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boots-elephant vs cape buffalo

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18 February 2016, 07:50
Sean Russell
boots-elephant vs cape buffalo
Gentlmen-

I am going to have custom boots made-I have both elephant and Cape Buffalo leather. I have worn elephant boots for years, how does cape Buffalo compare?


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18 February 2016, 08:20
cal pappas
To me, elephant is softer and long wearing. Hippo was the longest wearing but stiff. I think buffalo is a good compromise. Bringing in elephant boots in to the US is a problem.
Cal


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18 February 2016, 08:52
lavaca
Sitting here looking at a box of elephant leather. Have a box of buffalo leather at home as well. I'm thinking about a pair of boots as well. Was thinking black elephant on the lower and red tops. I know, but that's what I like.
18 February 2016, 09:26
Sean Russell
quote:
Originally posted by cal pappas:
To me, elephant is softer and long wearing. Hippo was the longest wearing but stiff. I think buffalo is a good compromise. Bringing in elephant boots in to the US is a problem.
Cal


Cal

I have my boots made in San Angelo TX are you saying that if I take them over seas there could be a problem getting them back in?


"The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane." Mark Twain
TANSTAAFL

www.savannagems.com A unique way to own a piece of Africa.

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18 February 2016, 10:20
cal pappas
ou must have absolute proof they were yours in the US. Customs is quick to take any and all elephant products. Check with customs prior to your departure.
Cal


_______________________________

Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.com
www.CalPappas.blogspot.com
1994 Zimbabwe
1997 Zimbabwe
1998 Zimbabwe
1999 Zimbabwe
1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation
2000 Australia
2002 South Africa
2003 South Africa
2003 Zimbabwe
2005 South Africa
2005 Zimbabwe
2006 Tanzania
2006 Zimbabwe--vacation
2007 Zimbabwe--vacation
2008 Zimbabwe
2012 Australia
2013 South Africa
2013 Zimbabwe
2013 Australia
2016 Zimbabwe
2017 Zimbabwe
2018 South Africa
2018 Zimbabwe--vacation
2019 South Africa
2019 Botswana
2019 Zimbabwe vacation
2021 South Africa
2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later)
______________________________
18 February 2016, 17:19
Sean Russell
quote:
Originally posted by lavaca:
Sitting here looking at a box of elephant leather. Have a box of buffalo leather at home as well. I'm thinking about a pair of boots as well. Was thinking black elephant on the lower and red tops. I know, but that's what I like.



Thats old school--where do you get your boots made?


"The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane." Mark Twain
TANSTAAFL

www.savannagems.com A unique way to own a piece of Africa.

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18 February 2016, 17:20
Sean Russell
quote:
Originally posted by cal pappas:
ou must have absolute proof they were yours in the US. Customs is quick to take any and all elephant products. Check with customs prior to your departure.
Cal



Thanks--good advice


"The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane." Mark Twain
TANSTAAFL

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18 February 2016, 21:32
K Evans
You might contact Dr Scott here on AR, he had a pair made from cape buffalo hide and they look pretty darn good.

As far Cal's concern of bringing elephant boots back into the US...list "em on your 4457.


Karl Evans

18 February 2016, 21:55
Tim Carney
Karl is on the money, but you need to add a key element. Put a serial number on your boots. I used a black marker and invented a short serial number put on the underside of the tongue so that the 4457 could read:
Courtney elephant hide boots s/n XXXYYY

No problems so far.

Regards, Tim
18 February 2016, 23:19
LionHunter
Have your boot maker put your initials on the pull-on loops. Solves the problem of showing ownership and the boot makers stamp/label should show USA as well.

I have ours made in Oklahoma by Loveless.


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18 February 2016, 23:52
McKay
Ive had both loveless and JB HIll make me elephant boots. Prefer the JB Hill. My everyday boot is a pair of JB HIlls. Going on 4 years now and I wear them everyday.


Mac

19 February 2016, 02:57
sandyhunter
In Texas, you'd be hard pressed to find a better boot maker than Armando Duarte Rios of Raymondville. The most famous ranching families from the Rio Grande Valley use him. He makes trips to more northern parts of the state to take measurements and orders from time-to-time.

http://www.raymondville-chroni...ne_Star_States_.html

169 N 7th St
Raymondville, Texas 78580
(956) 689-3521
19 February 2016, 04:07
Sean Russell
M L Leddy's in San Angelo make my boots, I looked and each pair has both a sewn in" Leddy's custom boots, made in the USA label" and a serial number in them.

The major problem is the 16 month backlog.

I have seen hunting shoes made from buffalo-Courteneys-, they seemed nice. I have worn elephant boots since high school so I know why I am getting there.

Sounds like I need to try a pair of buffalo boots-I can always have another pair of elephants made.

I might even put a traction sole on them instead of leather.


"The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane." Mark Twain
TANSTAAFL

www.savannagems.com A unique way to own a piece of Africa.

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19 February 2016, 04:19
jdollar
I have both. Prefer the elephant( more comfortable). FWIW, I have been wearing a pair of elephant Courtney's into the US from Africa(as well as back from Germany last Sept) for about 10 years with no issues. Have had 2 different Customs agents comment on what a nice grain the leather had. Go figure.....


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19 February 2016, 06:48
Blair 338RUM
Elephant is definitely more durable in my experience.

Traction sole would be good on either boot.
19 February 2016, 07:49
Sean Russell
Blair-these are riding/cowboy boots, that the only reason i go with leather--if they they work when its time to resole i probably will go with a traction sole


"The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane." Mark Twain
TANSTAAFL

www.savannagems.com A unique way to own a piece of Africa.

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19 February 2016, 10:57
lavaca
Sean,

I'm thinking about having a pair made at the Texas Outfitting place next to Carter's Country in Houston (off of I-10). If not there, off to my home country in South Texas.
19 February 2016, 18:05
DrScott
Mike Vaughn in Bowie, Texas made my boots from the hide of a Cape Buffalo I shot. I really like them but they do take some wearing to break them in. Mike says buffalo is the second toughest leather as far as ease of breaking in that he has worked with.

http://mikevaughnhandmadeboots.com/

He currently has a 2 year backlog so if you want boots quick he is not your best bet.