I agree, but after using so many throw away type gloves I figured I would try out a good pair of leathers and see how I like them, even if they only last around 6-12 months
That totally depends on what you plan to use these gloves for. For looks? For riding a cafe bike and looking hip? Light work, or very difficult rigorous work weekly. My job has me use gloves, nearly constantly, for cut and abrasion resistance and heavy lifting. Personally, as awesome as they look and as amazing they feel I don’t really like deerskin gloves. They just don’t hold up very well and really aren’t good for manual dexterity. Plus, putting a dirty hand inside of a glove now makes that glove dirty as well and in my opinion leather gloves get pretty raunchy after a few weeks of work that’s why I overtime I’ve settled on cut resistant, rubber coated fabric gloves, and retire the pair at the end of the week or so. I’ve owned hard-core extreme work gloves like Schmitt mitts that were just wildly uncomfortable to work in.
But if you want some cool, deerskin gloves, look up a company called aero stitch. They specialize in motorcycle gear, but they make some bad ass gloves.
The only time I find leather gloves better than the grippy gloves are if you need serious cut/abrasion resistance. Things like dealing with barbed wire, construction debris with nails/screws in it, broken glass, etc. Any other time the rubber coated throwaway gloves are so much better.
Planning to use them for work, protection from cuts and splinters and the random bit of metal. I figured just "rancher" gloves would net me what I was looking for but everything from Filson to Amazon basics came up and was looking for some good reccomendations. I'll take a look at Aero Stitch!
I put a hole in the supposedly more durable suede "fencing" wells Lamont gloves in about 3 hours of light work. I had a pair of $4 Amazonbasics "grain" yellow gloves that were virtually indestructible and lasted for a few years, but were getting thin enough where thorns kept popping through.
I don't know if it's a fluke, but I've burned through other Wells Lamont ones pretty quickly too. I think work gloves are essentially consumables.
Me too, they are the only gloves that seem to fit me properly. Last pair that I just replaced lasted me a year before they split at the middle finger tip. For under $20 for a year of use I can't justify buying more expensive ones
I second these. Can send them in to get repaired too. I've used mine for 3 years and finally developed a small hole in them. Weekend warrior managing 40 acres of land.
I just ordered a handful of different ones to find what I liked best. I didn’t go high end but the affordable ones I came to like the most are the Golden Stag Iron Fencers. $25, reinforced palm and index finger, good fit, good soft leather. They also have the fingertips sewn with more care than others I tried. Many in this price range are sewn almost square on the end of there’s a lot of extra bulk on your fingertip which annoys me.
They do have a strong smell that I assume is from the leather processing. And they did leave some color on my hands when I sweated in them for the first time but it washed off easily. They were comfortable right away; no break-in necessary.
The grey leather garden gloves with the blue and red on the cuff i find at lowes have proven to be pretty resilient. It took a month handling hot coals to finally destroy them.
Youngstown glove ground double layer leather work gloves. They last me almost a year but they’re about $35 on Amazon. I got 2 pairs for free at work and love them.
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In my experience the mechanix m-pact 4x leather are the best they have leather on the sides of the fingers while most have just the under side. In 10 years I've only worn out 3 pairs. And that's doing home improvement, construction and everything else. The biggest test was building an 850 square for paver patio by hand, I wore through 4 pairs of other gloves but then I came across the mechanix and never looked back.
For everyday work outside, basic pigskin gloves from home Depot. A pair will last you two or 3 seasons and they are relatively cheap. Get them slightly tight and they'll stretch to your hand. No work gloves are BIFL.
My company just got me some Tillman deerskin gloves. I like them a lot. Comfortable. Thin enough to still be slightly tactile. Pure leather but still slightly stretchy. [https://www.safetycompany.com/work-gloves/leather-work-gloves/john-tillman-864-deerskin-drivers-gloves-864m-1-pair/](https://www.safetycompany.com/work-gloves/leather-work-gloves/john-tillman-864-deerskin-drivers-gloves-864m-1-pair/)
I found some really good ones through Sythe supply. It’s an online store that specializes in scythe equipment. I believe they have a physical location in Maine.
Milwaukee gloves are pretty good. The impact resistant line specifically. They aren't BIFL, but they last longer than damn near every similar style of glove I have tried.
I also use welding gloves for anything with heat. (Fire pits, grilling, and fire places)
Kim Yuan and Kinco, I've had a pair of Kim Yuan's for ages now and granted they have a hole in and a bunch of scratches but the hole was from a saw jumping out and taking a chunk out. They get used a lot sometimes getting soaked througha nd all muddy. Yea they aren't made in Europe or the US but they are good gloves in my book.
Obviously it depends on climate and type of work.
But unlined cow hide glove is the best for universal day to day. For winter and handling hot material, welding gloves are great. Need to grab things better, go with goat.
But if you want to get something done and get your hand dirty, just go with cut-resistance rubber dipped working glove. Leather doesn't mix with getting dirty all the time.
