REED Leather HIDES Cow Skins 40 Sq Ft - Thick Black Leather

In this review of REED Leather HIDES - Cow Skins (40 Square Foot, Black) the bottom line is simple: this hide is aimed at makers who need a soft, durable piece of genuine cow leather for a variety of craft projects. The reviewer found the chrome-finished hide to be reliable for purses, cases, book covers and repairs, with a consistent feel and thickness that makes cutting, stitching and tooling straightforward. For anyone wanting a substantial yet workable leather, this hide delivers the durability and surface quality many crafters expect.

Key Features

• 100% Genuine Cow Leather: Provides a soft, glove-like texture that is comfortable to handle and wears well with use.
• Thick and Heavy Construction: At approximately 0.8 - 1.2 mm (about 2.5 oz), the leather has enough substance for structural items like cases and bag panels.
• Chrome Finished Surface: Offers a smooth, consistent color and finish that is easy to clean and suitable for a range of decorative techniques.
• Multi-Use Material: Works for leather repairs, bookbinding, fringes, accessories and small garment elements, making it a versatile stash piece.
• Available in Multiple Colors and Sizes: The hide is offered in various options so crafters can choose the best color and cut for a project.

Who It's For

The REED cowhide is best for hobby leatherworkers, small-batch accessory makers and bookbinders who need a medium-thickness, dependable leather that is easy to cut and stitch. It suits people who value consistent color and a soft hand for wearable or visible projects.

It is less suitable for large-scale upholstery work that requires much larger continuous panels or for hobbyists who need ultra-thin skiving leather; those users should look for hides specified for upholstery or lighter weight splits. Otherwise, it fits well for crafts and small leather goods.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong, supple feel that customers note is easy to work with for stitching and edge finishing.
• Consistent color and thickness across the hide, which simplifies pattern layout and cutting.
• Sturdy thickness around 0.8 - 1.2 mm gives structure for bags, cases and covers without being overly stiff.
• Good value for the quality and usable area offered in a 40 square foot option.

Cons

• Size feedback is mixed, so exact usable dimensions may vary from buyer expectations and should be checked before planning large projects.

Specifications

Brand	REED
Material	Genuine cow leather (chrome finished)
Thickness	Approximately 0.8 - 1.2 mm (about 2.5 oz)
Area	40 square foot
Typical Uses	Arts, crafts, purses, cases, book covers, fringes, repairs
Finish	Smooth chrome finish with consistent color

Our Verdict

For crafters who need a dependable, medium-thickness hide, the REED Cow Skins deliver consistent color, a soft hand and enough body for small goods and repairs. It represents solid value for makers who prioritize workability and durability over ultra-large panels, and it is a practical choice for most leathercraft projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hide suitable for making bags?
Yes, the 0.8 - 1.2 mm thickness gives good structure for bag panels and straps when reinforced, and it is straightforward to stitch and finish.

Will the color be uniform across the hide?
Customers report consistent color and finish across the piece due to the chrome finish, though natural hide variations can occur.

Is the advertised size accurate?
Size feedback is mixed; most customers find the usable area close to expectations, but for large single-piece projects verify dimensions before committing the hide.