Flat skins, back skins, hides part II

[Mr. 16 gauge]

All the rugs, pillows, chairs, wall hangings are cool and quite beautiful, but I'm wondering if anyone has had their hides tanned into leather and made into more "practical" items. I used to work with a surgeon who claimed to have a pair of boots made from cape buffalo hide and he said that they wore like iron. I've also seen wallets & shoes made out of ostrich skin.
I have a keen interest in primitive skills/traditional black powder and make things out of leather such as shooting bags, moccasins, knife sheaths, etc. Thought it might be cool to make some gear from some of the African game.....but I'm wondering what the cost might be, and would it be worth it to have the tanning done in S.A. or have the hides dip/packed and then shipped to the States for processing.
On a side note: I posted this question once before on this site, but it didn't get much of a response. Has anyone ever had a pistol/revolver holster made from zebra hide? Supposedly, horse hide is the natural product of choice for holster material, but is very, very difficult to obtain anymore.....the last horsehide holster I bought cost me over $200, but I think that the leather is superior to cow hide or kydex. Was just curious as to whether or not zebra hide was of similar use........

 

[rinehart0050]

I think this was posted by someone a while back- these guys make holsters with exotic leathers:

http://www.andrewsleather.com/exotic/exoticindex.html

 

[Philip Glass]

You can get them tanned over there. Just tell them what you want to do with it so they can tan accordingly. When they are sent home there may be further processing done. I know there are many places that make gloves and coats from your own deer or furs here so there must be many who will do holsters etc.
I think it is a good idea to have a plan for your skins. I advise people to forget about back skins unless, like yourself, they have a plan for their use.
Best of luck,
Philip