Leather Blacksmith Aprons | Heavy Split-Leg Hide

Leather Blacksmith Aprons
At the forge and anvil you deal with scale, sparks and radiant heat. A leather blacksmith apron with full coverage and a split leg is the standard, and buffalo hide is the usual pick because it takes scale and hot debris without pitting straight through.
Forge requirements

Heavy hide, usually buffalo, around 1.3 to 1.4 mm, to take scale and sparks
Full chest-to-knee or chest-to-shin coverage for work at the anvil and the fire
A split leg so you can stand square to the anvil and move between the fire and the vice
Adjustable cross-back straps rated to carry a heavy apron all day
Metal hardware only, since synthetic buckles can soften near heat

How thick should a leather blacksmith apron be
Thicker than a kitchen apron. Buffalo hide around 1.3 to 1.4 mm gives a good balance between stopping hot scale and still letting you move and bend at the anvil. Going much heavier makes the apron stiff and tiring to wear for a full session.
Care
Knock off scale, wipe the apron with a dry cloth, and keep it away from standing water. Condition the leather a few times a year. Burn marks and hardened spots are normal at the forge and do not weaken the apron.
Common questions
Split leg or straight? Split for anvil work and moving around the shop; straight if you mostly stand at one station. A split leg is the safer default for general smithing.
Buffalo or cowhide? Buffalo for the forge. See the wider leather apron range.