Ink stains are the worst. Whether it be on your leather couch, your leather bag, or other leather items. If left untreated these ink stains will probably leave a permanent mark on your leather. Covering the ink stain up is not a good option. Far worst, you do not want to throw away expensive leather just because of some stain. The best way is to clean the leather. But cleaning leather is a delicate job. You might ruin your leather more if you try to remove the ink stain. However, you need not worry. In this article, we will show you the proper method(s) of getting ink out of leather.How to Get Ink Stain Out of LeatherHow To Get Ink Out of Leather: The Sooner The BetterIf you are the owner of a handmade leather bag, you have probably noticed that over time it takes on a beautiful aged look. This is a desirable effect and you want to retain it for as long as possible. However, there are some problems associated with this look, specifically, ink stains. So how do you fix ink stains on your leather bag? This is a much more difficult task than removing ink from clothing or other fabrics. However, it is possible to remove ink stains from leather, so long as you take the right precautions and use the right products and tools.Ink stains are difficult to remove. The longer they stay on your leather the harder it is to get rid of them. Therefore, it is important that we remind you that the sooner you discover the ink stain, the better. Stains are easier to remove especially when it is still fresh. They are easier to handle and require less work. And in such a case, you may wipe the ink with a dry paper towel. Be careful not to spread the stain since it is still fresh. We suggest you dab the paper towel rather than wiping. Let the paper towel absorb the ink. Next is to use a small amount of moisturizing soap and water to clean what is left. Dry it off with a dry paper towel. How To Get Ink Out Of Leather: Your Cleaning OptionsIt is important to understand before cleaning your leather that it is a delicate material to clean. If you use the wrong cleaning solutions, your leather may dry out and end up craking. Fortunately, for us, there are some tried-and-true methods for cleaning leather. Specifically, from getting ink out of leather. Likewise, it is fortunate for us to have a number of options. These options may range from store-bought ink removers to things that you can find in your household. For ink stains that have been left untreated here are a couple of options for getting ink out of leather.cleaning ink stain off leather bagsOption 1: Leather CleanerThis the best option there is. If a leather cleaner is readily available we suggest you choose to clean your leather with this first. Moreover, there are leather cleaners that specialize in removing ink stains. We highly suggest you choose one that is made to remove ink stains over regular leather cleaners. However, if there are none, regular leather cleaners are still safe to use.The main reason why we highly suggest leather cleaners is that it does two things to your leather. First is that it cleans your leather. The second is that it will also moisturize and protection to your leather products. However, leather cleaners are not a substitute for leather conditioners. Furthermore, leather cleaners are easy to use, just be sure to follow the instructions on the label.If there are no leather cleaner’s available you can try these other ink removing options instead.Option 2: Soap And WaterSome stains are not as tough as others. Just like a fresh stain, you may remove ink stains just by using soap and water. Likewise, use a dry paper towel to soak up or remove the ink. Then use a damp paper towel and moisturizing soap and gently wipe the leather clean. Be sure to dry the leather once you are done. You may continue these steps until all the ink stains are gone.Option 3: Rubbing AlcoholThe next option in how to get ink out of leather is to use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can clean almost anything. You will only need three things: rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, and a blow dryer. The first step is to apply the alcohol to the ink. You may either apply it directly or apply it to the cotton and then wipe it on the stain. You may need more than a few cotton swabs for this project. Continue to do this until you remove all the stain. The next step is to dry the leather as quickly as possible. We suggest you use a blow dryer because it is easy to use and almost readily available in every household. This last step is crucial. While alcohol may clean most anything it will have an adverse effect if left too long on leather. Option 4: HairsprayThis option for how to get ink out of leather is easy to use however it is not the most environmentally friendly. According to others, hairspray is great not only for style but for cleaning fabric as well. Simply spray the ink-stained area until it is fully saturated. You may then use a dry paper towel or cloth and blot the area immediately. Be sure you soak up all the hairspray. This will breakdown the ink stain making it easier to clean. You may finish the cleaning process by applying water and moisturizing soap. Always make sure to dry the leather thereafter!Option 5: Perfume Or Nail Polish RemoverFinally, we have perfume or nail polish remover (acetone-based). When soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hairspray are not readily available you may use either of the two as your last option. Again you may use a cotton swab, a dry paper towel, or a dry cloth. Apply the perfume, cologne, or nail polish (acetone-based) on the stained area. Gently wipe off the stain and the “cleaning solution” as best as you can. Just to be safe, you may clean it with soap and water. We need to make sure that no alcohol or chemical is left on the leather. Otherwise, it would dry and eat the fabric up. Handmade Leather Duffel BagHow to Get Ink Out of Leather | Final Reminders Be sure to be as delicate as you can in removing the stains. Make sure to clean the area of dust and grime before proceeding to clean the stain off. A little dusting and wiping will do. Besides the leather cleaner, these options may possibly harm your leather. Therefore, always wipe off any excess. If possible, apply the leather conditioner after you remove the ink stain. This will not only moisturize the leather but will also give it an additional protective layer.

Full grain vs top grain leather. Does the distinction even matter? As matter of fact, it does. While both full-grain and top grain leather are among the highest quality of leather, they still have their differences. We will therefore identify which is full-grain leather and which is top grain. Likewise, we will look at how their characteristics and how they are similar and different from one another. Many people wonder what the difference is between full-grain leather and top grain leather. The difference lies in the finish of the leather. Top grain leather is one of the most versatile and durable leathers available, so it is widely used in commercial and retail leather goods. This type of leather is generally in the upper part of the hide (the thinner side), and is split to expose the surface of the grain. Full-grain leather is from the top layer, but also has a layer of grain that isn't split leather. It is because of this that the full-grain leather is the most durable and highest quality leather you can find. Full Grain vs Top Grain: Which Is Which? Before we pit full-grain leather vs top grain leather it is important to know which is which. For the untrained eye, the leather may look the same. However, not all leather is of the same kind and quality. Likewise, if you are looking for only the best quality of leather it is important to know which leather is which: full-grain vs top grain leather. A Cross-Section of an Animal Hide What Is Top Grain Leather? Top grain leather is the second-highest quality of leather among all leather types. This excludes faux leather since faux leather is technically not leather. Furthermore, among all leather types top grain leather is probably the most commonly used. This is because among all other types top grain leather offers a pristine look. Where Does Top Grain Leather Come From? Technically, top grain leather comes from real animal skin such as horse's skin or more commonly from cow's skin. But to be specific, all that skin is not all top grain leather. Top grain leather got its name for a very literal reason. Literally, the very top layer of the animal skin is either sanded, buffed, or shaved off. Many will commonly refer to this process as "splitting the leather" or just "splitting". Likewise, this process removes the top layer of the leather, taking with it the scars and marks on the animal skin. Therefore giving it a much more pristine look. A more refined look in comparison to full-grain leather as others would say. However, this process also removes the most durable outer layer of the leather. This will affect the leather's longevity by shaving more of the leather hide thickness, however, you will still have good quality leather. If you're like us, then you love to find great deals on high-quality leather products. But sometimes it's hard to know what's a good deal and what's a bad deal. Take top grain leather for example. Many people think that top grain leather is the best kind of leather around, but it's actually just one of six different leather types and second-best in quality. So, if you're looking to buy a new leather bag, backpack , satchel , or messenger bag