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Origins of Leather
Leathermaking is a very old art. Did you know? Leather making has been around for over 7000 years! The raw materials were dried in the sun, softened, and then preserved by salting and smoking.
The development of vegetable tanning dates back to the Hebrews and Egyptians around 400 BCE, who started with basic drying and curing methods. The Arabs improved leather making during the Middle Ages, preserving it and making leathers like cordovan (from Cordoba, Spain) and morocco very valuable.
European leather tanning had become more common by the 15th century, and by the middle of the 19th century, power-driven machines were being used to perform tasks like splitting, fleshing, and dehairing. Modern commercial leather production has three main steps: getting the leather ready to be tanned, tanning it, and then working it.
Types of Leather
Full Grain leather
This cut of leather shows the hide’s “grain” without sanding or buffing. The grain has finer, densely packed fibers, making it strong, durable, and tough. As it is not sanded, the surface may have slight flaws.
Top Grain Leather
This style is almost identical to full-grain, with the exception that the surface has been sanded and/or buffed to smooth out any flaws. When different dyes and finishes are applied to leather, it becomes softer and more malleable.
Genuine Leather
Any type of hide can be used to create genuine leather, which frequently has its surface corrected to give the leather a more uniform appearance. The surface can be sanded, buffed, dyed, spray painted, or stamped/embossed to achieve the desired look.
Split Grain Leather
As the name implies, split grain leather is a type of leather that is cut from the lower layers of the top grain region of the hide. In most cases, it is the lower layer of the hide, just above the flesh. Underneath the best top- and full-grain cuts, as well. Nonetheless, it is a useful leather material.
Bonded Leather
This is finely shredded leather scraps that are bonded to a fiber mesh or sheet using polyurethane or latex. Different amounts of leather in the mix (between 10% and 90%) can make a big difference in how well the product works and how it looks.
Different Uses of Leather
Fashion
Leather is used to make a lot of fashion items like clothes, jackets, pants, etc. You must probably know that leather jackets are immensely popular. They give off an aura of luxury and sophistication. If you are looking for the best quality leather jackets, log on to RP Comtrade.
Shoes
Firstly, leather shoes are the epitome of comfort. Stylish, durable, and comfortable, everyone should own a pair of leather shoes. During the Roman Empire period, leather was seen as a sign of affluence.
Luggage
Luxury fashion lines’ use of leather has increased the popularity of leather luggage. Due to their durability and style, Louis Vuitton and Ted Baker make leather luggage bags. Leather suitcases don’t scratch or stain like the plastic and fabric ones at baggage claim. Also, damage is repairable with proper care and attention. Leather is a particularly common material for luggage because of its flexibility.
Sports
Because of its adaptability and longevity, leather has a thriving market in the sporting goods industry. Basically, leather is an essential material for many sports equipment items, including balls, gloves, and protective gear. Hence, American football is made of leather because it is stretchable and moldable into the ideal shape for the player’s hands.
Benefits of Leather
Premium Leather ages well
Chiefly, leather that has been well-made will last for a long time and, in contrast to most synthetic or artificial materials, will improve with age, developing a patina and a wear pattern that is unique to the owner, much like an old pair of jeans. Also, leather is a great example of the “buy less, buy better” mentality that has gained popularity as people consciously try to reduce their consumption. Therefore, for long-term financial security, invest in high-quality leather goods.
Easy to fix and maintain
A first step toward sustainability is the development of repairable products. Besides, leather requires very little in the way of maintenance over its lifetime and is simple to do at home; it doesn’t require a lot of water or electricity to clean. For example, we are seeing a rise in the number of businesses that specialize in providing repairs for cherished leather items.
Leather can be recyclable
Leather scraps from production can be used as stuffing (for example, in boxing punch bags) or combine it with other materials to create composite products like leatherboard, which is used for insoles and heel inserts in footwear. It is at the end of its useful life and recyclable. Also, at the very end of its life, leather will biodegrade.
Health Benefits of Leather
Durability
Generally, real leather outlasts anything made from synthetic materials or cotton. Conversely the average, it’s 600% more resistant to the elements.
Breathability
Leather has the unique ability to keep you warm or cool and regulate your body heat better than any other material.
Liquid-resistant
Waxing or treating leather makes it water-resistant. Water-resistant shoes keep feet dry and prevent shoe damage when working outdoors or in kitchens.
Protection
Except for steel-toed boots, leather is especially the best way to protect your feet. Furthermore, leather can protect against needles, knives, and other work-related dangers.
FAQ
1. Is leather good for the skin?
Yes. Also, leather is a breathable and durable material, which makes it good for the skin.
2. What products can be made from leather?
Shoes, clothes, jackets, luggage, etc. can be made from leather.
3. Where did leather originate from?
The first references to leather were found in Ancient Egypt in 1300 BCE.
4. What is artificial leather made of?
To achieve the right color and texture, a plastic base is coated with wax, dye, or polyurethane to create faux leather.
5. Is artificial leather good?
Faux leather is very durable and will last a long time. However, you can feel the luxury and comfort the best with real leather.
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