The Various Grades Of Leather
If you're interested in leather working, it's key to know and understand the different types of leather available
. Different projects require different thicknesses and cuts of leather, and trying to make them work with the wrong hide will just end in frustration or a subpar result. Split hide, full grain, and buckskin are all terms describing a specific type of leather, and understanding the difference between each type will allow you to choose the leather you need at any leather store or supplier.
Most leather comes in four different forms, each of them representing a certain quality level. Full grain is the highest quality available, and has not had any buffing or sanding to remove imperfections, usually because there are none in the hide. It is the strongest and most durable, which is why it's the only leather used by the top leather goods makers.
Leather labeled top-grain may sound like it's a higher quality, but it's actually second best after full grain. These hides have been sanded down and refinished, making them look as good as full grain leather but slightly less durable and with less breathability. They resist stains better, but will not develop the natural patina full grain leather will.
Corrected grain leathers have an artificial grain pattern added to them to cover up imperfections or mistakes in the hide. They are also usually pigmented to help hide these issues. They're still durable enough for many colored leather projects, and cost much less than a full grain hide.
Split leather is an interesting material, made from the part of the hide left after the top grain hide is removed. This fibrous material is pressed together with a smooth material to add a grain like surface, creating a composite leather material. Split hides are also used to create suedes as well.
If you're looking for a flexible, soft, versatile leather to create clothing or other leather work from, consider deer hide or buckskin. Buckskin is a pliable hide, usually made from a deer or elk hide, that has a smooth grain and is very supple. It is also the most stretchable leather, with the exception of some composite leather materials. Buckskin is smoked as part of the tanning process, giving it a deep honey color and it's trademark flexibility.
Deer hides can be prepared in various ways, but many are processed into buckskin. Leather clothing such as chaps, vests, and traditional Native American outfits are the most common uses for buckskin, but they can also be used for small bags, belts, and a variety of other projects. Heavier deer hides and light weight buckskin can be found dyed in a wide variety of colors, making it easy to use.
All leather workers, whether they make leather items for a living or just as a hobby, need to find a reliable and trustworthy source for their materials and tools. By having a leather company you can trust, you know that all leather you purchase is the quality the company claims it is. You'll have a much better chance of finding high quality leather at a fair price, and you'll be able to find any kind of animal hide you need.
by: Jerry Carmakin
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