DOCSLIB.ORG

Crocodilian Leather Footwear Guide About Crocodilian Leather Footwear

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Crocodilian Leather Footwear Guide About Crocodilian Leather Footwear Crocodilian Leather Footwear Guide About Crocodilian Leather Footwear According to statistics recorded on Statisticbrain.com, the annual revenue of the footwear industry as a whole (including suppliers of the material to make footwear) topped $48 billion, with U.S. consumers spending $20 billion. Of that $20 billion, $2.6 billion was spent on women’s dress shoes, $1.2 billion was spent on men’s dress shoes, and another $5 billion went to “specialty footwear” that didn’t fit into the other broad categories. In the fashion industry, it’s all about outshining the competition. To capture the attention of the upper echelon of fashion consumers, your work has to be more creative, bolder, and more unique than your competitors. The question is, how can you get an edge over your competition? Using exotic leathers is a great way to make your high-fashion footwear products stand out. The unique patterns that are inherent to the different types of exotic leathers make them more visually striking and memorable than their plain cowhide contemporaries. In particular, crocodilian hides are extraordinarily popular among high-fashion buyers. Of the many species of crocodile that exist, below are three kinds regularly used for fashion applications: » The Caiman Crocodile » The Nile Crocodile » The American Alligator (yes, alligators are considered a crocodillan species) Each one of these hides has its own unique characteristics, which we’ll discuss in detail in this guide. Crocodilian Leather Footwear Guide 2 Caiman Crocodile Of the three most popular crocodile hides, caiman is typically the most cost-efficient. At a fraction of the cost of Nile crocodile or American alligator skin, caiman hide is a great option for designers who want to work with crocodilian hides for a more unique and attractive look, but want to create on a budget. However, be aware that working with caiman hides is a bit more challenging than working with the hides other crocodilians. A caiman crocodile’s hide is rich with calcium deposits, making it bonier than the hides of its cousins. Because of this extra boniness, a caiman’s hide is more rigid than that of the Nile crocodile or American alligator. This rigidity is the reason why caiman hide is considered more challenging to work with in comparison to the other hides listed in this guide. However, some designers prefer caiman for this rigidity. The calcium deposits also make caiman hide more difficult to dye than other crocodilian hides. Often after dyeing is finished, the calcium deposits in the hide cause distinct patterns to remain. Being able to work with these patterns to create a consistent look is a challenge, but succeeding in doing so is the mark of a truly gifted designer. For the most part, caiman skins are measured between the outer edges at the widest point of the belly. This is an important thing to keep in mind when searching for an ideal skin for your shoes. For smaller pieces of footwear, a skin that is between 30 and 34 centimeters wide is fine. However, for larger boots and shoes, you will probably need a skin of more than 35 cm. The two cuts for caiman skin are belly and hornback. Caiman skin is usually the most readily-available form of crocodilian hide on the market. Many tanneries and distributors will have 10 to 20 different colors of caiman skin available for purchase at any given time. This makes Caiman skin easier to acquire in a specific color on short notice. Nile Crocodile Next on the list is the Nile crocodile. When it comes to price, Nile croc Crocodilian Leather Footwear Guide 3 hides are usually about three times as expensive as a comparable caiman hide would be, but are still less expensive than American alligator hides. Nile crocodile hides are much less bony than caiman hides. As a result, Nile hides are much easier to work with and dye evenly. The lower concentration of calcium deposits in the skin provides a greater level of flexibility, making this hide even more desirable for athletic and casual footwear applications than caiman skin. Where the caiman’s hide is measured only at the widest point of the belly, a Nile crocodile’s skin is measured between the center portion of the innermost bones on each side of the widest point of the belly. Given this measurement method, the best size of skin to use is roughly 25 to 29 cm for small shoes and boots, and 30 to 34 cm for larger pieces of footwear. Being more expensive to acquire than caiman, Nile hides are usually stocked in fewer colors by tanneries and distributors. Most usually carry 5-10 different colors of these hides at any given time, which is basically enough to cover the most common color choices. Also, larger, grade 1 Nile crocodile skins are more difficult to come by, as these skins are in high demand for the handbag industry. American Alligator The hide of the American alligator is one of the most prized exotic leathers there is. As such, it is the most expensive of the skins on this list. Unlike the caiman and the Nile crocodiles (which hail from Central America and Africa, respectively), the alligator is an animal that is born and bred in the USA. Collected almost exclusively from specialized farms in the southern USA, alligator hide is a supple and luxurious