Full Grain Leather, Top Grain Leather, & Some General Leather Characteristics
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. Full-grain leather is the strongest and most durable 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.
The next best-and second strongest-leather is called "top-grain" leather. Top grain leather is similar to full-grain leather, except that the top couple millimeters have been sanded and buffed to take away imperfections. With the top layer removed, the leather will have a more uniform finish, but it won't be as durable-and it will break down much faster. This is more of a "cookie cutter" leather that mass produced leather wallets and bags are made of, which lends to their generic appearance. Top-grain leather can be good leather, but its strength and durability is not even close to the strength of full-grain leather.
Werther leather goods are made from the highest quality, full-grain leather. However, even the highest quality leather will have small irregularities: from healed scrapes where the animal brushed against a cactus or a barbed-wire fence; to insect bites; to brands done by the rancher; to fatty areas and neck wrinkles; even vein marks. These slight irregularities are incorporated into our products to showcase each product's natural individuality and handcrafted nature.
Check out my full-grain leather goods online:
www.wertherleathergoods.com/shop.html
Пікірлер: 53
This is my favorite video so far. Now, I'm examining my wallet. 🤔
@WertherLeatherGoods
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dave! And actually, now that you are reminding me--I should make a video about that baseball leather I used to make your wallet.
@foodculturemusic
3 жыл бұрын
You should. It's one of the few 1 n 1 items you've done. At least I hope it's one of a kind. I like telling that story.
I saw the long wallet towards the end of this video. You have not done a video on that though i was away for some days...Thanks for the good info. Your 10plus wallet with an insect bite is superb!
@WertherLeatherGoods
3 жыл бұрын
I should do a video on that Long Zip Wallet soon. Thanks for the idea. Glad you enjoyed the video Jamhuri!
I love my strayer front pocket wallet! Thank you Derek!
@WertherLeatherGoods
3 жыл бұрын
That's great to hear you are enjoying your wallet! Thanks again for your support!
Very helpful info! Thanks
@WertherLeatherGoods
2 жыл бұрын
Great to hear. Glad it was helpful!
Do you take note of the names that you come across on each hide?
@WertherLeatherGoods
3 жыл бұрын
It's normally random numbers or letters that I see branded on the hides, but sometimes there are some cool symbols.
Interesting!
@WertherLeatherGoods
Жыл бұрын
Good to hear!
Extremely interesting, super grateful.
@WertherLeatherGoods
2 жыл бұрын
You are very welcome. I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!
I need an Advisor and Consultant who may teach me about the business of cow leather.I will pay for the time. Abdul Rauf
@WertherLeatherGoods
2 жыл бұрын
There are a couple guys on KZread that focus specifically on teaching. I'd check out Parker from Stock & Barrel. He has a lot of great videos.
Can you make a full grain tool belt set ? I just notice that occidental leather used top grain, like you said it's for mass manufacturing purposes. But I'd like full grain for a tool belt something that has character but will last a long time.
@WertherLeatherGoods
2 жыл бұрын
I don’t make tool belts-I just spent a few minutes on Occidental’s website, and it looks like they have some great looking items. I’m sure they work at a significantly larger scale than me, but from what I can tell, it looks like really nice stuff-at a really reasonable price point.
I have full grain sofas but now after many years they looking like Suede how can I get it back to her what is there a special formula cream or spray or something to get them back to how they used to be
@WertherLeatherGoods
2 жыл бұрын
I don’t really have any experience with conditioning leather. I asked one of the tanneries, and they suggested “Bee Natural” leather conditioning products. That’d be my best recommendation.
Will top grain leather have scratch, mark, blemishes?
@WertherLeatherGoods
2 жыл бұрын
I’m not 100% sure on the answer. My guess is yes, but that there would be fewer scratches and blemishes, on top grain leather. I would think it would depend on how much they shave down and how severe the scratches were in the first place.
How to know if i have top grain leather?
@WertherLeatherGoods
2 жыл бұрын
I am definitely not an expert at differentiating different types of leather from one another. I should mention, that the label of being "top grain" or "full grain" is not the most important factor when choosing the best high quality leather for your project. The thickness of the leather and the overall look and feel of the leather are really more important than the type of leather.
Sounds great. I would like to start a small business on leather goods. Items are wallet, bag and belt. Can you please help to advise the machines those will be needed for these items ? Expecting for your kind feedback.
@WertherLeatherGoods
Жыл бұрын
I would recommend going on leatherworker.net it is a really helpful website with tons of info. I don’t use a sewing machine on my leather goods, so I wouldn’t be a good person to ask.
Great knowledge, also he’s handsome
@WertherLeatherGoods
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your compliments!
What leather types can be used to make jackets? Can I use crazy horse leather.
@WertherLeatherGoods
Жыл бұрын
I’m not really sure. I don’t have any experience with leather jackets. I would think it would need to be quite a bit thinner and softer than the leather I use. I would reach out to some of the stores in NYC’s garment district. They would know much better.
Will top grain leather patina?
@WertherLeatherGoods
3 жыл бұрын
Yes - top grain leather is good leather that will age well and develop a nice patina. I always recommend going with the lightest color leathers-because the patina is most noticeable with the lighter colors.
I am getting allergy with rubber & regzin shoes. Which is coolest leather shoe's.
@WertherLeatherGoods
Жыл бұрын
I’m not a shoe expert, but the next pair of boots I’m planning to buy are from Quoddy. I have a pair of Danner boots that I love, and I also enjoy the Rancourt boots I bought last year.
How I get full green leather in India (kolkata)
@WertherLeatherGoods
3 жыл бұрын
I’m sorry - I’m not sure what the best approach would be to finding high quality leather internationally.
@realman9679
3 жыл бұрын
Same here i couldn't find full grain leather jacket online in India
What type named wallet did you pull out of your pocket pls sir ? I’m in the market for a new one myself. Cheers. ❤
@WertherLeatherGoods
Жыл бұрын
That is the smallest of the minimalist wallets I make. It is called the Strayer.
@fabiandegussion5134
Жыл бұрын
@@WertherLeatherGoods lovely craftsmanship. I’ll have a look at what you got. Thank you bud.
I bought a wallet from you some years ago (Waskerd). It was fairly flimsy leather and I was/am not a fan. I collect wallets and know it was full grain, but before I order anything in the future I want to make sure the hand isn't so flimsy. Thanks!
@WertherLeatherGoods
3 жыл бұрын
I appreciate the feedback. I recently started using a stiffer leather for my Plume Flap Wallets (the natural veg tan being the stiffest and my personal favorite). For the other wallets, I’ve continued to use the slightly softer leather. I think we may have discussed this before, but I’m always happy to exchange or refund a purchase if there are any issues, although I don’t think that was the point of your comment. Thanks for taking the time to reach out.
@alphadawg7360
2 жыл бұрын
Hey bro mind recommending some good quality full grain SLIM bifold brands?
@arobbins8755
2 жыл бұрын
@@alphadawg7360 check out Craft and Lore!
@alphadawg7360
2 жыл бұрын
@@arobbins8755 they dont have the classic bifold sort of design that im used to. Anymore recommendations? Can i message you in Instagram instead. Easier to communicate there
👍
What side is the grain side of the leather?
@WertherLeatherGoods
2 жыл бұрын
The name does make it a little counterintuitive, but the smooth side is the side where the “grain” is visible.
How interesting. I'm in the process of buying nice shoes
@WertherLeatherGoods
2 жыл бұрын
Nice. I’m glad it was helpful info.
Upvoted
@WertherLeatherGoods
Жыл бұрын
Thanks - glad you liked it!