this year, it's best to know what leather your bag is really made of. Why Do We Split Leather? Now you may be wondering "if splitting leather will reduce the leather's longevity, then what is the point?" Believe it or not, there many reasons why leather is split. One reason is that sometimes the animal skin is too thick and likewise difficult to handle. They will, therefore, split the leather laterally into thinner more workable layers. Another reason is to start with a fresh top surface, free from marks and scars. A fresh top also gives the leather artisan the opportunity to apply a variety of finishes to the leather that can enhance the natural grain pattern. What Is Full Grain Leather? Full-grain leather is the best among all leather types. Moreover, only the highest quality of animal skin can be made into full-grain leather. This may also be the reason why full-grain leather is expensive and that is because of its quality. Just like top grain leather, full-grain leather comes from animal skins. Full-grain leather however will not go through the sanding, burning, shaving process. Therefore it is safe to conclude that full-grain leather is made of the entire thickness of the grain. Likewise, the scars, grains, pores, and other textures are left intact. The Thorsen Backpack Full-Grain vs Top Grain Leather: Which Grain Is Better? While both full-grain and top grain leather are both high-quality leather they do have their differences. While many believe that top grain leather is inferior to full-grain leather it is important to keep an open mind. This is because different types of leather have their own advantages and disadvantages in comparison to others. Sometimes it can just be a matter of perspective and preference. They are both real leather. Regardless, here are some points on where the two differ. Quality When it comes to quality top grain leather only comes in second to full grain leather. This is because it retains all the natural grain. That fact, therefore, is significant in the overall durability, strength, and longevity of the leather. Cost The higher the quality, the higher the cost. Being the best of all leather grades, full grain leather costs more than top grain leather. There are many factors that affect the price difference. An easy example is the manufacturing cost. Since full-grain leather is unrefined it is thicker in comparison to top grain leather and more difficult to work with. Full grain is great for bags, but not so great for things like a leather jacket or leather sofa even though it is the best real leather. Likewise, it is much easier for manufacturers to work with top-grain since it is thinner and more workable. Another example would be how easy it is to procure the raw materials. Not all animal skin can be turned into full-grain leather. Only the highest quality of animal hide can be turned into good leather. On the other hand, if the animal hide is unfit to be full grain manufacturers may split the leather and remove the topmost layer for top grain. Appearance Here we see a significant difference between the two. This also makes distinguishing the two easier compared to other leather types. Full-grain is unique. It has visible imperfections such as scars and marks on its surface due to the animal's experience while it was still alive. On the other hand, the top-grain has no imperfection visible. This is because these imperfections are sanded down, removing its natural grain. You could say that top grain leather has a uniform look in contrast to full-grain leather. Both options are better than genuine leather, corrected leather, corrected grain leather, aniline leather, or bonded leather. The Welch Briefcase Aging Another significant difference between the two is the patina. Only full-grain leather will develop a patina as it ages . Patina only develops on the natural grain or topmost layer of the animal skin. By sanding down the natural grain the leather will be less breathable and prevent the patina from developing on its surface over time. Durability Full-grain leather will always be stronger and more durable than top grain leather. This is because by sanding down the top layer, you also sand off the strong fibers in the hide. It is the best solution for a quality leather product. Full Grain vs Top Grain: The Final Verdict In a match between full-grain vs top grain, the former will emerge as the winner. However, the other is still a good option. While technically full-grain is better, your preference and capacity to purchase also matters. One important thing to note is that they are both better than Genuine Leather. The important thing to remember is that either way they are both great investments to purchase and own leather good.

It’s the weekend! You know what that means: time to pack up the car and head out into the countryside. But what to take? Should you take the big suitcase, even though you know you won’t use all of the clothes it contains? Or should you take a smaller bag, even though you risk not having enough room for everything you need to take? The solution: a weekender bag!  Weekenders come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re a great solution for weekend trips where you want to look stylish, but also be practical. A weekender bag is simply a larger duffle or travel bag with long straps that you can wear across your body.What is a weekender you might ask? Well, a weekender can mean two things. First and according to the urban dictionary, a weekender is...a significant other who only comes around for the weekends. you barely see them during the week. they tend to disappear when you try to make plans during the week.While the other “weekender” is a type of bag. While the other meant a person and the other a bag their similarities are not far off. A Weekender carrying a weekender.So What is a Weekender?Technically, any bag can be a weekend bag. Because technically the main purpose of a weekender is for a quick weekend getaway bag. Large and spacious bags like a duffel bag, a satchel bag, or even a tote bag can be a weekend bag. This is because weekend bags should be big enough that it can carry a sufficient capacity of things for a couple of days. Preferably these days are over the weekend, hence the name. Intentionally it should have space to carry your clothing, toiletries, footwear, and other essentials. A True WeekenderHowever, if we are going to be specific, a weekend bag is a type of bag, and it is not just any bag used for the weekends. A true weekender bag is large, but not too large to be a suitcase. Like a duffel bag, it is a cylindrical bag with no clear frame or structure. Likewise, it has a soft-sided exterior with a huge zippered closure going from one end of the bag to the other. The interior of a weekend bag will be open and roomy. It will probably have a few pockets or compartments on the inside for small items. Some weekenders also have pockets on the outside and a shoe compartment. Imagine how this bag maximizes its utility. However, a typical weekender will have no compartments on the inside. Mainly because of the existence of Dopp kits.Likewise, a weekend bag also has two carry handles and a long carrying strap. These straps come in extra handy especially when you are carrying a heavy load. They are also adjustable, removable, and padded for comfort. Finally, weekenders are usually made of nylon, leather, or waxed canvas. Different fabric materials will offer different levels of durability, comfort, and style. It is therefore important to know what your weekend bag is made of before making a purchase.The Dagny WeekenderThe Weekender vs The Duffel BagThey look the same so what is the difference? Basically, there is none. They are the same. However, technically a weekender is a variant of a duffel bag. The weekend bag’s design in some way is different from the original duffel bag style. Moreover, a weekend bag is a name used to define a duffel bag for a specific purpose and a tweak in the design. Specifically, for weekend trips. This is possible because of the versatility of the duffel bag. Its original design is spacious, convenient, and good for travel. Exactly what a weekend bag should be but with a few extra steps.Why You Need OneIf you frequently travel the weekender is perfect for you. Ready to go out on an adventure any time, a weekend bag is all you need. It is just the perfect size for a quick getaway. It is not too small so as to fit your essentials likewise it is not too big to cause an inconvenience. Its size is built for travel, as fits perfectly above you on the overhead bins or below if you have the extra legroom. For those who do not travel frequently or do not travel at all a weekend bag is still perfect for any occasion. Because it is a variant of the duffel bag, a weekender is also a very versatile bag. While it is primarily for quick getaways, you may use it for different activities such as going to the gym. It has plenty of space for extra clothes, extra shoes, and an extra water bottle. The Dagny WeekenderThe Best Weekender BagBecause of many variations in material and manufacturing procedures, weekend bags are not one and all the same. If you are looking for a weekend bag that will be the right fit for you, here are a few things to look out for. MaterialThe first thing that you will look out for is the material. If you are looking for the best weekend bag the materials need to be durable and strong. It must be able to withstand a lot of weight and frequent travels. Most common are either canvas or leather. Both bags are known to be strong and incredibly