material. Of the three crocodilians, alligators have the least bony skin of all, making dyeing the hide and sewing it a breeze by comparison to the other two. This makes alligator hide ideal for a number of uses, including footwear. Crocodilian Leather Footwear Guide 4 Alligator hides are measured in the same way as Nile croc hides, between the center of the innermost bones on each side of the widest point of the belly. As such, the same sizes of alligator skin are used for footwear as the Nile croc skins. The two types of cuts usually used for alligator skin are belly and hornback. Being the most expensive skin, alligator is also one of the hardest skins to keep in stock. While easy to dye, the sheer expense of alligator hide prevents most distributors from stocking more than one or two colors of alligator hide at a time. If you want a particular color/finish, you may need to go straight to a tannery with a special order. Even more than with Nile crocodile skins, alligator skins are highly sought-after by the major fashion houses for other applications, largely because of the versatility of these hides and the ultra-exclusiveness that products made from alligator leather offers to their top-tier clientele. High fashion clients want the very best workmanship and quality for their footwear and other accessories. More than that, they want a truly unique piece of fashion wear that will be the envy of their peers. Using exotic leathers such as caiman, Nile crocodile, and American alligator skins allows you to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces of footwear that are both luxurious and highly exclusive for your top fashion clients. Crocodilian Leather Footwear Guide 5 Working with Crocodilian Hides Now that you know a little bit about the different types of crocodile hides, how can you work them into footwear? In many ways, the basics of the process for using crocodile hides for shoes remains similar to making shoes out of cowhide, with a few notable exceptions. Choosing the Right Hide for the Job Naturally, before you can begin to craft a top-quality leather boot or shoe, you need to pick the right material for the job first. Consider the following when choosing a crocodilian skin for your footwear: » Budget Caiman skin is the most budget friendly option, and may be easier to afford when you’re planning to release a large line of footwear. Nile crocodile leather is the midrange option in terms of price, being a little less costly than alligator skin. American Alligator skin is the top of the line option for the most discerning clients, with a price to match the exclusive nature of this hide. » Flexibility Are you making a tough riding boot, a rigid set of high- heels, or an exotic running shoe? The final use of the product you’re making should always be one of the main considerations when you’re choosing an exotic material. Caiman hide is bony, rigid, and inflexible, which is great for rigid boots and even high heels that aren’t meant to flex, but terrible for dancing or running shoes that need to be able to flex comfortably. Nile crocodile hide is a bit better, while American alligator hide is the most supple and flexible material by far. » Ease of Care/Durability While caiman skin is the least expensive material to obtain, its general inflexibility causes it to be more susceptible to showing stretch marks and crease lines than the other two materials. Owners of footwear made of caiman hide will have to be very careful not to bend their footwear too much, or risk unsightly damage. Alligator leather, being more flexible, will withstand bending more easily, making footwear crafted from such material a bit easier to maintain without causing crease marks. Crocodilian Leather Footwear Guide 6 Purveyors of high-fashion goods often appreciate ease of care. » Grade of the Skin. With footwear items, you should be able to use Grade II skins for most jobs, assuming the defects are near the top of the tail or otherwise in an out of the way spot that won’t be on display in the final product.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Care Label Recommendations
    CARE LABEL RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDED CARE FOR APPAREL PRODUCTS Fiber content, fabric construction, color, product construction, finish applications and end use are all considered when determining recommended care. Following are recommended care instructions for Nordstrom Products, however; the product must be tested to confirm that the care label is suitable. GARMENT/ CONSTRUCTION/ FIBER CONTENT FABRICATION CARE LABEL Care ABREVIATION EMBELLISHMENTS Knits and Sweaters Acetate/Acetate Blends Knits / Sweaters K & S Dry Clean Only DCO Acrylic Sweater K & S Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle With Like Colors Only Non-Chlorine Bleach If Needed MWC GC WLC ONCBIN TDL RP CIIN Tumble Dry Low, Remove Promptly Cool Iron If Needed Acrylic Gentle Or Open Construction, Chenille K & S Turn Garment Inside Out Or Loosely Knit Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle With Like Colors TGIO MWC GC WLC ONCBIN R LFTD CIIN Only Non-Chlorine Bleach If Needed Reshape, Lay Flat To Dry Cool Iron If Needed Acrylic / Rayon Blends Sweaters / Gentle Or Open K & S Professionally Dry Clean Construction, Chenille Or Loosely Knit Short Cycle, No Steam PDC SC NS Acrylic / Wool Blends Sweaters with Embelishments K & S Hand Wash Cold, Separately Only Non-Chlorine Bleach If Needed, No Wring Or Twist Reshape, Lay Flat To Dry Cool Iron If Needed HWC S ONCBIN NWOT R LFTD CIIN DNID Do Not Iron Decoration Acrylic / Wool Blends Sweaters K & S Hand Wash Cold, Separately Only Non-Chlorine Bleach If Needed Roll In Towel To Remove Excess Moisture Reshape, Lay Flat To Dry HWC S ONCBIN RITTREM
