Leather isn’t just about the hide it comes from — it’s also about thickness, weight, and how those factors translate into strength, flexibility, and feel. Over the years, makers and tanners developed their own ways of describing leather, and much of that language is still in use today. Understanding these measures helps you appreciate not only what leather is, but how it was shaped by history, craft, and play.
Why Leather is Measured in Ounces
If you’ve ever seen leather described as “4 ounces” or “8 ounces,” you’re actually looking at a measure of thickness. Historically, leather workers used ounces because they measured how many ounces one square foot of leather weighed. Over time, that weight roughly translated into thickness, and the convention stuck.
Here’s a simple way to think about it: each ounce equals about 1/64 of an inch. So a 4 oz hide is roughly 1/16" thick, while an 8 oz hide is about 1/8". This quirky system is part of leather’s history — a nod to the tanners and saddle makers who defined the craft centuries ago.
Leather Thickness at a Glance
| Ounces | Approx. Thickness (inches) | Approx. Thickness (mm) | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–3 oz | 1/32" – 3/64" | 0.8 – 1.2 mm | Gloves, garments, lining, very light toys |
| 4–5 oz | 1/16" – 5/64" | 1.6 – 2.0 mm | Small goods, handbags, lighter impact toys |
| 6–7 oz | 3/32" – 7/64" | 2.4 – 2.8 mm | Belts, straps, versatile weight for toys |
| 8–9 oz | 1/8" – 9/64" | 3.2 – 3.6 mm | Saddles, harness, heavier floggers and impact toys |
| 10–12 oz | 5/32" – 3/16" | 4.0 – 4.8 mm | Armor, heavy straps, rigid toys |
Note: Thickness can vary slightly across a single hide. Tanners often “split” leather to create a more consistent weight.
Why It Matters for Play
The weight of leather isn’t just a number — it tells you what to expect in sensation:
- Lighter weights (2–4 oz) are softer, more flexible, and tend to deliver gentler, thuddier impacts.
- Medium weights (5–7 oz) balance strength and flexibility, making them the most versatile for floggers and straps.
- Heavy weights (8 oz and above) are dense and commanding, capable of deep, thudding strikes or firm stings depending on the finish.
Our founder loved pointing out that leather, in its many forms, has always carried stories — from saddlemakers in the Old West to cobblers in Birmingham. When we measure leather today, we’re not just talking about numbers; we’re keeping alive the traditions of craft and the language of makers who came before us.
Finding the Right Balance
Every toy carries its own voice, shaped by the hide it comes from and the weight it’s cut to. Some players prefer light, fast leathers that caress; others want heavy, deliberate leathers that land with authority. By understanding how leather is measured, you can choose the weight that feels right for your hand — and delivers the sensations you want to create.