durable. It will then matter which material you prefer and the capacity you have to purchase it. Why is Leather a Good Material for a Weekender?Leather is one of those things you take for granted until you don’t have it. It’s a material that’s been used for thousands of years, and it’s stood the test of time because it’s tough, durable, and resists becoming brittle in extreme weather conditions. It’s also relatively easy to care for. (There’s a reason leather lasts so long.)Real leather is for many people the ultimate bag material: it’s instantly recognizable, it ages beautifully with time, and it feels right at home in formal settings but doesn’t look out of place at the office, either. (It’s also a very traditional material for bags of all kinds.)Leather is a good material for a weekender bag because it is durable and flexible enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear that comes with having a busy schedule and going to and from the office.StitchingIt is not enough that you choose the best materials, it also equally important to look at the craftsmanship. A strong and durable bag is only as good as its stitching. Because no matter how high the quality of the material is if it is poorly made then it will break as easily with low-quality material. This is very important especially if you are packing heavy.Be sure to look closely at the stitching patterns. Take a closer look especially around the load-bearing areas which will receive more pressure. Strong stitching is done in a way that no matter which direction you pull it will stay in place.Zippers, Straps, and HandlesA good weekender bag will have a strong zipper and strong shoulder straps. For you to maximize the capacity of your bag a strong zipper is necessary. This will prevent the bag and its contents from bursting open. The stronger the zipper the more likely it is able to stay closed even if at maximum capacity.Likewise, when you are carrying a full load you will also be carrying heavier weight. Shoulder straps will ease the burden of carrying a heavy load. However, these straps must be strong enough to handle a considerable amount of weight. A strong handle is likewise important for the same reason. It must be strong enough to handle a heavy load.The Asta WeekenderThere are many things to look at, but these points should be your focus on choosing the best weekend bag. While your preference matters, it is important to know which is better than the other. Furthermore, if you are looking for top quality leather weekenders be sure to check our shop. Check out our guide on what to look for when buying a leather weekender duffel bagSteele Horse Leather Co. | Shop

Half conditioner and half unconditioned leather bagCongratulations! You are now a proud owner of a leather item. Maybe you were feeling special and bought the Dagny Weekender from Steel Horse Leather Co. Or maybe you got it as a gift for Christmas. Regardless you now own a leather duffel bag. However, owning a leather bag is not the end of it. Leather, like many other things, needs to be taken care of. To take care of your leather you will need a leather conditioner. You can buy leather conditioners around stores, especially those that sell specialize in leather. However, if you do not have access to these stores you can try some homemade leather conditioners. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make homemade leather conditioners. The Dagny WeekenderWhy Should I Condition My Leather?This is very important whenever you own leather. Since leather is an organic material it will eventually degrade. Without proper care leather will dry-up, crack, break, or peel. This the result of the leather fibers becoming weak because of frequent use. In other words leather, no matter how strong and durable, is still prone to wear and tear. We, however, are not advising you to use your leather bag less frequently. Albeit we would happily advise you to use it as much as you want. We do advise that you properly take care of your leather. Cleaning your leather is just one thing. You need to condition your leather as well. Owning leather is such a great investment that the effort put into cleaning and maintaining it will all be worth it. However, you do not need to go the extra mile and purchase expensive leather conditioners. Homemade leather conditioners will do the job just as fine. What Does Leather Conditioner Do To You Leather?To keep it simple, leather conditioners rehydrate the leather. Leather is prone to drying up, especially when you frequently expose it to sunlight. Leather conditioners also protect the leather from different elements that may damage your leather. Elements such as sunlight, sea or rainwater, and other natural oils. Both store-bought and homemade leather conditioners will rehydrate and protect your leather. Keeping the fibers strong and protected. To learn more about what leather conditioners can do check out this link below. The link will redirect you to another window on our website.What Does Leather Conditioner Do?Now on to making homemade leather conditioners!Homemade Leather ConditionersThere are many reasons to try out a “Do It Yourself” homemade leather conditioner. You might not have access to stores that sell them, or you are looking for alternatives already available in your household. Whatever the reason is, making leather homemade leather conditioners is a fun and adventurous way to take care of your leather.What You Will NeedThe tools and ingredients that you will need will most likely be already available at your home. If not, these things may also be available at your local supermarkets.Tools A saucepan (preferably medium size) A measuring cup Measuring spoons A Wooden Spoon Tins to hold an store the homemade leather conditioner (heat-resistant glass or plastic containers works too) Ingredients Solid Beeswax (2 tablespoons) Coconut butter or Shea Butter (2 tablespoons) Sweet almond oil - if you have a nut allergy you may use grapeseed oils as a substitute (1/4 cup) Castor Oil (1/4 cup) Making The Homemade Leather Conditioner The first step is to measure your ingredients. We have already added the basic measurements above but to reiterate you will be measuring 2 Tablespoons of coconut/shea butter, 2 Tablespoons of beeswax, 1/4 cup sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil, and 1/4 cup of castor oil. These basic measurements have a ratio of 1/2 part butter: 1/2 part beeswax: 2 parts oil. You can therefore increase the basic measurements by following this ratio if wish to make more in one go. Melt the shea butter and beeswax together in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir it constantly to avoid burning. You may also want to avoid the mixture from boiling. Next is to add the sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil. Do this while you still stirring the pan. After the almond oil is fully incorporated into the mixture you may now add the castor oil. Continue to stir the pan for 4-5 minutes to fully blend the ingredients together. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Finally, pour the mixture into your containers. Allow them to cool before using them. Tweaking The Ratio It is possible to change the firmness of your homemade leather conditioner by adjusting the ratio. For example, more beeswax or shea butter will result in a paste-like firmer mixture. Likewise, increasing the amount of almond oil and/or castor oil will make the homemade leather conditioners softer.Using Your Homemade Leather Conditioner First, before applying the homemade leather conditioner be sure to clean your leather. Dust your leather with a clean dry cloth. Use a leather cleaner to clean the leather. You can also use a mild shampoo or baby soap as an alternative. Make sure not to submerge your leather in water. This may damage the leather. Next, is to do a spot test. This is a very important step. May it be store-bought or homemade leather conditioners. Always do a spot test of the product. Apply a small amount to the leather. Moreover, make sure you apply it in an inconspicuous area of your leather bag. Allow the spot test to dry. Refer to the next step on how to apply the conditioner. Next is to apply the conditioner. Put a small amount of your homemade conditioner onto a clean, lint-free cloth. Apply the leather in a circular motion and be delicate. Likewise, take special attention to seams and corners.Do not apply the conditioner directly onto the leather. After you finish applying the conditioner use a soft, dry cloth and gently buff the surface. Likewise, take special attention to the seams and corners. Lastly, allow the homemade leather conditioner and the leather to dry before use. For better results, we advise you to repeat this process every 2-6 months. Although how frequently you condition your leather depends on your climate. The more humid your place is the less conditioning you will do and vice versa. Final RemindersMake sure to clean and condition your leather from time to time. This will keep your leather strong and durable. Likewise, conditioning your leather will make it last longer and therefore develop that beautiful patina. Moreover, be sure to buy only the best quality leather. Faux leather cannot be conditioned since it is made of synthetic materials. If you want to buy leather better buy the real thing. We ensure the purchase will be totally worth it. To learn more about faux leather and how to tell them apart from real leather visit our site. Just click on the link below for more articles about leather.The Journal | Steel Horse Leather Co.