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 #2, Issue 75
    ‘s augustusCLUB 2017 | No. 2, Issue 75 The Art of Persuasion: Convincing Corporations That Consumers Care Most people are familiar with PETA’s colorful One of our most successful tactics has been buying demonstrations and grassroots campaign techniques stock—or working with PETA members who own stock for pressuring corporations to end animal abuse. in the companies that we’re trying to infl uence—so that But there’s another facet of PETA’s strategy that the we can submit shareholder resolutions and attend their public seldom sees: our shareholder annual meetings. This tactic activism and boardroom negotiations has helped us get a foot in with corporate decisionmakers. the door, because companies We’ve had success with some of the hate it when we speak at their biggest names in the business world, yearly “pep rallies.” Even the from Ann Taylor and Anthropologie mere threat of attending such to Zappos and Zara. meetings has opened doors that were previously shut tight. Working Behind the Scenes Before we ever publicly target Dairy’s Dark Secret companies, we always attempt to While our real desire is for the work cooperatively with them. For world to go vegan, we are every one we’ve openly protested, pragmatic and know that such there are dozens more working with a transition won’t happen fast us behind the scenes. enough to affect the animals who are suffering right now. Led by our Corporate Affairs Department, these So while we push hard to promote a vegan lifestyle, we collaborations are one of the most effective areas also do what we can to improve their living conditions, of PETA’s work—we see victories almost weekly as as long as it does not allow people to rationalize a result of our discussions with top executives.
    [Show full text]
  • Know Your Body Know Your Style
    KNOW YOUR BODY KNOW YOUR STYLE Our bodies are classified according to certain specific types of silhouettes. You will learn about your body type, the clothes that favor each silhouette and those that should definitely be avoided. Your body shape may have traits of two types of silhouettes. Stand in front of a full-length mirror in your underwear and carefully study your body shape. Regardless of whether you are slim or plump, your body will tend to predominantly conform to one of the body types described below. Knowing your silhouette, you will be able to know what type of outfits that will make you look great, and which ones you should avoid as they throw the shape of your body off balance. 2020 Playfication Learning, LLC © PagePage 1 of 1 8 of 8 HOURGLASS SHAPE This type of female figure is typically considered the perfect figure because it is the most proportionate. It is the most versatile body shape and practically everything that women with this figure wear looks good on them. However, you should avoid falling into exaggerations that unbalance your body. You have an hourglass figure, when your shoulders and hips measure the same, and your waist is narrower. You have a balanced and symmetrical body. Clothes that lengthen your body will accentuate your figure and make you look great. What to wear: 1. Wrap dresses and “A” shaped skirts 2. Dresses with a defined waist and knee-length skirts highlighting your curves 3. Solid colors 4. Two-piece dresses 5. Shirt dresses with a waist belt 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Silk, Linen, Leather, Denim, Grass, Cotton, Felt
    Silk, linen, leather, denim, grass, cotton, felt. Natural materials keep the integrity of their shape yet hold an impression of the figure that has worn them. Fit-out for Olivia Spencer Bower speaks to the fabrics and forms that we live in. An assortment of garment patterns, building plans and the lifestyles of art heroines provide templates or underlying structures for Emma Fitts’ installation at the Ilam School of Fine Arts gallery. Adopting the layout of a modernist home and featuring a series of fabric hangings and clothing cutouts, Fitts’ work acutely relates to our situated knowledge, the proportions of the body and our experience of space, while also implying much less measurable qualities. Alternative histories that reveal the social relationships and values of a bygone era are incorporated to form a homage of sorts, though these references are evoked to shed light on the present–what it means to live and make work as an artist today. The gallery is physically divided by four large textile works, hung from the ceiling according to the walls shown in architectural plans for 15A Leinster Avenue, Christchurch–the former home of artist Olivia Spencer Bower (1905- 82). These soft walls enable visitors to occupy the space as though wandering through her actual house: living room, kitchen, sunroom, bedroom and studio. Designed in 1969 by architects Cowey and McGregor in the Christchurch style of neo-brutalism, the house was commissioned to accommodate the needs of a female artist living alone. There is an emphasis on form developed in relation to function and it is both refined and compact, manifesting these ideals.
