Leather Guide
Vegetable Tanned Leather
Vegetable-tanned leather is made using natural tannins from plants. This method has been used for centuries and considered to be more environmentally friendly than traditional chrome tanning. Vegetable-tanned leathers have unique characteristics that gives a natural appearance. Additionally, vegetable-tanned leather tends to age beautifully, developing a rich patina overtime with proper care and use.
Conditioning leather goods with regular application of a leather conditioner or leather balm such as Smith's Leather Balm helps keep it moisturized, supple, and less prone to drying and cracking. Avoid direct sunlight for long periods. For water and liquid stains, gently blot it with cloth and allow it to air dry. Do not use heat sources such as hair dryers, as they can cause the leather to shrink and crack.
Embrace the natural aging process of vegetable-tanned leather which develops a unique patina over time with use and exposure to oils from your hands and the environment. This patina adds character and enhances the beauty of the leather.
Shell Cordovan
Shell cordovan is a unique and highly prized leather known for its exceptional quality, durability, and luxurious appearance. Here are some key points that make shell cordovan special:
1. Material: Shell cordovan is not made from cowhide like most traditional leathers; instead, it is derived from the hindquarters of horses, specifically the fibrous flat muscle beneath the hide. This dense layer is known as the "shell," hence the name "shell cordovan."
2. Smoothness and Luster: One of the most distinctive features of shell cordovan is its smooth, almost glass-like surface. The leather undergoes an extensive tanning process, which results in a unique combination of suppleness and firmness. This process also gives shell cordovan its signature luster, which is often described as a deep, rich glow.
3. Durability: Shell cordovan is renowned for its remarkable durability and resistance to creasing. Due to its dense, compact fibers, it tends to resist stretching and flexing, making it highly resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, it is less prone to water damage compared to other types of leather.
4. Aging and Patina: Like all high-quality leather, shell cordovan develops a beautiful patina over time with proper care and maintenance. The unique properties of the leather allow it to age gracefully, developing subtle changes in color and texture that enhance its character and appeal.
5. Craftsmanship: Shell cordovan is often associated with traditional craftsmanship and artisanal techniques. Crafting products from shell cordovan requires skill and expertise due to its unique properties and the meticulous attention to detail required to work with it effectively.
6. Limited Availability: Shell cordovan is relatively rare compared to other types of leather, partly due to the limited availability of the raw material and the specialized tanning process required to produce it. As a result, products made from shell cordovan tend to be more exclusive and sought after.
Overall, shell cordovan is prized by leather enthusiasts and connoisseurs for its exceptional quality, timeless elegance, and unmatched durability, making it a truly special material for crafting high-end leather goods.
Shell Cordovan Care Guide:
- Occasional Conditioning: Apply a small amount of shell cordovan-specific leather conditioner such as Saphir Renovateur to keep the leather supple and moisturized.
- Gentle Polishing: Buff the leather with a soft cloth or horsehair brush to maintain its natural luster.
- Keep Dry: Avoid prolonged exposure to water, and let wet items air dry naturally.
- Proper Storage: Store shell cordovan items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.