Anyone had experience using leather on thier boats?

I was reading the sailmakers book, it turns out they still use real leather to reenforce the corners of the sails against chafe.

I was just wondering if anyone here has used it on thier kayaks. Might be nice for a paddle handle ( like its done on oars),

cockpit openings ( could even be padded),

or for that matter ( though expensive $$ ) having a real 'skin boat'. Though I'd stick to cow leather.

I'm in Texas folks, leather can be had cheap. :)