    [Show full text]
  • Caiman Crocodilus Fuscus
    Facultad de Ciencias ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA Departamento de Biología http://www.revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/actabiol Sede Bogotá ARTÍCULO DE INVESTIGACIÓN / RESEARCH ARTICLE ZOOLOGIA DETERMINATION OF HEMATOLOGICAL VALUES OF COMMON CROCODILE (Caiman crocodilus fuscus) IN CAPTIVITY IN THE MAGDALENA MEDIO OF COLOMBIA Determinación de valores hematológicos de caimán común (Caiman crocodilus fuscus) en cautiverio en el Magdalena Medio de Colombia Juana GRIJALBA O1 , Elkin FORERO1 , Angie CONTRERAS1 , Julio VARGAS1 , Roy ANDRADE1 1Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Avenida Central del Norte 39-115, 150003 Tunja, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia *For correspondence: [email protected] Received: 04th December 2018 , Returned for revision: 03rd March 2019, Accepted: 08th May 2019. Associate Editor: Nubia E. Matta. Citation/Citar este artículo como: Grijalba J, Forero E, Contreras A, Vargas J, Andrade R. Determination of hematological values of common crocodile (Caiman crocodilus fuscus) in captivity in the Magdalena Medio of Colombia. Acta biol. Colomb. 2020;25(1):75-81. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15446/ abc.v25n1.76045 ABSTRACT Caiman zoo breeding (Caiman crocodilus fuscus) has been developing with greater force in Colombia since the 90s. It is essential to evaluate the physiological ranges of the species to be able to assess those situations in which their health is threatened. The objective of the present study was to determine the typical hematological values of the Caiman (Caiman crocodilus fuscus) with the aid of the microhematocrit, the cyanmethemoglobin technique, and a hematological analyzer. The blood samples were taken from 120 young animals of both sexes in good health apparently (males 44 and females 76).
    [Show full text]
  • Small-Scale Sustainable Vegetable-Tanned Leather in Rural South Africa: a Collective-Efficiency Approach
    SMALL-SCALE SUSTAINABLE VEGETABLE-TANNED LEATHER IN RURAL SOUTH AFRICA: A COLLECTIVE-EFFICIENCY APPROACH By KENEILWE MUNYAI Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree: Doctor of Technology: DESIGN In the Faculty of Informatics and Design At the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Supervisor: Prof. Mugendi K. M’Rithaa Co-supervisor: Prof. Sepota M. Moloko Co-supervisor: Dr Pineteh E. Angu Cape Town (November 2014) DECLARATION I, Keneilwe Munyai, declare that the contents of this thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Signed Date DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to all those who supported and believed in me and my abilities: My late grandmother for believing in me and giving tough love, and late Prof Pieter van Brackel for his wisdom, for being my inspiration, for the support and for being a good friend. II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are many people that I would like to acknowledge for the role they played in supporting me in working towards reaching this goal in my life. First, I would like to acknowledge my supervisors for their guidance throughout this research journey. Your guidance and support has helped me complete this research. Prof. Mugendi K. M’Rithaa, you have been a source of support, a mentor and a motivator. Without your guidance this study would have never been possible. Prof Sepota, M. Moloko, thank you for dedicating your time reading through my work and giving guidance.
