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Typically when a cowhide is tanned, it is first
cut in half, along the spine of the cow. This one
side of the cow is referred to as a single hide,
and, it is sometimes possible to get a double hide
which is both sides of the cow. Once the hair is
removed from the skin, the side of the hide that
was farthest away from the cow is smoother. The
hide can be "split", resulting in two
or more thinner pieces. Pieces of leather with two
non-smooth sides are called suede. The thickness
of the hide is stated in "ounces", but,
that can be converted to a 1/64 of an inch per ounce.
Since the thickness of the hide cannot be uniform,
it is usually stated in a range. We use 8 to 10
oz. leather, which measures approximately 1/8 inch
thick. This is about the same thickness of a men's
wide cowboy style belt for jeans. It is also the
traditional thickness for cuffs, collars, harnesses,
and the like in the alternative lifestyles.
"Latigo" refers to the tanning process
of the leather. Oils, dyes, and, waxes are forced
into the leather from both sides of the hide.
The latigo treatment produces the desired color
and smoothness while retaining a suppleness that
does not reduce the strength of the leather. The
oils and waxes are also resistant to bodily fluids
and other liquids. We believe that this is the
best leather treatment for the traditional look
and feel we want in our products.
Generally there are two things that cause leather
to deteriorate. The first is the loss of oils
that keep the leather fibers supple. Dry leather
is much more susceptible to cracking and fraying.
Secondly, getting leather wet (specifically with
water) and not allowing the leather to dry can
lead to rotting. Leather is porous, which allows
it to absorb fluids during the tanning process.
And, some tanning processes and materials are
better than others in resisting damaging fluids
during the use of the leather.
Clean your leather products on a fairly frequent
basis. First, use a leather "cleaner"
to lift and remove the dirt. These products are
made to not penetrate the leather. Saddle soap
is a bit harsh for regular cleaning. Then, use
a leather "conditioner" which penetrates
the leather with a substance that actually lubricates
the fibers and keeps them supple. Mink oil is
a common leather conditioner. You should be able
to find these products at your local grocery store
or Wal-Mart in the shoe and/or cleaners aisle.
Remember that leather cleaners and conditioners
are not to be used on suede.
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