“How to tell real leather from fake leather?” This is a fairly common concern for those who are planning to buy leather for the first time. However, there is no need to worry. We will help you how to well real leather from fake leather apart from one another. With these simple tips and tricks, you will feel like a leather expert in no time. Telling them apart will never be a problem ever again.The Dagny WeekenderTelling Real Leather From Fake: Why Is It Important?Before we go on talking about how to tell real leather from fake let us first talk about the reason why you should tell them apart.It is amazing what science can do. Because of science, we can replicate leather without using animal skin. These copies are known as fake leather. However, they are better known as faux leather. Faux leather looks like real leather. Likewise, it feels like real leather. However, faux leather is not as good as real leather. Real leather is strong, durable, and it ages with beauty. While faux leather feels and looks similar it is not as strong and as durable as real leather.There are also issues when it comes to using faux leather. While both are prone to wear and tear, faux leather tends to crack and peel off. While these problems also occur for real leather, it is likely to occur especially with proper care. It is important to tell real leather from fake before these problems occur.Another reason why it is important to tell real leather from fake leather is because of the many ambiguous marketing terms used by companies to sell their products. For example, it is a common practice to brand a product as genuine leather or “made with genuine leather”. This is however often made to mislead consumers. The truth is these products are only partly made with real leather. Therefore, it is always important to tell real leather from fake and get what you pay for. At Steel Horse Leather, we only use Full Grain Crazy Horse Leather for our handmade leather bags. A Faux Leather Hand BagTips and Tricks When the time comes when you decide to invest in leather make sure to buy the real thing. Avoid those misleading marketing schemes and get what you pay for. Here are some tips and tricks on how to tell real leather from fake leather.Check The LabelThis may be one of the first things that you should do when trying to buy leather. It may seem obvious but it actually helps. Leather manufacturers take pride in what they produce. Therefore, it is only right to tag or label their products as real leather. If the label says “100% leather” or “full-grain/top-grain leather” or “genuine leather” then you are on the right track. Fake leathers also have labels and tags on them. Some may truthfully say that it is made with synthetic materials. If you see “man-made material” on the label it is a sign that it is fake leather. Just a reminder however that checking the label will guarantee that the leather is 100% real. This is because companies like to mislead their consumers. Some might have labels such as “made with genuine leather” but are not purely real leather. Therefore, while check the label is a good practice it is sometimes not enough.Check The Price TagsCheck the price. While everybody loves a good deal, sometimes they are too good to be true. Of course real leather is much more expensive than faux leather. Be Intimate With The LeatherAnother way of telling real leather from fake leather is by using your basic senses. While the goal of faux leather is to imitate real leather the best they can there are still things it cannot copy. Look At The LeatherSometimes telling them apart is obvious especially by just looking at it. If you look close enough you will see the difference between real leather and fake leather. For real leather, you will notice that its surface structure is not completely uniform. It will often have scars, blemishes, and other imperfections. This is because it is made of animal skin. And they say that no animal skin is exactly the same.Fake leather on the other hand will have a uniform surface. This is because it is made from a machine. You will notice that fake leather will have a uniform texture pattern. It can sometimes be deceiving therefore you should also rely on your other senses to help you tell real leather from fake.Touch The LeatherWhile faux leather tries to feel as similar to real leather you can still tell them apart. Real leather is an organic natural material. Therefore it will not be as smooth as you think. If you notice, real leather is like your skin. Thus it will definitely stretch and have wrinkles on it. This is important because sometimes faux leather will give off that wrinkly and rugged look which can sometimes be deceiving. Better confirm the wrinkles by feeling them. Smell The LeatherNext is by smell. Faux leather will most likely smell like plastic. This is because it is made of synthetic materials such as PVC. If you smell plastic or a chemical odor coming from the leather then it probably is fake. Real leather on the other hand will have a distinct “leathery” smell. Since it is organic it will definitely not smell like plastic. Fake Leather" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_5346/DagnyWeekenderonBrick_c773c6c8e3398710cb124b8bbad2804d_800.jpg">Dagny Weekender - 100% Full Grain LeatherIf you wish to learn more about faux leather, PU leather, and bonded leather please click on the following link to be redirected to our Journal.

We all know leather is beautiful. Likewise, its beauty gets even better as it ages. But why does leather become as beautiful as it ages? And how does leather actually age? In this article, you will know what makes leather beautiful. Plus we will show you the two methods on how to age your leather.The Welch BriefcaseWhat is Patina: For DummiesWhat makes leather so beautiful? The answer is leather patina. In this article, however, we will only be talking about leather patina briefly since the focus of this article is on how to age the leather. If you wish to learn more about leather patina you can click on the link below. The link will redirect you to another page with an in-depth discussion on the leather patina.What Is Leather Patina?Now for an overview of leather patina.Basically, the patina is the outcome of the aging process of leather. It is the slow change that develops within the leather at the surface level. It is however visible only to high-quality real leather such as top-grain and full-grain leather. Likewise, because of its beauty, some consider the leather patina as a hallmark for owning high-grade leather. Therefore, leather is not only desirable for its durability and strength but for the vintage aesthetic, it brings as well. Talking about leather patina is essential on how to age leather. This is because leather patina is basically the outcome when it comes to leather aging. While there is one outcome, there are however several methods to achieve it. Let us find out what these methods are.The Welch BriefcaseHow To Age Leather: The Traditional WayBasically, aging leather the traditional way is very simple but very demanding. It is simple because you do not have to do much. It is however demanding because you have to wait for so long to age leather and get the results.Is it that simple?Yes, it is that simple. You simply have to use the leather the way you would use it every day. This is because frequent use of leather will expose it to different elements. These elements will help breakdown the leather. This will induce change and give the leather that vintage look. For example, frequently using a leather bag will expose it to different elements such as sunlight. Natural oils also contribute to the natural aging process of the leather. Exposing leather however to different elements will likely lead to different outcomes on the patina. For example, frequently exposing your leather to direct sunlight or heat will cause a change different from when it is frequently exposed to rainwater. Sunlight will likely give the leather a golden tone as it ages. Rainwater or seawater on the other hand will likely leave splash marks on the leather’s surface. Meanwhile, natural oils in the leather are likely causing the leather to have dark patches. Sometimes, however, these patches are just from unclean stains.“Patience you must have, my young padawan”The traditional way is demanding because it requires a long time. Such that it takes great patience to see the results of aging. It is however something worth the wait. Moreover, cleaning and taking care of leather is important in the aging process of leather. This is because leather like any organic product will breakdown as time passes by. Therefore, it is important to take care of it to see the results. More importantly, is to condition your leather. Conditioning your leather will nourish the leather fibers and keep them strong and flexible.To conclude, the traditional way to age leather will force you to clean and maintain your leather from time to time. However, as time passes all that effort will be worth it.The Thorsen BackpackHow To Age Leather: Distressing LeatherThere are however some people who are not the type to sit around and wait... and wait... and wait until the leather ages. That is why there is a shortcut for those who are not in the mood to wait. This method is to distress leather. This alters the leather’s surface, thus creating that vintage and used leather look. Important Reminder!This process is to distress the leather and not to destroy it. Therefore, while we are trying to change the leather’s surface by abusing it, we are in no way trying to destroy it. So distress your leather with care!Moreover, this process only works for high-grade leather such as top-grain and full-grain leather. Distressing low-grade leather such as genuine leather will probably damage the leather in the process. Likewise, faux leather or PU leather cannot be distressed. How To Distress LeatherTo distress leather you