I looked at leather vests at the C & W store locally.  Way to expensive like 3 times as much.  It looks great and it almost feels like armor when I put it on.  Damn tough.  They also included extra snaps for the inevitable accident where they hang on something or give out from wear and tear.  I've had expensive all weather jackets that still had to have snaps replaced but I didn't have any and had to change all of them out.  The only negative I have is that I needed something between medium and small.  I just lost a ton of weight and went from large/extra-large to something between medium and small.  I'm not exchanging it as I am sure I will fill back out some.  What I should have done was get one that was lace up or that had the strap in the back.  But I am so impressed I am going to keep it.  I will update this as needed.
Hope this helps.