Full Grain Leather
Full grain leather 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. It is more expensive for manufacturers to buy and more difficult for them to work with. This is reflected in the cost to the consumer.
The natural surface of full grain leather is unique - it tells a story and reveals natural imperfections, marks, and even light brands on the surface. Full grain leather is extremely strong and durable, as the natural grain contains the strongest fibers in the hide. While strong and durable, full grain leather remains extremely breathable, resulting in less moisture from prolonged contact.
As full grain leather ages, rather than wearing out, it burnishes and beautifies, developing a much sought-after patina and unique character that cannot be easily duplicated. Truly, the more you use it, the better it looks and feels.
I exclusively use full grain leather in my work.
Leather Types
Veg-tanning is a natural, eco-friendly process that produces durable, exquisite leathers recognized for their depth of color and rich patina. These leathers not only endure but get better with age. It’s called “vegetable” because of the natural materials used in the tanning process like tree bark. Vegetable tanning is one of the oldest methods of tanning known to man.
Chromexcel leather has been produced using the same hot-stuffing formula for over 90 years. This process infuses the hides with oil, wax and tallow mixture that provides the leather with an unmatched durability and feel. They are then hand-stained with an aniline dye which creates a richly colored leather with a beautiful pull-up effect. This full grain leather holds up well to the elements and resists hardening for generations.
Thread
I use Ritza 25 Tiger thread for stitching. Tiger thread is considered superior thread among leatherworkers for its durability and strength. It is 100% polyester and lightly waxed making it UV resistant and dependable.