will need the following things: Rubbing Alcohol (preferably 90% rubbing alcohol) A spray bottle Rubber Gloves Fine-grit sandpaper Leather Conditioner A heavy bristled brush Dry Dirt (optional) Dampen The Leather With AlcoholSo the first step is to apply the alcohol to the leather. You can use a cloth or a brush to apply the alcohol. Although we prefer to use a spray bottle. Only lightly mist the leather with the alcohol. Make sure not to drench it with alcohol we are only aiming to dampen it. This will dry out the leather and help give the leather a weathered look.Give The Leather A Rough MassageWhile the leather is still damp with alcohol give it a massage. Crease it, crumple it, knead it, and beat it up if you have to. This will give the leather some lines and folds on the surface.Rub The Leather With SandpaperNext is to sand your leather. Make sure you use fine-grit sandpaper! Rub the sandpaper around the areas where it would appear most abused or distressed. For example, for leather bags, you can focus on the bottom of the bags and its corner. It is also important to take a break from sanding and check your progress. Make sure not to sand too much of the leather. Additionally, you can apply a leather conditioner to the leather after you are done sanding it. Brush The Leather With A Heavy Bristled BrushIf you want your leather to look more distressed you can give it a quick brush. Use the brush the same way you sanded the leather on the previous step.Give The Leather A Bit Of DustingIf you want to add a dusty appearance to your leather throw some dust on it. You can throw some dust, dirt, or even sand to add some style. Once you are satisfied with the look brush off the excess dust, dirt, or sand. Voila! You have successfully aged your leather.The Dagny Weekender

What is Bonded Leather? | Complete Guide Bonded leather is a combination of leather scraps, leather leftovers, and a bonding agent (typically plastic). It is then pressed into sheets that can be used as is for upholstery or to be made into finished leather goods. The use of bonded leather has been controversial for many years. While it is cheaper, easier to produce, and closer to the look and feel of actual leather, it is not considered real leather by many people. The primary reason for this is that the bonded leather is not an original part of the animal, but rather a manufactured material that can lack durability and often looks different from real leather. Close up of bonded leather Bonded leather is derived from leather fibers and polyurethane resin, which are mixed and bonded together. It has a paper or fiber backing. Essentially it is recycled leather. This type of leather is one of the most common types of leather used in personal accessories like wallets, purses, backpacks, and wristbands. It has some advantages that have made it so popular and common. In this article, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of this material. What is Bonded Leather? In Bonded Leather there are remnants of leather, which constitute between 10-20% of its content. The remnants are ground up and coupled with a fibrous or paper backing to form a pulp formulation that is coated with polyurethane. The polyurethane coating adds a protective surface and helps hold the material together. A leather called bonded leather is made from leather scraps ground up into a powder. This makes it possible to use lesser pieces of leather, which normally would end up in waste. Occasionally, old, worn leather is reconstituted into newer materials with the aid of a machine. This kind of leather is called reconstituted leather, or blended leather. In a way, bonded leather is a mixture of scraps bonded together using polyurethane or latex. The bonded leather mixture can range from 10% to 90%. The percentage of leather used for the mixture influences the aesthetic and functional properties of the product. To give the impression of natural leather, the surface of the leather is often stamped with a grain pattern. The surfaces are embossed with a variety of colors, sometimes vivid ones, so the color of the finished product can be customized. This makes it a versatile material that's available in a variety of color and texture combinations. Leather made of synthetic materials is much less durable than leather made out of natural leather. This is because the plastic used to make them ends up making them not so flexible. Thus, they crack and wear out from just a few years of use. Generally speaking, bonded leather is less expensive than fully natural leather, since it is produced from scrap leather and plastics. Since it looks and feels like real leather, it is one of the latest trends today. What are the uses of Bonded Leather? Upholstered leather furniture is often made from bonded leather as opposed to natural leather since the cost is much less than natural leather. Thus, this means that furniture stores offer bonded leather at a relatively low price as a means to own real leather. Technically it is true, but given the variations in the percentage of leather present, it can be misleading since this type of leather performs much worse than natural leather. It's often an easy way to get customers interested in leather, without being transparent in the fact that it is really leather. Peeling Bonded Leather Various types of bonded leather are also used on books as covers due to their durability and the fact that they can be shaped into any shape. They can also be made in any color, which makes them perfect for varied applications. The linings, for example, or externally facing surfaces of clothes, jackets, pants, skirts, and hats, could be made of this type of leather. Shoes and boot pieces might also have this type of leather. This type of leather is commonly used in laptop, camera, and media storage cases, media storage bags, and diploma covers. It can also be found in backpacks, laptop cases, and makeup bags for travel use. Bonded leather is used for making belts, straps, wallets, key chains, eyeglass cases, sunglasses, jewelry boxes, key rings, credit card cases and more. Pros & Cons of Bonded Leather Pros • Low cost leather compared to other types • A wide variety of colors are available. • A variety of surface textures are available. • Several types of leather goods can be made using this product. • Available in extremely large sheets (for bonded leather furniture) • Can mimic the look and smell of leather for a short time Cons • Does not have a lot of flexibility • Cracks appear after just a few years of use • Tears and scratches to leather are more difficult to repair than in natural leather • The leather is not as long lasting as natural leather. • Feels different from leathers that are more natural in texture • The condition usually worsens over time, whereas some natural leathers look/feel better as time goes on How is Bonded Leather Made? In principle, its production is similar to paper as well, though its composition can differ significantly. The leather scrap and fibre is mixed with bonding agents and extruded onto a backing cloth with either a fibrous backing or a paper backing. It can then be treated like leather by dyeing and embossing, even though the color and pattern were inserted into the material only as a surface treatment. Glossiness is achieved with polyurethane treatment. Scraps of Leather to be used to make Bonded Leather 1. Shredding Shredded leather scraps and fibers are ground up from high intensity machines, and from lower grade hides. These can come from the trimmings left from the production of natural leather goods, or discarded in the production of bonded leather products, or just leftover scraps in general. 2. Mixing When shredded leather is mixed with a polyurethane plastic mixture, the fibers are held together as they are connected by the plastic mixture when it settles and solidifies, giving leather fabrics this "pulp" name from the similar paper processing process. Some mixes may be dense, strong, firm, soft, or hard, while other may be more supple, dense, firm, strong. Trade secrets are kept about some of these mixtures. Each of these mixtures enhances the overall characteristics of the final leather product. 3. Extrusion After it has been bonded, the mixture is then extruded onto a flat backing. Extrusion may take place by gravity or by machines that push the mixture evenly out onto the backing. Typically, the backing is made of a paper or fiber. The backing accompanies the bonded material and helps it adhere and take the final shape. If needed, the mesh can also be created from a fine fiber, plastic, or metal. This allows for more gripping areas to hold the pulp, and it dries more readily after the pulp has been extruded onto the backing. In bookbinding, bonded leather might have a paper backing, while in upholstery it might be on a fabric backing. 4. Dyeing/Coloring Colors can be applied to leather that has dried on the backer after the pulp. This is normally a superficial treatment that does not penetrate very deeply into the material. Colors penetrate fully into natural leather, but not into synthetic leather. Any colored dye can be applied to the surface of plastic to treat the surface. 5. Stamping/Embossing When the bonded leather has been colored, it can be given a surface texture to simulate the natural grain of genuine leather. This may also be used to create a design that is visually appealing. Stamping natural leather is sometimes used to cover blemishes, but stamping bonded leather is designed to finish its surface. Due to the bonding and extrusion process, the bonded leather finish is usually pretty even. Based on what type of goods it will be used for, different textures could be incorporated into the final product. Due to the fact that this is a mostly synthetic material, bonded leather offers a chance to introduce stylish and functional textures. 