REED Leather HIDES Cow Skins 20 Square Foot - Black

In this review the REED Leather HIDES Cow Skins (20 square foot, black) is assessed for makers who need a dependable piece of full-grain leather for craft projects. The bottom line: this hide is best for crafters who value a soft, natural feel and consistent durability; the single biggest reason to buy is the genuine cow leather quality that balances pliability with enough thickness for small accessories and repairs. The review notes how the hide performs in leatherworking and where its thickness and softness fit into common shop tasks.

Key Features

• 100% Genuine Cow Leather: Offers a natural surface and long-term durability that suits wearable and handled items.
• Thick and Soft: At approximately 0.8-1.0 mm (2.5 oz), the hide provides strength while remaining flexible enough to shape and stitch.
• Multi-Use Leather Hides: Works well for arts, crafts, leatherworking, accessories, small repairs, and DIY projects where a reliable patch or panel is needed.
• Flexible & Versatile: The hide's pliability makes it suitable for both flat projects and lightly formed pieces such as wallets or holsters.
• Trusted Brand History: From REED Leather, a supplier with a long history that gives confidence in consistent material quality.

Who It's For

The REED cow skin is targeted at hobbyists, small-batch makers, and leatherworkers who need a mid-weight, soft hide for items like wallets, small bags, holsters, trims, and craft panels. Its manageable size and 20 sq ft yield make it a good match for someone producing a handful of accessories or doing frequent repairs.

Those who need very heavy harness leather, thick sole or heavy tooling hides should look elsewhere, since this hide is described and sold as a softer mid-weight option rather than a heavyweight harness grade.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High perceived leather quality with a rich black color that matches pictures and takes dyes or edge finishing well.
• Soft, buttery hand makes the hide easy to stitch and form for small accessories.
• Consistent thickness across the area is reported by many customers, aiding predictable construction.

Cons

• The listed thickness is mid-weight (0.8-1.0 mm), so it is not ideal for very heavy-duty structural uses that require thicker leather.

Specifications

Material	100% genuine cow leather
Size	Approximately 20 square foot hide
Color	Black
Thickness	Approximately 0.8-1.0 mm (2.5 oz)
Primary uses	Arts, crafts, leatherworking, accessories, small repairs
Brand	REED Leather

Our Verdict

For crafters seeking a soft, genuine cow hide that balances pliability with workable strength, the REED Leather HIDES 20 sq ft black hide is a solid value; its consistent thickness and appealing finish make it especially useful for wallets, holsters, trims, and many small leather projects. It is not the choice for heavy structural leather needs, but for general leathercraft it offers dependable quality from a long-established supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hide suitable for making holsters?
Yes, customers report it works well for holsters when a mid-weight, formable leather is desired, though very heavy-duty holsters may need thicker leather.

Can this leather be dyed or finished further?
Yes, the genuine cow leather surface accepts dyes, edge finishing, and standard leatherworking treatments used for accessories.

How flexible is the hide for small projects?
The hide is described as soft and pliable, making it easy to stitch and shape for small bags, wallets, and repairs.