The best lightweight riding gloves I've ever owned are a pair of Thurlow Deerskin gloves, that I bought from his factory, maybe 40 years ago. I've never been down wearing them so can't attest to their real protection, but independent studies have reported deerskin among the best leathers for abrasion resistance. I've treated them with leather stuff and re-did the black die to bring them back looking fresh again. They are in about the same condition as when new, so they have held up very well.
Sadly, Thurlow went out of business quite a few years back so that source is no longer available. I recall that Mr Thurlow passed away 20 or more years ago and his daughter closed the shop.
Looking for a new pair of work gloves, I was surprised to run across of excellent-appearing deerskin gloves at Home Depot. Yes, they are bright yellow, but in my use doing chores around the house, they are comfortable and seem to be quite good quality, so these might serve a reasonable replacement. And at about one third the cost pf the Thurlow gloves - $25! I've seen numerous current ads for Thurlow-replacement gloves for $100 and up.
Yet again, I saw a similar pair of yellow deerskin gloves at Harbor Freight for $16. Certainly a better deal for working in the yard, but I don't know that I'd trust those on the road.
Gary
Sadly, Thurlow went out of business quite a few years back so that source is no longer available. I recall that Mr Thurlow passed away 20 or more years ago and his daughter closed the shop.
Looking for a new pair of work gloves, I was surprised to run across of excellent-appearing deerskin gloves at Home Depot. Yes, they are bright yellow, but in my use doing chores around the house, they are comfortable and seem to be quite good quality, so these might serve a reasonable replacement. And at about one third the cost pf the Thurlow gloves - $25! I've seen numerous current ads for Thurlow-replacement gloves for $100 and up.
Yet again, I saw a similar pair of yellow deerskin gloves at Harbor Freight for $16. Certainly a better deal for working in the yard, but I don't know that I'd trust those on the road.
Gary