6. Finishing Finishing bonded leather with synthetic surface protectants is usually done after it has been stamped/embossed. This process yields a shiny appearance to the leather. These finishes are generally polymers that resist water and scratches/abrasions and provide a layer of protection to the material beneath. Scents can also be applied to the finish to help make the bonded leather smell like natural leather. How to Tell if it’s Bonded Leather An article's price is one of the best indicators of whether it is genuine leather. Bonded leather may at first glance resemble genuine leather but will not feel thin to the touch and will lack the softness that real leather offers, and it may have a chemical smell. Difference between real, bonded, and PU Leather Leather Content of Bonded Leather Based on the goal of the final product, leather and plastic can be bonded to various formulas and percentages for bonded leather. This has the benefit of using leather in bonded leather solutions for future uses. Customers also find it confusing how much leather is used in the leather production of bonded leather products. Generally, the fraction of leather and non-leather materials should be specified to the consumer in America by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The guide states: "(f) Ground, pulverized, shredded, reconstituted, or bonded leather. A material in an industry product that contains ground, pulverized, shredded, reconstituted, or bonded leather and thus is not wholly the hide of an animal should not be represented, directly or by implication, as being leather. This provision does not preclude an accurate representation as to the ground, pulverized, shredded, reconstituted, or bonded leather content of the material. However, if the material appears to be leather, it should be accompanied by either: (1) An adequate disclosure as described by paragraph (a) of this section; or (2) If the terms "ground leather," "pulverized leather," "shredded leather," "reconstituted leather," or "bonded leather" are used, a disclosure of the percentage of leather fibers and the percentage of non-leather substances contained in the material. For example: An industry product made of a composition material consisting of 60% shredded leather fibers may be described as: Bonded Leather Containing 60% Leather Fibers and 40% Non-leather Substances." A standard was developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) regarding bonded leather. "The minimum amount of 50% in weight of dry leather is needed to use the term 'bonded leather'." Standardization continues over time. It is crucial to have an agreement between the various divisions of the commercial world on what the term "bonded leather" should mean. Bonded Leather Durability The fibers in bonded leather are not as accessible to conditioning and treatment as those in natural leather. Over time, the surface of the binding wears, the plastic deteriorates, and the material cracks. Since bonded leather is polymer-based rather than natural leather, it is able to protect itself against abrasions and moisture. However, once it starts to wear out, it becomes difficult to repair, usually within about 2-3 years. Bonded Leather Peeling The plastic-based nature of bonded leather means that it will need to be used more carefully than natural leather. Due to the fact that the natural fibers are not exposed, this type of leather cannot be treated or cared for the same way that natural leather can. The bond leather begins to separate from it's backing when it's frequently flexed, as a result of sitting and moving around furniture. After a certain period, it starts to flake and peel away. When upholstery pieces come off in this way, they are no longer uniformly colored, and the underlying layers of the fabric become exposed. This results in an unappealing piece. Bonded Leather Quality Bonded leathers are usually less durable then natural leather. This is mostly because they are not made from natural leather, but instead it is made from a polymer containing some leather grains and fibers. For furniture or personal accessories, approximately 2-4 years is a relatively short period of time for bonded leather to crack, flake, or break down. It really comes down to taste and budget for bonded leather goods vs. natural leather goods; a cheaper bonded leather item can be repurchased every few years vs. a more expensive natural leather item that would last for decades. How Durable is Bonded Leather? Bonded leather does not last for long. Usually, it usually peels and cracks in two to five years. What Causes Bonded Leather to Peel and Crack? Due to its inflexibility, bonded leather tends to crack easily with use, strips of polyurethane and leather will then start to pull away from the backing. Why is Bonded Leather Bad? Compared to leather, bonded leather lasts very little time. It cracks and peels easily and once it deteriorates it cannot be repaired. Even though the cost of bonded leather may be cheaper than genuine leather, it will eventually break down, making it more expensive to replace. It's also less environmentally friendly due to its short life span. Full Grain Leather is the best type of Leather Bonded Leather Vs Other Leather Types We can take a look at how other leather items compare when choosing what type of leather item to buy. Bonded Leather vs Genuine Leather Any layer of the hide can be used to make genuine leather, and the surface is corrected to make it appear uniform. A final surface appearance can be achieved by sanding or buffing the wood to remove defects, spray painting or stamping it to dress up its surface. Leather obtained through this process has characteristics that make it undesirable to use for luxury goods, such as belts and shoes. Genuine leather is still made of natural hide, so it will last longer and perform better than bonded leather. Bonded Leather vs Full Grain Leather Generally, only the hair on full grain leather is removed. This cut makes use of the outer layout of the hide, sometimes known as the "grain". Generally, the grain consists of a bunch of leather fiber that are densely packed and fine; this enables the grains to achieve very strong, durable, and durable surfaces. Due to the fact that the surface does not undergo sanding, it may have a few imperfections. It might have been caused from where a cow rubbed up against a fence, a small cut from everyday life, or scrapes. Leathers with full grains and few blemishes are the most sought after. Because blemished hides are not normally found, they are considered the most visually appealing. The Dagny Weekender - Full Grain Leather Bag The surface fibers make it more durable than any other leather type, making it excellent for saddles, shoes, and furniture. With preservation of the outer layer, it develops a distinctive patina (a surface color change resulting from use) that can be beautiful. Water-resistance qualities are also provided by the outer layer. The finest quality leather available today is Full Grain. As opposed to full grain leather, bonded leather does not perform as well, nor will it last as long. Bonded Leather vs Top Grain Leather The top layer has been sanded and/or buffed in order to remove irregularities and imperfections in the finish of this cut. Various dyes and finishes can be applied to the leather, which makes it softer and more pliable. The sanding may make the leather look and feel more attractive, but it removes some of the strength and water-repellent properties of full grain leather. The tradeoff occurs between leather strength and leather appearance. A soft and supple leather, top grain leather is popular in the manufacture of handbags, wallets, and shoes. Within a few years, bonded leather will start to crack and flake, and performs poorly compared to top-grain leather. Bonded Leather vs Faux Leather The faux leather material is made of polyurethane or vinyl, and is designed to look like real leather. Faux leather is much less costly than authentic leather. As opposed to genuine leather, it is extremely durable, inexpensive, and easy to clean. However, it doesn't have properties of real leather such as lasting longer, being stretchable and breathable, being resistant to cuts and abrasions, or having that unique natural look/feel. Unlike bonded leather which tends to flake and crack over time, faux leather stays a consistent consistency of the material. An in-depth analysis of faux leather is available here. Bonded Leather vs Imitation Leather Fake leather is generally more durable than bonded leather in terms of flaking and cracking than imitation leather. Leather looks and smells more like leather when it is new, but wears out much faster. Bonded Leather vs Vinyl As previously discussed, vinyl leather is another term used to describe faux leather. It is a type of leather that does not flake or crack over time as bonded leather will. Bonded leather can look and smell a bit more like leather at first, but wear out much faster. Bonded Leather vs PU Leather As mentioned above, PU leather is another name for faux leather. It does not peel and crack as easily as bonded leather does. The leather look and smell of bond leather will be a bit stronger in the beginning, wear out much faster than other leathers. Bonded Leather vs Leather Bound There are two types of leather, natural and bonded, that may be used for book bindings. Natural leather will last longer, will be more durable, and will tend to be softer. Bonded leather may be less expensive, but will deteriorate more quickly. Bonded Leather vs Bicast Leather Leather is applied to the surface of Bicast by splitting it., hence the name split leather. The polyurethane layer is then applied, with the surface embossed to appear leather-like. Despite many of its characteristics, it doesn't possess the strength and durability of leather but it has the same texture and is easy to clean. Bonded Leather vs Leatherette It is an artificial leather made of plastic, which is soft to the touch and doesn't