TYPES OF LEATHER
No other fabric can compare with the unique textures, rich colors, strength, or smell of real leather. It’s in a category all its own with different sizes, weights, types, and prices. The joy of working with real leather is all in the longevity of the finished projects, garments, and accessories that last well beyond the years of any other fabric or fiber.
Below is a general categorization of the many types of leather:
| Leather Type | Description | Tannage | Used for: |
| Bridle | Firm, rich-colored leather with just enough oils to withstand weather. Can be oiled for darker hues. | Vegetable | Belts, straps, fine pet collars, leashes, gun belts. |
| Chrome Oil Tanned | Beautiful, durable leather with the right amount of oil for a soft, supple feel. | Chrome | Chaps, cases & bags, boots. |
| Kipskin | Produced from smaller calf hides and generally very clean. Good for dye and stamping. | Vegetable Re-tanned | Belt liners, personal leather goods. |
| Latigo | A combination tanned leather designed to be rigid yet very pliable. Good for products in which strength and flexibility are needed. | Chrome Vegetable Re-tanned | Tack, straps, belts, pet collars, leashes, cinches. |
| Vegetable Tan Strap, Tooling & Molding | Leather for tooling, embossing, molding, dyeing & oiling. Uniformly absorbs dyes and oils. Dries to a firm, long-lasting shape. | Vegetable | Belts, straps, holsters & sheaths. |
| Shearlings & Sheepskins | Quality wool sheepskins in a variety of thicknesses. | Vegetable & Chrome tanned varieties | Lining saddles, padding, ect. |
| Suede | Leather finished by buffing the flesh side of the hide to produce a “nap”. | Chrome | Chaps, garments, trim. |
| Upholstery | Whole hides tanned for applications where large pieces of leather are required. Typically soft, supple, strong and durable. | Chrome | Upholstery, garments. |
HIDE SIZES, SECTIONS & SURFACE VARIATIONS
Hides come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the animal the hide originates from. The following are diagrams and average sizes for various types.
For a cowhide, the below diagram illustrates the various sections the raw hide
 |
Hide Area Descriptions
a. Cheek b. Face c. Shoulder (double) d. Fore shank e. Belly |
f. Bend
g. Butt h. Belly Middle i. Hind Shank |
The below diagram illustrates the various surface variations that can occur on a cow hide:
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Aficionados series leather
Aficionado leather is a limited edition leather that is full grain in nature and you are able to antique with the correct skilled artisan is Tasked
Also available in embossed patterns as shown
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Rustic timeline series leather
Rustic Timeline Inspired by the riches of the earth, this full-bodied leather has a soft wax finish that exudes sophisticated elegance. Available in an exquisite palette of cool neutrals and rich earth tones, this is a classic leather that will upholster beautifully and develop a rich patina with time and with age. Crafted from the finest selection of European hides, the leather is milled ever so gently to offer a subtle break that highlights the natural tones in its smooth matt finish that will be enhanced over time. Durable with a dense structure and intense depth, it is ideal for the perfect handbag to a truly classic club chair.
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Rustic Lodge Series
Rustic Lodge Series is an old world aged leather with a buttery hand. Aniline dyed for color, Lodge then receives a unique oil and wax treatment
to create the dramatic crackle effect.Offering a traditional appeal featuring a rich mix of color, the Lodge collection is a versatile leather perfect for today's shifting styles.Produced on select European cowhides, natural characteristics such as healed scars blend with the natural look of Lodge. Every hide will have an individual personality with the evident touches of mother nature. This leather will only improve with age and provide a rich distressed look for years to come.
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Rustic Leather Series Leathers (Top Grain Pull Up Leather)
This Particular wax pull-up has a distinctive look when pulled, producing a brilliant burst of colour. Vibrant sheen, delicate surface
Rustic leather is the leather of choice when elegance and luxury are desired for upholstery applications. Now available in many popular colours.
This leather is a natural product. Distinctive Markings and nuances in its texture that natural in occurrence and a testament limits authenticity.
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Emboss Leather program
This Is a custom feature that will be priced in store
These Leathers are all heat ingrained with a pattern that repeats. Can be made with a Crocodile Embossment, paisley print along with many more
this leather. Accent any sofas face plate bottom bands and perhaps even window panel your back cushions
Content: Full Grain, Aniline
Finish: Solid Oil and pull Up
Raw Material: From European
Avg hide Size: 50 FT2