While Forge-Aprons started out making protective leather aprons exclusively for blacksmiths, it soon became apparent that there was a demand by a variety of metal workers for custom made leather aprons. This apron was made in response to a request from a metal-shaper who works sheet metal on a pneumatic hammer. Occasionally, the hammer causes the sheet metal to buck into his chest so we added padding to the chest area to help protect him. The padding consists of two layers of 1/4 neoprene foam under a second layer of tough, top grain leather. If you have a custom need for your protective leather apron, contact us, we would be happy to help you out. Visit www.forge-aprons.com for more information.