Our velvet leather is our replacement for elk (which is facing a shortage) and honestly, it was for the best. This leather is custom made for us in a small batch tannery in France. It is even softer than elk but still has the same dense heaviness. It has less stretch which means more consistency in the tails and less wear and tear over time.
It falls on the thuddy side and is heavier than deer but lighter than bison and water buffalo. I would recommend it for medium intensity play.
