We Do Things A Little Differently Here
Our leather isn't perfect. Eighteen years ago, as we were vetting through different hides to use for our line, we came across a rugged look that was filled with character and immediately became drawn to it. To this day, while we have refined our leather to become more consistent and rugged, we continue to use this grade and we stand behind our decision as to why we fell in love with it.
There's something unique and captivating about natural leather in its rough state. Rather than picking leathers that are perfectly polished and highly treated, we decided to use natural, top-grain leather left just raw enough for you to leave your mark.
And rather than turning away from this rough look, we embrace the markings on a hide which some would mistake for blemishes and imperfections. There is something uniquely special about this authentic, distressed look that we simply cannot get enough of and it makes each product we craft both durable and one-of-a-kind.
Take a look below to see the most common markings among natural hides and experience the difference of natural leather.
Scars & Scratches
Grazing up against barbed wire definitely leaves a mark. These scratches are typically very small and appear as subtle lines that are slightly darker than the surrounding area.
Stretch marks
These marks can form a subtle patterned testimony of a healthy cow and are a mainstay of genuine top grain leather.
Wrinkles & Veins
These are a natural part of any top grain leather. They appear as part of the texture of the piece and should not be confused with faults or blemishes.
Color Variance
Some color variation between hides is common and is a natural result of the tanning process. These make each piece unique while still preserving the tone and hue of your chosen color.
Insect Bites
These tiny bites are a rare account of a particularly determined bug.
Top-grain leather, although extremely durable, is susceptible to scratches. The leather we use is not highly treated, so small scratches and scuffs from handling are to be expected, especially with our Dark Brown hides. Generally, these can be easily buffed out with a damp cloth. We embrace all leather characteristics, including scratches, not just because they are typical of unprocessed hides but because they make an item uniquely yours.
We hope this guide helps you understand a bit more about our leather, why we love it, and why we think you will too. Any questions? Leave them in the comments below and we'd love to answer.
