Leather 101
Leather 101
Be informed about your products before you buy. Far too long “genuine leather” has been marketed as the highest grade leather - don't fall for low-quality or fake leather!
It is important to know the leather types and the terms that you will come across while hunting for high-quality products. All our goods are made with selected full-grain, the first layer or top-grain genuine cow leather.
What is Full-Grain Leather?
In short, Full Grain Leather is the outermost layer of the hide. This is the toughest and most durable element of the hide of an animal, situated just below the coat. The grain pattern in this section of the hide is very compact which is why this particular leather has been titled "full-grain" leather. The diagram below illustrates the different layers of a leather:
Full-Grain Leather is the strongest and most durable leather there is, and over time it will improve in quality and texture, as nothing ages better than a quality piece of premium leather. Full-Grain Leather will only intensify it's stately charm. It will do so by developing a polish from being handled as opposed to other types of leather which can and will ultimately diminish with wear.
Full-Grain Leather refers to hides that have not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed (as opposed to top-grain or corrected leather) to remove imperfections (or natural marks) on the surface of the hide. The grain remains to allow the fiber strength and durability. The grain also has breathability, resulting in less moisture from prolonged contact.
However, even the highest quality full-grain leather will have small irregularities, which makes it all the more unique. From healed scrapes where the animal possibly brushed against a wired fence, to insect bites or thicker surface areas and neck wrinkles, or even vein marks. These slight irregularities are embraced and incorporated into our products to showcase its natural individuality and handcrafted nature.
What is Top-Grain Leather?
Top-Grain Leather (the most common type in high-end leather products) is made when full-grain surface has been lightly sanded and a finish coat added. It helps to remove the scratches and irregularities of the outer surface and makes the leather more pliable, or easy to bend. Top-grain has greater stain resistance than full-grain leather if the finish remains unbroken.
Crazy Horse Leather
Recently there has been an overwhelming craze about the Crazy Horse Leather. People have been asking what exactly is crazy horse leather and how it is made.
How is it made?
Crazy horse leather which also can be called saddle leather is made by applying a special kind of wax to a full grain leather surface that has been smoothed out. The wax enhances the leather fibers and that way when they are scratched or rubbed, the leather's natural color changes its shade that gives the antique, vintage appearance.
Why is it called the Crazy Horse Leather?
Crazy horse leather does not come from horses rather it got its name because this type of leather has been very popular with horse saddles as long as time could tell. Hence, why it's nick name is “Saddle Leather”.
Crazy Horse Leather will absorb the oils from your hands, adding character. This natural process will cause the leather to form a glossy layer making the material look even more exceptional than before. When scraped, it will change its color and will give it a worn-out appearance. This allows for a rugged, mature and edgy look to your product.
Why does the Crazy Horse Leather feel 'waxy' and look like it has scratches on it?
The process of making the Crazy Horse Leather is by applying a wax to the leather which creates a unique effect just by giving it little rubs and scratches, it will cause small changes to the material's shade and appearance. This gives it a unique rustic, vintage look which ages beautifully over time. Naturally, through wear and tear, the crazy horse will leave scratches, the scratched areas and rubbed areas that show the changes in the shades of colors truly reflects the vintage look. So don’t be alarmed if your bag gets a scratch or two, it adds to the beautiful patina of the fabric.
Advantages of Crazy Horse Leather
Crazy Horse Leather is very durable, strong, and of course, it gives a unique look and feel. This combines luxury and a vintage touch. With the wax applied to the leather, it protects the leather with water-resistant and makes it more durable.