fade with sunlight, unlike bonded leather or most other synthetic leathers. Despite the fact it might be the preferred choice of those who do not want to use animal products, it is less eco-friendly owing to its non-biodegradable construction. Bonded Leather Care & Maintenance It can look nice and smell great for a few years if handled well, maintained properly, cleaned frequently, and preserved properly. How to Clean Bonded Leather Due to how it is finished, bonded leather can be cleaned gently by wetting the cloth gently. Try to avoid using lint and loose fibers, since this could transfer to the leather's surface. A microfiber cloth could work well here. Make sure that the cloth is not going to transfer any color to any material surface (couch, leather sofa, leather chair, bag, purse, etc.) by testing in a small area first or on a separate bonded leather piece. A soft brush can easily remove dirt and grime from leather if the item needs further cleaning. Simply wet it lightly and gently brush it over the leather, taking care not to press too hard. After the brush is used well, cleaning off any remaining dirt/dust with a damp cloth is a good idea. After the item has dried off completely, you can use it/store it. Stains can be difficult to remove. In a situation where what you are cleaning goes beyond dust or grime, additional care might be required. First, consider what the stain is made of. If it's a common substance, a gentle cleaner might work. If not, an appropriate cleaner may be necessary. Consider using cleaners designed specifically for bonded leather if it's a more substantial stain. These will help treat the stain while also helping to maintain the surface finish. If you want to make sure the cleaner doesn't discolor the bag, be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. You don't want to put a second stain in the bag while cleaning it. How to Condition Bonded Leather Due to its protective finish, bonded leather does not require conditioning. And it doesn't even need to. The surface finish protects the leather underneath. It also acts as a barrier that conditioners cannot penetrate. Cleaning bonded leather products is easy thanks to the protective surface that makes them easy to maintain. If the protective layer begins to wear away, additional protectants can be applied to help restore it. Some of these products will be applied using a cloth or applicator, and others sprayed on and wiped off. Read the directions on all finishes before applying them, and always test on a small area first (to make sure that it will not ruin the surface). How to Fix a Scratch on Bonded Leather Firstly, clean the area thoroughly with a white cloth so no dye is transferred. After that, make a small mixture of a leather repair solution with a tint and apply it to the repaired area and around the repaired area. You can then place leather grained papers and iron them to the repair, which will allow the pattern to be transferred. Only use a gentle touch-a hot iron will ruin the bonded leather. Repairs for small scratches can be achieved using shoe polish. New products should be tested first on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather article. How to Fix Tears in Bonded Leather It may be difficult to fix tears in bonded leather because the leather is a leather/plastic blend. So you may need a repair kit with a filler to fix the tear. In addition to fabric or flexible glue, the color-matched liquid included in the repair kit can also be used as a filler. Since the item will probably get used or sit, the filler must be flexible once dry. Once the tear has been filled, just fill the visible scratch above it. Pour the color-matched liquid over the crack. Once this has been applied, it may need to be evened, heated, given a pattern, and then allowed to dry. Then the scratch should be filled. How to Store Bonded Leather Storage of Bonded Leather should be carried out in a cool, dry area. Keeping it out of direct sunlight is crucial, as a person may ruin the protective finish. Most furniture is kept indoors, making it a perfect place for them. If you have leather clothing or accessories, keep them within reach of extreme moisture, and keep them out of sunlight. Related Questions Is bonded leather as good as real leather? No, Real leather will look and last better for much longer, and with it perform better. Bonded leather is mostly made from ground leather fibers that are bonded with a polyurethane mixture. This binds them together, which is why it can last only for a few years. Is bonded leather durable? A blend of leather and plastic, bonded leather is not very durable. It has limited flexibility and will crack, peel, and flake over time. When first installed, it resists moisture and abrasion for about 2-3 years, though eventually wears out. How long will Bonded Leather last Since it is made from a blend of plastic, bonded leather will begin to crack and wear out within 2-3 years, sooner for items that are regularly used. Does bonded leather crack and peel Due to its inflexibility, bonded leather tends to crack easily with use, strips of polyurethane and leather will then start to pull away from the backing. What bonded leather really means Bonded leather is derived from leather fibers and polyurethane resin, which are mixed and bonded together. It has a paper or fiber backing. How can you tell if leather is bonded or real Bonded leather may at first glance resemble genuine leather but will not feel thin to the touch and will lack the softness that real leather offers, and it may have a chemical smell. Here is an in depth article about how to tell if leather is real. Which is more durable faux leather or bonded leather Unlike bonded leather which tends to flake and crack over time,while not the same as real leather, ironically faux leather stays better longer than bonded leather. Is bonded leather faux leather No, bonded leather is made using scraps of real leather. While this does not last as long as real leather it also not completely faux leather. How long should a bonded leather couch last Bonded leather, especially on a leather couch, does not last for long. Usually, it usually peels and cracks in two to three years. Grain Leather" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_5346/IMG_2265resized_67c1a214b213385e6479d3413c8118af_800.jpg"> The Welch Messenger bag made with Full Grain Leather Conclusion Overall, bonded leather is a very inferior product in comparison to other leather. It is however cheap which is probably the reason why many consider purchasing it. There is however no harm in purchasing bonded leather. Likewise, it is important to learn the pros and cons before buying. In instances where you do own bonded leather, it is equally important to know how to properly use and take care of it. It might be inferior but with proper care, you can still make the most of it. Best Alternative to Bonded Leather: Full Grain Leather

Faux LeatherLeather is excellent for many things. The use of this wondrous fabric includes upholstery for furniture, clothes, shoes, and of course bags. It is however expensive to own leather. Real leather such as full-grain leather and top-grain leather is expensive. They do however promise the best quality of leather anyone can buy. But for those on a budget, buying real leather is likely not an option. Owning leather however is still quite possible. This is where synthetic fabrics come in. Specifically, there are faux leather and PU leather. Get to know more about faux leather and the pros and cons of owning faux leather items. If you wish to know more about PU leather click on this link to read our article all about it: What is PU Leather.Important Reminder!An important reminder. Before we proceed on talking about what is faux leather we at Steel Horse Leather Co. do not use fake leather. Our company uses only real, natural leather for every product. We assure you that all products are authentic leather made from the highest quality of animal hide. Furthermore, at Steel Horse Leather Co. we are working with only the best Leather Artisans to bring your Genuine, High-Quality Leather products. Our products are therefore superior to any fake leather products in quality. If you wish to know more about us click on this link to be redirected to our About Us page.What Is Faux Leather?It looks like leather, it feels like leather but is it real leather? From its name, faux leather is not leather. Conclusively, “faux” is a French word that means “fake”. Therefore, faux leather is fake leather. Many also refer to it as leatherette and/or vegan leather. Since it is fake it is, therefore, inferior to real leather products. It does, however, have its advantages. Get to know the advantages and disadvantages of faux leather as we go along.What Makes Fake Leather?Before we talk about what makes this type of synthetic leather let us briefly discuss how about what makes real leather.Making natural leather is a time-consuming process. It also takes time and practice to perfect. To make real, natural leather we use animal skins or hide. The most common animals that are used to make leather are cows, horses, and rabbits. Although, cowhides are the most common leather fabrics. The leather making process involves a few steps. Steps such as cleaning the skin, removing the hairs, drying the skin, conditioning, tanning, and finishing. There are also a few methods of cleaning and tanning the leather. If you wish to know more about making real natural leather check out this article.Faux leather on the other hand is not made of real animal skin but of synthetic material.It is purpose is obviously to look like real leather. Although it may look like leather and feel like leather it has a glaring difference from real leather. The two can be distinguished by looking at the patterns on the leather. Real leather has unique patterns since it is made from animal skin. It is said that no animal skin is