Leather is a durable and flexible material created by tanning animal skin. It is a light and strong material that can be cut and shaped easily! Leather is used to make a variety of items, including footwear, automobile seats, clothing, bags, book bindings, fashion accessories, furniture, saddles, and many more.

Key Takeaways

• Leather production is dominated by cow hide (65%), with significant contributions from sheep (15%) and pigs (11%), making it primarily a by-product of the food industry

• The leather manufacturing process involves three main stages: pre-tanning, tanning, and crusting, each crucial for creating durable and flexible leather

• Full-grain leather, particularly Crazy Horse Leather, represents the highest quality and most durable form of leather available

• Different animal sources provide unique leather characteristics - from the water-resistant properties of Morocco (goat leather) to the softness of sheepskin

• Quality leather products can last 50-60 years with proper care, making them a valuable long-term investment

Our Leather Craftsmanship Heritage

At Steel Horse Leather, our expertise in leather craftsmanship spans generations of dedicated artisans who have mastered the intricate art of leather working. Our master craftsmen don't just create leather products; they bring decades of traditional leather-working knowledge to every piece they produce. This deep understanding of leather properties and manufacturing processes allows us to provide not just products, but authentic insights into the world of premium leather goods.

We take pride in our holistic approach to leather sourcing and production. Our team has extensively researched and vetted numerous leather suppliers, giving us comprehensive knowledge of every aspect of the leather-making process - from raw hide selection to the final finishing touches. This hands-on experience with various types of leather, particularly our specialty Crazy Horse Leather, enables us to share detailed, practical insights about leather characteristics, care, and longevity. Our commitment to transparency means we can confidently guide you through the intricacies of leather quality and manufacturing processes discussed in this article.

The Historical Significance of Leather in Human Culture

Leather has played a vital role throughout human history, serving not only as a practical material but also as a symbol of status and cultural identity across various civilizations. From prehistoric times, early humans utilized animal hides to create protective garments, armor, and shelter, showcasing leather's utility in survival. As societies evolved, leather became integral in trade, craftsmanship, and artistic expression; for example, the ancient Egyptians used leather in their ceremonial attire and decorations, while the Romans crafted intricate leather goods that signified wealth and power. The significance of leather is further highlighted in religious contexts, where it often held symbolic meanings, such as purity and sacrifice. Today, leather continues to evoke a sense of heritage and tradition, reminding us of its enduring legacy in human culture and craftsmanship. This rich history enriches our appreciation for leather products, making them not just functional items but also storytellers of our shared humanity.

Origins and Sources of Leather

Real leather is commonly made from cow-hide, but other animal skins can also be used such as goats or buffalos. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors hunt animals for food. They, later on, discovered that the skins of these animals could also be used as clothing to prevent them from elements such as heat and cold. In modern times, different types of leather originating from different animals are used to make leather. In fact, 65% of these manufactured leather comes from cows, followed by sheep (15%), Pigs (11%), and other animals (9%) which mostly composed exotic animals.

Cowhide

Cowhides are considered as by-products of the food industry. However, instead of throwing away the skins, they are delivered to the tannery to be manufactured into good quality leather. These leathers are then transformed into your favorite designer shoes and bags!

Sheepskin

Sheep produce thick wool instead of hair. Sheepskin is known for its durability and softness. Leather made from sheepskin is usually used to make winter clothing such as your leather jackets, gloves, or fluffy slippers!

Berkshire

Berkshire is a type of leather made from Pigskin! It is dense, durable, and has a soft feel which are similar qualities as goatskin. In fact, in 1852, tanner used Berkshire as an affordable substitute to goatskin.

Morocco

Morocco or goat leather has a smooth and fine grain with a supple feel. It is also preferably used by others because it is water-resistant and can easily be air-dried.

Others

Other animals are also used for leather such as crocodiles, snakes, seals, fish, kangaroos, horses, cats, and dogs. In fact, the most expensive leather is made from exotic animals such as crocodiles! A product made from this material would last up to 50-60 years if well-taken care of.

The Leather Manufacturing Process

Making leather is a tough process. The process includes mainly 3 stages namely, pre-tanning, tanning, and crusting. Each of these stages is thoroughly discussed as follows:

Preparatory Stage/Pre-Tanning

In this stage, the skin is prepared for the process of tanning and unwanted particles are removed from it. After arriving at the tannery, the rawhide is soaked in water to remove the excess salt used in preservation. For this purpose, large revolving drums that contain 200 hides per rotation are used. After that, hair and epidermis are removed. A solution of lime (Calcium Hydroxide) and Sodium Sulfide is applied to make it soft and flexible. Finally, the hide is split into two layers: grain (top) and suede(bottom part).

