\u201cFull-grain leather\u201d is one of the most common phrases you will see when shopping for a leather bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also one of the most misunderstood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Full-grain leather can be excellent. But the words alone do not tell you everything about the quality of a finished leather product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After years of working with leather, we think there is a better way to look at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Full-grain generally means that the natural grain surface of the hide has been retained rather than heavily sanded or corrected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That matters because the grain is part of what gives leather its natural structure and appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may see pores, scars, wrinkles, insect marks, or variations in texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are not necessarily defects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can simply be evidence that the leather has not been made to look perfectly uniform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two pieces of full-grain leather can behave very differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because leather quality also depends on factors such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A beautifully finished full-grain leather can be excellent for one application but unsuitable for another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A very firm leather may be ideal for a structured briefcase, for example, while a softer leather may work better for a relaxed travel bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The right leather depends on what you are making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One reason we like natural leather is that it does not always look identical from one piece to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A small scar, wrinkle, or variation in grain can tell you something about the original hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, not every mark is desirable. Excessive damage, weak areas, poor finishing, or inconsistent tanning can affect performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The point is that uniform appearance and leather quality are not the same thing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When choosing a leather bag, don’t stop at the words \u201cfull-grain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask what kind of leather it actually is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How was it tanned?<\/p>\n\n\n\n How thick is it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n How is it finished?<\/p>\n\n\n\n How does it feel?<\/p>\n\n\n\n How is it expected to age?<\/p>\n\n\n\n And perhaps most importantly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is the leather appropriate for the way the product will actually be used?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That is how we approach leather at Walklo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We explore different hides, tanneries, finishes, and weights because there is no single leather that is perfect for everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cowhide, bison, horsehide, and Shell Cordovan<\/a> each have their own character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The interesting part is understanding why.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLook Beyond the Label<\/h2>\n\n\n\n