Leather is available in a variety of shapes and qualities, with the quality varying depending on the source, processing, and a variety of other factors. We explored leather types in general in one of our previous postings. Today, we’ll discuss what full-grain leather is, how it’s made, and why it’s superior to all other types of leather.
Let’s get this party started.
WHAT IS FULL-GRAIN LEATHER AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
If you’ve ever looked for leather things online, you’ve probably come across the term “full-grain leather” but never bothered to look up what it means.
What is full-grain leather, exactly? The highest grade leather is obtained from the topmost section of the animal hide. The term “full-grain” refers to the fact that the original grain structure is preserved during the tanning process, and you can see the grainy surface where the animal hair was formerly connected.
Raw animal hide is extremely thick and cannot be used without being separated into multiple layers. This splitting takes place in tanneries, where a particular splitting machine splits the cross-section or corium layer into many layers. Each layer will result in a unique leather skin, which will be utilized to make finished leather goods.
When splitting a raw animal hide, the topmost layer is the most critical. The hair is linked to this region of the animal hide. This section of the hide has a unique crisscross fiber arrangement that gives it considerable strength and resistance to wear.
IS FULL-GRAIN LEATHER BENEFICIAL?
Full-grain leather is the highest grade leather available. The criss-cross arrangement of leather fibers at the top of the hide makes it exceptionally wear and tear-resistant.
Full-grain leather is used to manufacture the most luxurious and long-lasting leather products, such as high-end automobile dashboards, belts, leather wallets, handbags, and wristwatch straps, among other things. It is also used in our best leather wallets.
One of the most distinguishing features of full grain leather is the presence of natural flaws. Full-grain leather gathers natural markings and cuts from other animals, insect bites, and even bruises from bushes and rocks since it is made from the section of the hide that is exposed to the environment during the animal’s lifetime.
Even after the hide has been treated in tanneries and made into final leather, these marks remain. These natural blemishes are desirable and give the leather product its particular character, according to die-hard admirers of real leather products.
LEATHER WITH FULL-GRAIN AND NATURAL PATINA
When we discuss full-grain leather, we must also consider how it ages. It ages nicely when compared to other materials or even different types of leather. It develops a lovely patina along the edges and curves over time.
You may not be aware of patina if you are not a leather fan. So, what is patina, exactly? Patina is a dark, irregular tint that develops on full grain leather’s surface as a result of the natural oxidation of leather fibres in the presence of natural oil, dirt, moisture, and sunshine. With constant use of the leather objects, the patina develops.
People adore gracefully aged leather because it demonstrates the leather’s superior quality. Patina is evidence of elegant ageing. With time, it improves and refines.
Every product develops a unique patina, which adds to its individuality and personalization. If you use a full-grain leather wallet, for example, it gets tossed around, gets scratches from your keys in your pocket, and absorbs all kinds of ‘abuses,’ resulting in a patina coating that is unique to that wallet alone.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR LEATHER IS FULL GRAIN?
The question is, how can you tell if full-grain leather is new? Of course, a properly aged leather will stand out owing to its unique patina, but identifying a full-grain leather while it’s new is difficult.
#1 INSPECT THE LEATHER FOR SURFACE GRAINS
The surface of full-grain leather is covered in ‘grain’ patches. You can see the grain areas on your leather items where the animal hair used to connect to the skin if you look closely, particularly with a magnifying lens if you have one. These patches are erratic and do not follow a specific pattern.
Aside from grain spots, it may have curls, scratches, or other defects on the surface that are unique to it. Various elements, such as bug bites, imprint these flaws on the animal skin during the site’s lifetime.
These flaws are sanded out or eliminated from other layers, so they aren’t visible on any other sort of leather except full-grain leather. In some ways, these flaws add character to it.
To make genuine or split hide leather ‘appear like’ full-grain leather, the surface grains are artificially embossed after the finish coat in the tanning process. The incredibly symmetrical patterns of the grains are a good indicator of this. The grains of natural full-grain leather are irregular and asymmetrical. The grain that has been artificially embossed is remarkably symmetrical.
#2 SEARCH FOR THE LEATHER CROSS-SECTION
Analyzing the cross-section of the leather sample is another approach to determine whether the leather is full-grain or not.
ISN’T IT A VEGAN PRODUCT?
People who are familiar with leather may think this is a silly thing to ask, but we have had numerous e-mails over the last 5 years wondering if our full-grain leather is also “vegan.”
Is it a vegan option? No. Because full-grain leather is made from the skin of animals, it is not vegan by definition. Vegan leather is made from plant extracts and is not technically leather.
WHAT IS ITS LONGEVITY ?
Since we’ve established that full-grain leather is the highest quality leather available, you might be wondering how long full grain leather lasts.
If properly cared for, it can last up to ten years or even longer. However, if you want the full-grain leather product to survive a long time, you must treat it as if it were an alive being rather than a piece of dead animal skin. To mature gracefully, it requires attention and love. You’ll need to clean the leather surface on a regular basis and condition it to restore its natural oil.
You can expect your leather goods to endure a long time if it is properly cared for. Full-grain leather products (old briefcases, wallets, purses, and so on) that were created more than 50 years ago and are still in excellent condition can often be found on auction sites.
That’s what full grain leather is all about. If you look after it, it will look after you.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
As previously said, full grain leather is the highest grade leather available. It’s robust, flexible, and long-lasting, making it ideal for a range of applications. Here are a few of them.
BAGS MADE OF FULL-GRAIN LEATHER
A well-made full grain leather purse is a true style symbol, particularly for guys who are traditional in their outlook.
The best thing about owning a full grain leather purse is that it improves over time. The more you utilise it, the more attractive it becomes.
If you take proper care of your bag, you may expect it to last a lifetime (no exaggeration).
WALLETS MADE OF FULL-GRAIN LEATHER
Wallets are typically constructed of lower-quality leather, such as top grain or genuine. If you want something genuinely distinctive, though, you should seek a leather wallet made from full-grain leather.
Wallets and purses are subjected to everyday use and abuse, so if you want yours to last, make it out of the hardest leather available, such as full-grain. It’s more expensive than other lower-quality items, but it’s well worth the extra cost.
All of the wayfits‘ men’s and women’s wallets are manufactured of the highest-quality full-grain Pakistani leather, which is considered to be among the best in the world.
