This section is our attempt to familiarize people with the materials we offer. There is no comparison to being in the presence of one of these hides, but we have done our best to put into words, a brief description of each and hope that it helps in some way.

Often, we find ourselves asking customers; “What is the leather or suede being used for?” There is no ‘perfect’ choice, there are only ‘better’ or ‘more suitable’ choices. We can help suggest these options, for a particular use. For those outside of the world of leather, people are confused why we are not a true ‘e-commerce’ company. The above is the reason. Yes, we could sell you whatever leather for whatever use you have in mind, but that is not the way we want to treat our customers. Let’s do this the right way. We know we live in a world of ever-dwindling patience, but we encourage all to exercise some here and would rather spend the time assisting in the correct purchase than dealing with a high return rate and unhappy customers. Please have patience and make the right choice. In the end, while we are attempting to ‘advise’ and ‘teach,’ the ideas and tutorials here (and throughout) represent OUR OPINIONS with regard to these materials. We respect if yours vary.

The problem is, although each hide has a different ‘fiber composition’ that is unchangeable, tanneries are able to manipulate them in more ways, every day. This translates to even more complication, where hides that were traditionally used for certain uses, can be used for others. Then, there is the factor of doing whatever one feels like doing, regardless. We respect this attitude and sometimes the results can be, dare we say, truly creative and unique. Again, there is no single correct choice. In our opinion, the very use of leather in modern times, is daring in itself and that makes it all the more ‘cool.’

You will notice that we often use the word ‘approximate’ with regard to measurements. This occurs mainly because the hides are imperfect and this is a reminder of this fact. The shape will always be ‘irregular’ and not ‘perfectly symmetrical.’ This is NOT a roll of fabric that can be measured out to the edge in every direction, to within fractions of an inch. For example, a hide will be approximately 3 by 3 feet, thus, measuring 9 ‘square feet,’ but due to its overall curving shape, patterns of squares will be found ‘within’ that area. Always go ‘over’ in your measurements, when calculating how much leather to obtain. With animal hides, there will always be ‘waste’ after patterns are cut. This is the remaining ‘unusable’ portion of the hide, comprised of natural or man-made defects, and excess material past the patterns, in any direction.

Most often, we will measure hides by the ‘square foot.’ This means that the overall area is being calculated by measurements of 12 inch by 12 inch internal squares. Centimeters will be used to measure some exotics, such as stingray and alligator.

Snakes, trim and other ‘linear’ items will be measured in yards, (36 inch) increments. (see ‘Leather Terms’ section for further explanation).

Thickness will be referenced here in millimeters although it can be done in increments of inches and by weight (number of ounces per square foot).

A note on ‘Exotics.’ Due to the fact that exotic hides are heavily controlled with regard to restrictions on their harvesting (which ends in the being used for leather) ‘limited quantities’ will be offered and not all colors will be available at any given time. If an order is larger, it must be done with as much advance notice as possible.

The ‘Nature’ of the hides dictates the ‘fibers’ that it possesses. With regard to leather, this refers to the ‘essential characteristics’ of the hides. These fibers literally mean, the cell structure of the skin and we will attempt to describe how they are relevant in the following section. Yes, the fibers can be ‘manipulated’ in the tanning and finishing process, but only to an extent and therefore, must be recognized and considered.

ALLIGATOR - Can be obtained as ‘smaller’ hides, 22 - 26 centimeters. Larger hides can range from 30 centimeters to 45+ centimeters. They do come larger, but we rarely deal with them, so it won’t be mentioned here. (can always be asked for) Measurements are calculated across the widest point, from the center of the belly of a hide. Hides basically come in 2 different finishes, ‘glazed’ and ‘matte.’ Glazed has a ‘glass-like’ or ‘wet’ look done by a clear laminate coat that is placed on the leather surface.

ANTELOPE (SPRINGBOK) - A ‘medium-size’ antelope (our logo) that we sell with the ‘hair-on.’ They are approximately 8 to 9 square feet. This means the hides are tanned but the hair is left intact, covering the leather and showing all of the natural markings of the animal. We do have dyed colors as well. The hides are flexible but fairly thick heavy with little stretch and a distinct thin white patch of longer hair that runs down a portion of the center (see pic).

CAIMAN - A small, stout relative to the alligator. They are rougher in feel and usually stiffer as well. There are small impressions on the belly due to this being a porous area (unlike the alligator) of the body. The overall shape and scale patterns are very similar but they are proportionately wider, with regard to their overall area, compared to an alligator. Overall length averages 3 feet for adults, with a 34 centimeter center belly width, sometimes being offered in smaller, thinner hides measuring less than 2 feet.

COW - The largest hide we supply. They will be sold as ‘whole’ hides (from the neck portion back to the rump, no tail or legs, from the knees down. The cow can be separated right down the middle (spine) into two approximately equal halves from the above referenced portion, thus being offered in ‘half’ hides. They can range from 35 or so square feet, to more than 50 square feet, with regard to a whole hide. This means that the overall length of the hide is approximately 7 feet, more or less. The width will always be less than that, 5 feet, more or less. These leather hides tend to be tough, although it can be ‘milled’ in a way that creates a softer ‘hand,’ but generally speaking, it will not have the ‘hand’ of lamb. They have great strength and are more durable in comparison to most other commonly used animal hides, while also being versatile because of thier overall area. We carry cow in thicknesses ranging from garment weight (see chart) to approximately 10 ounces or 4 millimeters.