exactly the same therefore unique and distinguishable in some way. Fake leather on the other hand has uniform patterns. This is because of the machine that makes the leather.Faux Leather Uniform PatternsTo be specific there are two types of faux leather. PU Leather Fabric and PVC Leather Fabric.PU Faux Leather FabricThis variation of fake leather fabric is made by applying or laminating 100% polyurethane finish to a base material. These base materials may be polyester, cotton, nylon, or rayon.PVC Faux Leather FabricThis variation of fake leather is similar to PU leather fabric. There is however a slight difference. Instead of using a polyurethane finish, this variation uses a combination of polyvinyl chloride with stabilizers (to protect), plasticizers (to soften), and lubricants (to make flexible), and then applying to a base material. It does still however use the same base materials as PU Leather.Faux Leather = Vegan LeatherMany consider this as an advantage over real leather.Faux leather is considered vegan leather since it does not use any real animals in the process. Many therefore use fake leather as a cruelty-free alternative to owning accessories such as handbags and furniture. It is however important to consider the environmental concern that fake leather brings. Since the making of fake leather involves a plastic base such as PVC, many raise its ecological impacts. There are however many brands that produce fake leather that is innovating to keep the ecological impacts low. PriceA blatant difference when it comes between real leather and faux leather is the cost. Real leather is expensive. The higher the quality of leather the more it costs. Faux leather on the other hand costs less. That is why many purchase fake leather because of its price. You pay less for something that looks and feels the same as real leather. The reason for the difference in prices is because of manufacturing. Real leather is hard to manufacture and takes time to create. Animal skin also costs more to acquire. Faux leather is cheaper because it is easier to manufacture with machines. It also takes less time to make and produces more leather in a shorter span of time than real leather. Indeed, it is quantity over quality.The Durability of Faux LeatherSpeaking of quantity over quality, let us talk about the difference when it comes to durability. If leather is known for something, it is because of its durability. Real leather if properly taken care of will last a lifetime. It will also develop a beautiful patina which adds to its value. Faux leather on the other hand is not so durable. It is known to easily crack and puncture especially when infrequent use.Cleaning and MaintenanceSince real leather is an organic material it easily absorbs liquids. Therefore, real leather easily stains. Furthermore, these stains are a pain to remove, if removing it is still possible. Faux leather on the other hand does not absorb liquids. It therefore will be less susceptible to staining. It is also easier to clean in contrast to real leather. Cleaning real leather is a delicate process. Conclusion Overall, faux leather is indeed an inferior leather when compared to real leather. However, it does come with its own advantages against real leather. Choosing the right leather will always be a matter of preference. Many factors will always involve your choices. Cost over quality may be the most common. However, it is always important to note that real leather, although quite expensive, will always be a good investment in the long run.

Looking for the perfect bag but the duffel bag or the messenger bag is just not for you? How about the rucksack? But what is a rucksack? In the most basic sense, the rucksack is a backpack. However, it is not just a backpack. It also has its own unique qualities and functions that separate them from the backpack. In a way, it forms part of the family of backpacks. Get to know more about the rucksack. Know their similarities with the backpack and their differences as well.The Asmund Backpack (Rucksack)The FundamentalsTo fully understand what truly is a rucksack we must first identify what fundamentally is a backpack. Additionally, we will also include what are the similarities and differences between the rucksack and backpack.The Backpack and The RucksackA backpack in its most basic design is frameless. It is made of cloth or other materials such as leather or waxed canvas. Backpacks are typically carried on the back hence the word “back” of the backpack. It has two parallel straps that you can hang over your shoulders. The backpack’s design is intended to carry a heavier weight which is also why it is carried on the back for additional support and convenience. Some designs of the backpack sport a waist strap to secure the backpack. Moreover, it is a known fact that the additional waist strap significantly eases the wearer’s burden, especially when carrying heavy loads. This is because the hips are stronger than the shoulders. In addition, the design also increases the agility and balance of the wearer since the heavy load is near his or her center of gravity. This, therefore, leaves the shoulder straps mainly for stabilizing the load.Similarly, the rucksack has the same frameless design as the backpack. It is however larger and more rugged-looking than the backpack. Although they may differ when it comes to the opening of the bag. In addition, rucksacks sometimes have additional straps on the waist and on the chest for stability. It is quite clear that they share a similar look. The difference however lies when you take a close look at the rucksack’s characteristics.OriginsThe origins of the simple backpack may date back way longer than you would have ever imagined. According to many sources, the use of the backpack or something quite similar to its use and design today dates back even to the prehistoric era. Although there is no hard evidence a probability exists. This is because our ancestors might have learned that it is easier to carry heavy objects on the back rather than carrying them in their arms. Carrying something on your back would also give them a free hand to carry weapons such as spears and clubs.The evidence to prove this probability however is scarce. Many believe that the earliest use of a backpack was from the people who live in the Alps. The earliest design of the backpack was a U-shape rod with two wooden boards. By tying them together with a string they form a pack or bag. They were mainly for carrying firewood.It was only around 1910 when the first records of the use of backpacks appear. Like the duffel bag, the backpack was primarily for military use. However, its rise to popularity was earlier than expected. Many people started to use the backpack for recreational activities such as hiking and camping. The early 60s was also a popular time for the backpack with the rise of “backpackers”. Then the evolution of the simple backpack took place. Many discoveries of its use led to a variety of designs such as the rucksack. Genuine Leather RucksackTerminologySimilar to how they look, the backpack and the rucksack are also often confused with how they are called. This because throughout history the backpack is known by many names. One of those names was a “rucksack” which now contributes to the confusion. To start, it was only around 1910 when the term “backpack” was coined by the Americans. However, during the Second World War soldiers would sometimes refer to the bag as the “rucksack”. The rucksack was a German loanword mainly used by the United Kingdom, the United States, and other western forces. This is because in Middle High Germany the work “ruck” means “back” (or dorsum). While the words “sack” and “pack” mean the same thing.You may use whatever term you choose. However, it is better to use the correct term such as the rucksack when referring to a large, rugged backpack.The Backpack and Rucksack: Similarities and Differences Let us start with the similarities. Obviously, the backpack and the rucksack look similar however there are some nuances. To reiterate, a rucksack is larger than a backpack. While both bags function to carry heavier loads, the rucksack’s has a larger capacity because of its size. The backpack is lightweight and usually carries 50 liters less than the rucksack. Likewise, both rucksacks and backpacks sometimes have waist straps to ease the burden of carrying a heavy load. The rucksack however often has an extra strap across the chest. This is necessary and convenient especially for hikers who often spend more time carrying the heavy bag.Another significantly different characteristic of the rucksack is its opening. A rucksack typically has an opening at the top with an overlapping flap to close it. Closing the bay may either be by using a zipper or a tie or drawstring. Larger rucksacks also have belts and loops for holding pots and other things for camping. This even store sleeping bags and water canisters.Why you should choose the Rucksack?Know that you know what a rucksack is it is also important to know why you should choose it. Here are three reasons why:1. Perfect for Long Distance TravelLet us face it. Traveling is not only rough for the traveler but for the bag as well. If you frequently travel you will need a strong, sturdy, and reliable bag. And with the rucksack’s large size you can squeeze in a few more souvenirs from your travels.2. Perfect for CampingIf it is not obvious enough, the rucksack is made for camping! With the capacity that it can carry it is a guarantee that all your camping essentials will fit in one rucksack. Plus if you are hiking to your campsite, the additional straps will ease the burden on your shoulders. 3. Perfect for Everyday UseDo not forget that a rucksack is still a backpack. And for a backpack, there is always a variety of uses. From carrying your books to school to short distance travels the rucksack is perfect for any use.The Olaf Rucksack