Leather for Thought

Leather vs new materials:

Leather is an ancient material that has been used for millennia, dating back to prehistoric times, when early humans used animal hides for clothing, shelter, and tools. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Sumerians, and Hebrews developed tanning techniques, including vegetable tanning, which became popular in the ancient world. Over time, the use of leather expanded, evolving from basic preservation techniques to sophisticated tanning methods, and from practical applications to luxury items. The Renaissance saw a resurgence of leather craftsmanship, with artisans creating intricate and artistic leatherwork for clothing, protective gear, and various accessories. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, mass production of leather was developed, leading to widespread adoption for various uses, including automotive interiors, furniture, and fashion. The introduction of chrome tanning in the 19th century revolutionized the leather industry, making leather softer, quicker to produce, and more versatile. Today, leather production combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, including the use of machinery, automation, and chemical tanning methods to improve quality, efficiency, and environmental impact.

Leather is a "waste" product from the meat and dairy industries. No animal is bread exclusively for the leather industry. As meat consumption will never going away, it is our duty to honor the animal by using all of it.

Animal rights groups as well as the Fast Fashion industry promotes alternative products that are mostly plastic based derived from petroleum. These products are cheap, not environmentally friendly and do not last.

Leather may be more expensive but if looked after it will outlast any "leather alternative" for a long time.

Don't be fooled by the labels used for leather alternatives as there are many terms used: Genuine leather, Vegan Leather, PU Leather, Fruit or Vegetable named leathers like Pineapple Leather, Mushroom Leather, etc. These products all contain plastic at various levels. Major concerns are the longevity of these products, the micro fibers being released during use and how long they will sit in landfills after use. Full grain leather is a natural product that is biodegradable. Full grain leather can have some blemishes like scars, insect bites and branding marks that tell a story of the animals life. Depending on the product these marks can be a unique feature or it can be avoided by using the more desirable pieces of the hide.

Next time you are shopping for a new belt, bag, wallet, shoes, etc. consider investing in a handcrafted full grain leather product. Learn to look after it and it will serve you a very long time.