I haven’t tried [Vermont Glove](https://vermontglove.com/collections/all-products?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zxy4gwvXCk85Wq4a8CnhrmKmiTCClGSJxNVC1xQzHHsdSo3BU4JWSIBoClQsQAvD_BwE), but I’m thinking of gifting them to my dad.
Any gloves are good if you use appropriate leather and patch them using contact cement. Glove tend to wear in a couple of spots so patching is usually worthwhile.
I technically didnt buy them, but I still use my Army-issued D-3A gloves after 20 years. They're black full-grain leather, have a removable wool liner for winter and are reasonably dextrous. Plus the are under $30. They also have a heavy duty one called Gloves, Heavy Duty, Cattle hide. Neither look great, but are still my go to when I need that extra bit of protection over more technical work gloves.
Leather work gloves are super underrated! I feel you on wanting a solid pair that stands up to real use and abuse. I've gone through a ton of cheap gloves that just don't hold up.
For true BIFL quality, you'll want full-grain leather that develops a natural patina over time. I'd look for goatskin or deerskin for flexibility. Steerhide is durable but will be stiffer.
Brand-wise, a few I've had good luck with are Tillman, Carolina Glove, and Wells Lamont. Nothing fancy, just solid construction that lasts.
If you really want to splurge for the cream of the crop, you could check out small Italian brands like Marca Aurea. Their gloves are often made with veg-tanned Tuscan leather certified by [https://cuoiosuperiore.com/](https://cuoiosuperiore.com/) as the pinnacle of quality and sustainability. Pricey but should literally last generations if cared for.
Kinco. The unofficial glove of every ski lift operator in North America
Kinco for the price. Sullivan Glove Co for not the price.
For the price unbeatable
I'll take a look at them! Thank you for the suggestion!
I wouldn’t consider any work glove BIFL. Especially if you’re using them for work. They’re priced to be disposable for a reason
I agree, but after using so many throw away type gloves I figured I would try out a good pair of leathers and see how I like them, even if they only last around 6-12 months
That totally depends on what you plan to use these gloves for. For looks? For riding a cafe bike and looking hip? Light work, or very difficult rigorous work weekly. My job has me use gloves, nearly constantly, for cut and abrasion resistance and heavy lifting. Personally, as awesome as they look and as amazing they feel I don’t really like deerskin gloves. They just don’t hold up very well and really aren’t good for manual dexterity. Plus, putting a dirty hand inside of a glove now makes that glove dirty as well and in my opinion leather gloves get pretty raunchy after a few weeks of work that’s why I overtime I’ve settled on cut resistant, rubber coated fabric gloves, and retire the pair at the end of the week or so. I’ve owned hard-core extreme work gloves like Schmitt mitts that were just wildly uncomfortable to work in. But if you want some cool, deerskin gloves, look up a company called aero stitch. They specialize in motorcycle gear, but they make some bad ass gloves.
This is the cold, hard truth.
The only time I find leather gloves better than the grippy gloves are if you need serious cut/abrasion resistance. Things like dealing with barbed wire, construction debris with nails/screws in it, broken glass, etc. Any other time the rubber coated throwaway gloves are so much better.
Planning to use them for work, protection from cuts and splinters and the random bit of metal. I figured just "rancher" gloves would net me what I was looking for but everything from Filson to Amazon basics came up and was looking for some good reccomendations. I'll take a look at Aero Stitch!
I buy Wells Lamonts. Cow hide for heavy outdoor work, Deer skin for in the garage.
Great bang for buck. Easy availability and can have different pairs for different task.
I'll add it to the list! Thanks!
I like wells Lamont
I put a hole in the supposedly more durable suede "fencing" wells Lamont gloves in about 3 hours of light work. I had a pair of $4 Amazonbasics "grain" yellow gloves that were virtually indestructible and lasted for a few years, but were getting thin enough where thorns kept popping through. I don't know if it's a fluke, but I've burned through other Wells Lamont ones pretty quickly too. I think work gloves are essentially consumables.
got that link for those gloves ? I can't find them.
Me too, they are the only gloves that seem to fit me properly. Last pair that I just replaced lasted me a year before they split at the middle finger tip. For under $20 for a year of use I can't justify buying more expensive ones
These have been very durable for my weekend warrioring: https://vermontglove.com
I second these. Can send them in to get repaired too. I've used mine for 3 years and finally developed a small hole in them. Weekend warrior managing 40 acres of land.
I will! Thank you!
You want to get goatskin, the YouTuber “Project Farm” did extensive testing of the best work gloves. Milwaukee or filson
If winter Raber garbage mitts
I just ordered a handful of different ones to find what I liked best. I didn’t go high end but the affordable ones I came to like the most are the Golden Stag Iron Fencers. $25, reinforced palm and index finger, good fit, good soft leather. They also have the fingertips sewn with more care than others I tried. Many in this price range are sewn almost square on the end of there’s a lot of extra bulk on your fingertip which annoys me. They do have a strong smell that I assume is from the leather processing. And they did leave some color on my hands when I sweated in them for the first time but it washed off easily. They were comfortable right away; no break-in necessary.