DEER - A larger hide that has a soft ‘hand’ while being larger in overall area and has an ability to retain heat. Often seen with a ‘grain’ or ‘small pebble’ finish. Sold in slightly thicker garment weight leather, mostly in basic colors.

FISH - Eel are very smooth long and tough, given how they are cut with a skiver, very thin when tanned. They are commonly attached in rows next to one another, to create ‘plates.’ Stingray and very tough and can be obtained in ‘natural’ or ‘buffed’ finish. Natural stingrays have a smooth, ‘small pebble’ or ‘caviar-like’ texture to them. The ‘jewel’ or ‘stone’ refers to a small body-centered area in the back where a cluster of circular scales are kept light in color and are slightly raised. Buffed stingray are smooth and lighter in overall color, with regard to the dye absorption because less pigment is taken in.

GOAT - Offered mostly in suede, but sometimes in leather. These hides tend to be smaller (3.5 to 5 square feet - technically a ‘kid’ skin - young goat) with regard to suede. They have a unique combination of a very soft and smooth surface when tanned for suede, but the hand of the hides tend to be stiffer than lamb and have less stretch. Goats are sometimes sold into the larger sizes especially with reference to leather and can be quite stiff and very strong, with minimal stretch.

LAMB - A small to mid-size hide (5 to 9+ square feet). Lamb leather is offered by us almost exclusively in ‘garment’ weight, although some of the finishes create a tougher, thicker hide. Suede finish results in an often thin, fluid, delicate and stretchable material. They tend to be more round in shape than the hide of cow, which makes them sometimes have an almost equal width as length. They are harvested all over the world and will feel (the hand) different from location to location and that shape can vary quite a lot, from hide to hide and breed to breed. For example, New Zealand lambs are very soft to the touch, often having the most stretch of the lamb leathers offered and are plump, so they can have subtle stretch marks, but that additional fat content makes for a very rich, smooth, supple leather. Many ‘domestic’ varieties are touted as ‘the best,’ from nation to nation. We still believe a number are equally impressive and some are more appropriate for certain uses, with regard to a specifically needed size and feel.

LIZARD - Predominately sold in the ‘ring’ lizard variety. They can be tanned as solid colors or with the natural dark pigment markings in the hide, regardless of dye color, except black. Width determines sizing and pricing, as with alligator, and will measure from 25 to 50 centimeters at the widest point of the midsection. Scales are smooth and change throughout body areas.

OSTRICH - A large bird that is offered in a leather finish. They average 15 square feet in overall size and are somewhat round in body shape. Large raised bumps are ever-present, where the feathers have been removed. Weight tends to be offered in ‘accessory’ thickness (think upholstery weight - twice garment, but sometimes thinner hides can be acquired). These hides have minimal stretch and are very tough for wear.

PIG - These hides are offered by us almost exclusively with a suede finish and not as leather, although some leathers are offered with print. Pig suede has the ability to be tanned very thin, but retain strength, toughness and lack of stretch. It will have a stiffer hand than, say, lamb suede, but if done, well, will have a high-end appearance while being more affordable and durable. Hides can be as small as 8 square feet but tend to run more in the (10 to 15 square foot) range. Lighter colors will have a faint appearance of tone-on-tone small spots, where the hair has been removed. This is much less visible with darker tones. Most hides will have an ‘oval’ appearance in shape.

PYTHON - Mostly commonly offered in the ‘short tail’ variety although larger ones are offered, from the Asian continent. These skins are very tough with regard wear. They are tanned in a ‘garment’ weight and slightly thicker on most occasions, for accessory use, but can also be used for upholstery with great success due skin’s strength and lack of stretch. There are matte as well as ‘glazed’ finishes available. Solids with a single color, multicolor and ‘natural’ markings are all available. The scales are larger in the center of the animal and get smaller to each end. The skin itself is also widest at this point (10 to 12 inches) ad tapers toward each end, finishing at approximately half this width (5 to 6 inches)

SHEEP - A larger, more aged lamb. These hides, from the standpoint of what we carry, run in size from 9 to 10+ square feet. They are a little tougher in hand than their younger counterparts, but are sometimes required for larger patterns. Shearling is offered with these, but also can be smaller hides, which are technically lamb hides. This indicates that the hides are being tanned and offered with the wool or hair still in the outer surface side. The length and look can vary from shearing or breed.

SNAKE - Other types that we offer are most commonly ‘whip’ and other Asian ‘water’ snakes. These are much smaller in width than python, scales being smaller as well. Width can vary from 8 inches in the center of the biggest whip snakes to half that width at each end (3 to 4 inches), but are commonly 6 inches in width at the widest point. ‘Karung’ is another variety of snake we have. They are thin, strong hides with small round bumps all over their surface, instead of scales, giving it more of a lizard-like appearance. The hides be the same width if not wider, as the others above, but tend to be shorter.