Tanning

Tanning is the conversion of animal proteins from raw skin into a stable material. During this step, a tanning agent is applied onto the rawhide. After tanning, the material becomes more durable and less susceptible to decomposition.

Crusting

In this step, the animal hide is thinned, retained, and lubricated. It follows the following short processes: Splitting, Stuffing, Drying, and Conditioning

Splitting

Splitting is a process where the leather is sliced into thin layers. A splitting machine slices the leather according to the desired thickness. The layer without a grain surface can be turned into suede.

Dyeing

Leather is dyed into a variety of colors depending on the design. Some leathers are only dyed on their surface. While some are completely penetrated with the dye.

Stuffing

Fats, oils, and waxes are added between the fibers to make the leather soft. Without these oils, the leather will become hard as it dries.

Drying and Conditioning

Leather is dried and conditioned to keep it soft, and supple.

Types of Leather

Full-grain or Top Grain Leather

The top or Full-Grain Leather is the strongest and most durable portion of the hide. Full-Grain Leather is used to make Crazy Horse Leather. This type of leather has not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed; thus, it retains its original and natural characteristics. Crazy Horse Leather is regarded as the highest quality leather and is used to make our leather products.

Suede

Suede is the bottom part of the hide. It has a velvety and rough texture.

Reconstituted Leather

Reconstituted leather, also known as bonded leather, is a cheap alternative to real leather. It is of poor quality and tends to get damaged easily. Reconstituted leather is made from a mix of real and fake leather. Manufacturers take leftover scraps, grind them into a pulp, stick them together, and attach it to a polyurethane (PU) overlay.

Craftsmanship Spotlight: The Dagny Weekender

At Steel Horse Leather, our dedication to premium leather craftsmanship is exemplified in our Dagny Weekender. This full-grain leather travel companion represents our commitment to combining functionality with timeless elegance. Drawing from our extensive experience with Crazy Horse Leather, we designed this weekender to address common travel challenges while maintaining the highest standards of leather craftsmanship.

The bag's development was driven by our understanding that modern travelers need more than just storage space. Through careful consideration of leather properties and user needs, we incorporated multiple interior pockets for organized storage, including dedicated space for laptops and accessories. One of our proudest features is the ultra-soft leather handle, which we specifically engineered to provide superior grip comfort during extended carry times.

The Dagny Weekender showcases the natural beauty and durability of full-grain leather while offering practical features like a removable shoulder strap, making it a perfect example of how traditional leather craftsmanship can meet contemporary needs.

Future of Leather: Innovations and Alternatives

As we look to the future, the leather industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by innovations and a growing demand for sustainable practices. Technological advancements are paving the way for more efficient production methods, which not only reduce waste but also minimize the environmental impact associated with traditional tanning processes. For instance, the development of plant-based tanning agents has emerged as a promising alternative, offering a more eco-friendly approach while maintaining the high quality and durability that leather is known for. Additionally, the rise of bio-fabricated and vegan leathers is reshaping consumer perceptions and preferences, providing ethical alternatives that appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. This fusion of tradition and innovation is not only revolutionizing leather production but also ensuring that the industry can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world, ultimately creating a more sustainable future for leather goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Tell If I'm Buying Genuine Leather?

Genuine leather has natural imperfections, a distinct smell, and feels warm to the touch. Look for terms like "full-grain" or "top-grain" and avoid "reconstituted" or "bonded" leather, which are lower quality alternatives.

What's The Best Way To Care For Leather Products?

Keep leather products away from direct sunlight and heat sources, clean them regularly with appropriate leather cleaners, and condition them periodically to maintain moisture and prevent cracking.

Why Is Exotic Leather So Expensive?

Exotic leather, such as crocodile skin, commands higher prices due to limited availability, strict regulations on sourcing, complex processing requirements, and superior durability, often lasting 50-60 years with proper care.

Is Leather Production Environmentally Sustainable?

As a by-product of the meat industry, leather production helps reduce waste. However, the tanning process can have environmental impacts, leading many manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices and eco-friendly tanning methods.

How Does Weather Affect Leather Products?

Leather can be sensitive to extreme weather conditions. Excessive moisture can cause swelling and potential damage, while dry conditions can lead to cracking. Different types of leather, such as Morocco (goat leather), offer better weather resistance than others.

Conclusion

Leather is an amazing material that has been around for ages. It is regarded as a great investment that is suitable for everyday use. If well taken care of, it could last for ages! It is important to invest in high-quality leather bags made from genuine Crazy Horse Leather. It is guaranteed to last for a long time, and even become more beautiful over time. For more high-quality Crazy Horse Leather Bags, visit our shop!