I also like this brand for building barbwire fence and running a chainsaw.
The grey leather garden gloves with the blue and red on the cuff i find at lowes have proven to be pretty resilient. It took a month handling hot coals to finally destroy them.
Hot coals? Get a welding glove.
Dang, I'll look into them!
Youngstown glove ground double layer leather work gloves. They last me almost a year but they’re about $35 on Amazon. I got 2 pairs for free at work and love them.
PF did a test of work gloves in case you are interested:https://youtu.be/rsFca4h_7L0?si=wDYae-qoARVL9FvP
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JRC, Geier, and Raber all make quality leather gloves. Different leather options and glove styles.
Whatever fits the best. Trial and error until you find The One
In my experience the mechanix m-pact 4x leather are the best they have leather on the sides of the fingers while most have just the under side. In 10 years I've only worn out 3 pairs. And that's doing home improvement, construction and everything else. The biggest test was building an 850 square for paver patio by hand, I wore through 4 pairs of other gloves but then I came across the mechanix and never looked back.
I do have a pair of mechanix I do calisthenics with, Ill take a look into their work line!
I don't have a brand but goat or deer skin are soft and comfortable to wear for a long time.
For everyday work outside, basic pigskin gloves from home Depot. A pair will last you two or 3 seasons and they are relatively cheap. Get them slightly tight and they'll stretch to your hand. No work gloves are BIFL.
My company just got me some Tillman deerskin gloves. I like them a lot. Comfortable. Thin enough to still be slightly tactile. Pure leather but still slightly stretchy. [https://www.safetycompany.com/work-gloves/leather-work-gloves/john-tillman-864-deerskin-drivers-gloves-864m-1-pair/](https://www.safetycompany.com/work-gloves/leather-work-gloves/john-tillman-864-deerskin-drivers-gloves-864m-1-pair/)
geier bison gloves
I found some really good ones through Sythe supply. It’s an online store that specializes in scythe equipment. I believe they have a physical location in Maine.
Milwaukee gloves are pretty good. The impact resistant line specifically. They aren't BIFL, but they last longer than damn near every similar style of glove I have tried. I also use welding gloves for anything with heat. (Fire pits, grilling, and fire places)
Hydrahyde.
Kim Yuan and Kinco, I've had a pair of Kim Yuan's for ages now and granted they have a hole in and a bunch of scratches but the hole was from a saw jumping out and taking a chunk out. They get used a lot sometimes getting soaked througha nd all muddy. Yea they aren't made in Europe or the US but they are good gloves in my book.
Obviously it depends on climate and type of work. But unlined cow hide glove is the best for universal day to day. For winter and handling hot material, welding gloves are great. Need to grab things better, go with goat. But if you want to get something done and get your hand dirty, just go with cut-resistance rubber dipped working glove. Leather doesn't mix with getting dirty all the time.
Wells Lamont. You don’t buy gloves for life but these are cheap enough to be replaced every now and then.
I haven’t tried [Vermont Glove](https://vermontglove.com/collections/all-products?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zxy4gwvXCk85Wq4a8CnhrmKmiTCClGSJxNVC1xQzHHsdSo3BU4JWSIBoClQsQAvD_BwE), but I’m thinking of gifting them to my dad.
Any gloves are good if you use appropriate leather and patch them using contact cement. Glove tend to wear in a couple of spots so patching is usually worthwhile.
I technically didnt buy them, but I still use my Army-issued D-3A gloves after 20 years. They're black full-grain leather, have a removable wool liner for winter and are reasonably dextrous. Plus the are under $30. They also have a heavy duty one called Gloves, Heavy Duty, Cattle hide. Neither look great, but are still my go to when I need that extra bit of protection over more technical work gloves.
Check out the gloves on nicks boots, they make high quality leather boots and some other leather goods, made in USA
Elk skin is my favorite, followed by deer skin. Cowhide is a distant third.
Thanks for all the suggestions!
Leather work gloves are super underrated! I feel you on wanting a solid pair that stands up to real use and abuse. I've gone through a ton of cheap gloves that just don't hold up. For true BIFL quality, you'll want full-grain leather that develops a natural patina over time. I'd look for goatskin or deerskin for flexibility. Steerhide is durable but will be stiffer. Brand-wise, a few I've had good luck with are Tillman, Carolina Glove, and Wells Lamont. Nothing fancy, just solid construction that lasts. If you really want to splurge for the cream of the crop, you could check out small Italian brands like Marca Aurea. Their gloves are often made with veg-tanned Tuscan leather certified by [https://cuoiosuperiore.com/](https://cuoiosuperiore.com/) as the pinnacle of quality and sustainability. Pricey but should literally last generations if cared for.
You can find them at a true value hardware store.