oz leather, making it a good choice for items like small bags, holsters, trims, and patch repairs. If you value a rich navy color and dependable material from a long-standing leather supplier, this hide delivers.

Key Features

• 100% Genuine Cow Leather: Crafted from premium cow leather for a natural feel and durability that holds up to handling and stitching.
• Thick and Soft: At approximately 0.8-1.0 mm (2.5 oz) thickness, the hide balances softness with enough body for functional craft projects.
• Multi-Use Hides: Large 20 sq ft size makes it useful for a range of tasks from accessories and leatherworking to small repairs and decorative pieces.
• Flexible and Versatile: The leather is pliable enough for shaping and molding while still accepting hardware and stitching cleanly.
• Trusted Brand History: Supplied by a brand with decades of experience, giving confidence in consistent material quality and color fidelity.

Who It's For

The REED 20 sq ft navy cow hide is best for leatherworkers, crafters, and makers who need a reasonably large, uniform piece for multiple projects such as wallets, small bags, holsters, trims, and home decor accents. Its soft hand and stable thickness make it approachable for hobbyists but also suitable for more practiced artisans who need predictable stitching behavior.

Those who should look elsewhere include professionals requiring heavyweight tooling leather or extremely thick hides for saddlery and heavy-duty belts, and buyers seeking exotic skins or highly textured finishes - this product is a smooth, mid-weight cow leather intended for general craft use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, buttery texture that is pleasant to work with and gives a quality finished look.
• Consistent mid-weight thickness provides enough strength for accessories while remaining flexible.
• True-to-photo navy color and overall appearance make it reliable for visible projects.

Cons

• Thickness is mid-range and may be considered thin for heavy structural projects like belts or saddles.

Specifications

Material	100% genuine cow leather
Size	Approximately 20 square foot
Thickness	Approximately 0.8-1.0 mm (2.5 oz)
Color	Navy
Uses	Arts, crafts, leatherworking, accessories, small repairs
Brand	REED (trusted since 1950)

Our Verdict

The REED 20 sq ft navy cowhide is a solid pick for crafters and leatherworkers who want a soft, consistent mid-weight leather with a rich color and reliable handling. It represents good value for anyone making bags, holsters, trims, or repairs, but those needing much heavier leather should choose a thicker hide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hide suitable for making holsters?
Yes; customers report the thickness and stiffness are appropriate for holsters, though some prefer additional lining or reinforcement depending on design.

Can this leather be dyed or finished further?
The hide takes dyes and finishes well, but testing on a scrap is recommended to confirm color results and absorbency.

Is the color consistent across the whole hide?
Most buyers find the navy color matches photos and remains consistent, though natural leather grain can show slight variations.