    [Show full text]
  • Leather Care & Cleaning
    L eather Care & Cleaning Guidelines for Cleaning Leather. Leather Care and Cleaning Guide. The Leather Institute. 2011 For more information or questions or comments please contact The Leather Institute at [email protected] General Leather Care and Cleaning Instructions A word about leather care products… There are many products available for cleaning leather and removing stains. The products best suited for cleaning leather are those recommended by the Leather Supplier. Townsend Leather recommends using ONLY The Leather Institute care and cleaning products. The Leather Institute products are especially formulated to work perfectly with Townsend Leather. When cleaning leather... Never use: Any High pH cleaner Cleaners that contain abrasives Cleaners that contain alcohol Cleaners that contain Butyl Cellosolve Any strong solvent Saddle soap Mink oil Wax Furniture polish Glass cleaner Or any strong solvents, abrasives or caustic household cleaners such as soap or dish detergent. These vary widely in strength and in compatibility with today's water-based leather finishes and may cause cracking or other damage to the leather surface. Direct sources of heat and extended exposure to heat sources and to direct sunlight may also be harmful to the leather and should be avoided. Always use: Leather care products recommended by The Leather Institute and only use those products in the prescribed method. The only acceptable products for use on Townsend Leather products are The Leather Institute Finished Leather Care Products or leather care products approved by Townsend Leather: Finished Leather Cleaner Finished Leather Cleaning Wipes Cleaner, Conditioner, Protector Ink & Stain Remover Stick 100% Cotton Terry Cloth Rags (White Only); commercially available A solution of distilled water a mild non-detergent soap Basic Leather Cleaning Techniques The most basic task at any level of cleaning is a thorough vacuuming.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of Artificial Leather with Textile Fabric on the Backside
    Volume 6, Issue 2, Fall2009 ANALYSIS OF ARTIFICIAL LEATHER WITH TEXTILE FABRIC ON THE BACKSIDE Darko Ujević, Stana Kovačević, *Larry C. Wadsworth, Ivana Schwarz, and Blaženka Brlobašić Šajatović University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology, Zagreb, Croatia *The University of Tennessee, Department of Materials Science and Engineering ABSTRACT The fundamental characteristics of a textile fabric intended for the vehicle interior is presented. Chemical and physical-mechanical properties of artificial leather with bonded textile fabric on the back side are analyzed. The most important parameters for leather durability are: breaking force and elongation-at-break, and these properties will be tested in different circular directions. Likewise, chemical properties of artificial leather and basic construction parameters of the textile fabric are investigated. When using artificial leather, physical-mechanical properties of artificial leather as well as the quality of the seams are most important. In addition to the results obtained, physical-mechanical properties and aesthetic evaluation of the joined places will be compared. Keywords: Artificial leather, Textile fabric on the back side, Joined place strength, Seam strength, Physical-mechanical properties Introduction pleather (plastic leather) is a slang term for synthetic leather made out of plastic, a In addition to ergonomically designed car portmanteau of plastic and leather, the term seats for keeping the body in a correct sitting can be either descriptive, or derogatory, position, it is important that the passenger depending upon the user (the derogatory use feels no bodily fatigue due to sitting implies use as a substitute for genuine discomfort. Pleasant contact between the animal hide leather to cut costs).
    [Show full text]
  • ABSTRACT Beck Boots: the Story of Cowboy Boots in the Texas
    ABSTRACT Beck Boots: The Story of Cowboy Boots in the Texas Panhandle and Their Important Role in American Life Tye E. Barrett, M.A. Mentor: Douglas R. Ferdon Jr., Ph.D. Merton McLaughlin moved to the Texas Panhandle and began making cowboy boots in the spring of 1882. Since that time, cowboy boots have been a part of the Texas Panhandle’s, and America’s rich history. In 1921, twin brothers Earl and Bearl Beck purchased McLaughlin’s boot shop. The Beck family has been making cowboy boots in the Texas Panhandle ever since. This thesis seeks not only to present a history of Beck Boots and cowboy boots in the Texas Panhandle, but also suggests that the relationship between bootmakers, like Beck Boots, and the working cowboy has been the center of success to the business of bootmakers and cowboys alike. Because many, like the Beck family, have nurtured this relationship, cowboy boots have become a central theme and important icon in American life. Beck Boots: The Story of Cowboy Boots in the Texas Panhandle and Their Important Role in American Life by Tye E. Barrett, B.A. A Thesis Approved by the Department of American Studies ___________________________________ Douglas R. Ferdon Jr., Ph.D., Chairperson Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Baylor University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts Approved by the Thesis Committee ___________________________________ Douglas R. Ferdon Jr., Ph.D., Chairperson ___________________________________ Barry G. Hankins, Ph.D. ___________________________________ Sara J. Stone, Ph.D. Accepted by the Graduate School May 2010 ___________________________________ J.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Management in Leather Industry
    Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research Vol. 60, June 2001, pp 443-450 Water Management in Leather Industry V John Sundar, R Ramesh, PS Rao, P Saravanan, B Sridharnath and C Muralidharan Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600 020, India Received: 02 June 2000; accepted: 10 November 2000 Leather industry, like paper and textile industries, consumes large quantities of water. Such excessive usage, resulting from adoption of traditional processing methods and equipments, lead to acute water availability and eftluent treatment problems. Presently, about 30 billion litres of water is being used by this industry annually. A systematic study made at CLRI to reduce the excessive usage and further minimise water consumption in leather processing through optimisation and recycle and reuse strategies. The role of newer equipments, such as the hide processor and th e compartmental drum in minimising water usage in leather processing has also been studied extensively. Most of the protocols standardised at CLRI were implemented at select tanneries in Indi a and Sri Lanka, which resulted in better water management in the leather processing industry. The results of such detailed studies have been incorporated in the paper. Introduction vation efforts. The major responsibility, however, falls Water utilisation by mankind may be divided into three on the industry. broad categories, agricultural, domestic and industrial. Apparently, there is no dearth of water as 80 per cent of the earth's surface is covered by water. Even then, the Water Usage in Leather Industry world is heading towards a water crisis because 97.5 per cent of the global water reserve is salt water and only Water is an important medium in leather processing.
    [Show full text]
  • General Pests
    Kentucky Pesticide Education Program copyright © 2016 University of Kentucky Department of Entomology General Pests Written by: Michael F. Potter and G. Mark Beavers Ants Ants are the most frequent and persistent pests encountered around homes and buildings. Dozens of different species occur around homes and buildings, each has unique characteristics that may influence the most effective control method to use. In Kentucky, the most common house-invading ants include pavement ants, carpenter ants, acrobat ants, and odorous house ants. Besides being a nuisance, ants contaminate food, build unsightly mounds, or cause structural damage by hollowing out wood for nesting. Most species of these social insects live in belowground colonies. Exceptions include carpenter ants and acrobat ants that live in moist wood. Some species enter buildings in search of sweet or fatty substances. Others live in lawns and gardens or under rocks, patios, or sidewalks. While many of these species do not enter buildings, the mounds of fine soil that they bring to the surface while excavating can be a nuisance. Wingless worker ant with elbowed antennae and narrow waist between thorax and abdomen. (www.antark.net) Ants range from less than 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch long. Most have black bodies but some are yellow or red. All have chewing mouthparts. Ants undergo complete metamorphosis with 4 life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Ants are social insects that live in cooperative, intermingling colonies consisting of hundreds to thousands of individuals. There are different types of individuals (castes) in each colony that perform specific functions. All ant colonies contain one or more egg-laying queens.
    [Show full text]
  • About Leather Types of Leather
    About Leather Types of Leather Leather is an ancient, durable material created through a process of tanning animal rawhide to preserve it and make it pliable when dry. Many features of natural leather make it superior to synthetic products including durability, comfort, beauty, suppleness, and resilience. Plus, leather’s ability to patina and absorb body oils continues to enhance the leather’s appearance and makes it more beautiful over time. Leather can broadly be divided into full grain, enhanced grain, corrected grain, top grain and split leathers. Full Grain Leather Full grain leather has no surface alterations. The hide’s natural pores and grain textures are intact and it will develop a patina over time. The tiny pinholes dotting the surface indicate the hide’s open hair follicles. The presence of these hair follicles demonstrates a high quality surface which has not been altered to conceal flaws. This full grain surface breathes. It keeps the user Full grain comfortable as it adjusts to body temperature. Full grain leather is the highest quality, most beautiful, and most comfortable leather available. Enhanced Grain Leather Enhanced grain leather is a full grain with an artificial grain embossed over the natural grain. Enhanced grain leather has the same comfort and breathability of a full grain, but the surface has received minor alteration to improve grain Enhanced grain appearance. Corrected Grain Leather Corrected grain leather is produced from the upper portion of the hide. The surface is lightly sanded or refined then embossed with an artificial grain texture. Corrected grain leathers have a more consistent appearance across the entire surface.
    [Show full text]