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the material to less readily discolor or lose shape, and is popularly used worldwide. The chromium salts lend it a distinctive color, called “wet-blue.” Aldehyde tanning uses compounds that leave the leather pale cream colored, and is often found in automobiles. Labor intensive, brain tanning uses emulsified oils from the brains of animals, and is known for its exceptional softness.
WILD WORLD OF LEATHER
Leather can be utilized in the following forms: full-grain, top-grain and split. Full-grain leather has not been sanded or buffed, and thus keeps its original fibrous texture and durability. Top-grain leather—that which is most commonly found in high-end leather products—has had the more fibrous part of the hide removed before being sanded and finished. Split leather is created from the fibrous part of the hide once the top-grain of the raw hide has been separated. Split leather is what is used to make suede.
What is it about leather that draws so many, from cowboys and motorcyclists to rock stars and fashionistas? Its durability finds use in sporting equipment, accessories and upholstery, while its ageless appeal makes it the ultimate statement, from shoes to hats and everything in between.
When it comes to leather, many an animal rights activist has raised an eyebrow. Luckily, there are now several alternative synthetic options for those who might cherish the look and feel of leather but not want to harm animals in the process. Popular alternatives are made of vegan microfibers or polyvinyl chloride. The wild world of leather has existed for thousands of years and, as new technologies add to the list of possibilities, will continue for many a year to come. From learning to tan a hide yourself to buying one-of-a-kind leather clothes/accessories, there is much to appreciate and admire.
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ost of us know leather is derived from animal hides, but few appreciate the variety of leathers—both in terms of tanning processes and animal selections— available. The sheer breadth of the industry is enough to make the uninitiated among us question what we’re really purchasing when we buy a leather wallet, belt or vest. Most leather is cowhide, though almost any animal skin you can think of can be turned into exquisite leather. Kangaroo leather, for instance, is known for its blend of strength and flexibility. Ostrich leather has become a favorite due to its bumpy texture as a result of the bird’s feather follicles, and is used by many major fashion houses. Fish leather—from salmon to eel and everything in between—is popular for shoes and handbags, and is favored for its unique design motifs and pigmentation. Really, almost any animal skin—think buffalo, alligator, snake, ox or yak—may be used for leather. The tanning options are endless and extensive. Tanning is necessary to stabilize the proteins of the animal skin so it does not putrefy, but what type of tanning a leather-maker applies depends on the type of animal skin and desired end product. A few of the more common processes include vegetable, chrome, aldehyde and brain tanning. Vegetable tanning uses tannins found in organic matter, like wood, leaves or roots. However, vegetable tanned leather is not stable in water, and tends to shrink and discolor. Chrome tanned leather uses chromium salts that allow