Additional Information
Veg-tanned Leather
Vegetable tanning dates back thousands of years and relies on an extended and complex process of soaking animal hides in vegetable tannins. Vegetable tanning is a natural process, relying on tree tannins and water. This process can take up to two months, with multiple treatments and highly skilled laborers to ensure the desired quality and appearance.
Vegetable tanning is known for deepening the natural colors and fibers of the hide. After years of use, vegetable tanned leather caramelizes with a beautiful patina that only enhances its rich, natural beauty.
Veg-tanned leather is chosen by the most skilled leatherworkers work.
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Leather Basics 101
The typical person is not familiar with the different types of leather designations.
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Full grain leather (used on our belts) is the highest quality grade of leather money can buy. It comes from the top layer of the hide and includes all of the natural grain. The strongest and most durable part of the hide of an animal is just below the hair. The grain pattern in this part of the hide is very tight, and the leather made from here is called "full-grain" leather. Additionally, since the grain is so tight, it resists moisture very well. Over time, full-grain leather will look nicer and nicer and develop a patina from being handled.
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Top grain leather is the second-highest grade of leather after full-grain leather. It is made by removing the outmost layer of the animal hide by sanding and buffing. Doing this makes the leather thinner and more suitable for working and tooling by the manufacturer, so it is less costly as compared to full-grain leather. It also gets rid of any wrinkles, scars, blemishes and defects that may exist on the outer surface of the leather.
Genuine leather generally leads a person to think it is a very good product. However, genuine leather is the lowest quality leather, it is left over from removing the full grain leather and top grain leather used in high end products. Genuine leather wears out and does not last as long as full grain or top grain leather.