Quality matters not Quantity!
ABOUT OUR SKINS
Like other exotic skins, ostrich is a small-area skin compared to bovine and horse hides and is ranked by the follicles per area since they thin out further away from the neck. It is processed consequently in a more particular way to preserve the largest possible space for processing and treatments and is put through more than 30 stages related to this. Per unit, it is comparable to goat and sheep skins, and the range of equipment used is about the same. For this reason, the smaller groups, smaller batches, subsequent longer tanning times and skills, increase the cost, elevating it to a luxury product.
Chemical measurements must be precise to avoid mistakes and waste to produce a beautiful, finished skin. Skins are tagged, production takes time, and quality standards are high. Lime is added, removed and redone after days of processing, and expert clipping prevents skins from tangling with each other. Pigmentation cleans out of the surface, tanning with first stage dye prevention along the way. A well-finished hide necessarily receives high-quality natural colors and well-finishing dyes to industry and market standards.
Ostrich leather is distinct in its appearance and is characterized by raised points localized to the hide's center. The portion with these bumps is called the "crown." It's the back of the ostrich where the animal's neck meets its body. The bumps are quill follicles where a feather used to reside. The skin is relatively smooth on the left and right sides of the diamond-shaped crown. Only about 1/3 of the whole skin has quill bumps. Since the crown is the most sought-after portion and constitutes such a small area of the skin, "full quill" ostrich products are considerably dearer when compared to bovine leather. This, along with the fact that it is one of the strongest commercial leathers, leads ostrich leather to be seen as a luxury item.
Colors & Finishes
Saddle Finish (SF)
Saddle Finish leather is drum-dyed aniline leather with a light finish that is polished to accentuate the natural grain pattern. The leather has a lively, silky sheen and soft, dry feel. This finish creates a two-tone color effect. The final leather is sensitive to direct light exposure, and skin color can change over time. It will age normally, developing a beautiful patina and taking on more character. Saddle finish is available in various colors and is mainly used in the fashion accessories market.
Classic Finish (CF)
Classic Finish is a whole grain semi-matte, pigmented finish with a natural grain pattern. The high pigment concentration in this finish might cover less visible marks. Very high color consistency is achieved on individual skin and overall on skins in a dye batch. The leather has a monotone color with high light fastness. This type of finish makes the skin suitable for a wide range of products including shoes, belts, and handbags.
Mount Desert (MD)
Mount Desert is created by a contrasted darkening of the skin's grain surface, giving the leather a beautiful burnished effect. Uniform lightening of the dark grain is achieved, giving an antique, worn visual display to the final leather. This process enhances the natural break of the skin and the last leather ages beautifully with a natural patina.
Cowboy Classic (CC)
A unique spray-coated finish is applied, and the leather is polished to a high gloss, leaving a slightly distressed look. This finish gets enhanced by wear. The natural patina changes for the better with aging, making this leather suitable for a wide range of products.
Cowboy Classic (CC)
A unique spray-coated finish is applied, and the leather is polished to a high gloss, leaving a slightly distressed look. This finish gets enhanced by wear. The natural patina changes for the better with aging, making this leather suitable for a wide range of products.
Rio Grande
Rio Grande receives a white top coat on dyed leather. The skin is then polished similarly to a Colonial finish to create a two-toned finish that exaggerates the contrast between the quills and the valley. The Rio Grande is also used in the cowboy boot, handbag, and upholstery industry.
Vintage
A highly contrasted darkening of the quill on aniline-dyed body skins gives the effect of dramatic two-toned leather. This process is done by hand to enhance each skin’s natural characteristics. The final leather will have medium-light fastness.
Bruciato
Waxes are applied in the burnishing process to create Bruciato on full-grain, drum-dyed aniline leather. A highly burnished effect is achieved with a waxy, slightly silky feel. This leather is trendy in the cowboy boot and furniture industry and compliments less-formal designs, including Western handbags and accessories.
Cowboy Classic (CC)
A unique spray-coated finish is applied, and the leather is polished to a high gloss, leaving a slightly distressed look. This finish gets enhanced by wear. The natural patina changes for the better with aging, making this leather suitable for a wide range of products.
Variegated Finish (VF)
A black top coat is sprayed onto a drum-dyed aniline leather. The skin is then stonewashed to reveal the primary dyed color in the valleys. The final leather has a matte, two-toned denim looks and feel where the quill shows the underlying color. This leather is used for boots, handbags, and accessories.
