What Is Split Grain Leather; Exploring the Secrets Behind it

Over the years, leather crafting has gone through different phases of development and enhancement of techniques. Split-grain leather is also one of the products in this development. 

Split-grain leather is a specialty in the world of leather. It is obtained from the lower layers of the hide after the upper layer has been shaved off. To provide information about its qualities and uses, it is necessary to define the term ‘split-grain leather’ and discuss its history. 

What is Split Grain Leather? 

Split-grain leather is a fuzzy, velvety type of leather that comes from the portion of the hide left once the outer layer of the full-grain has been shaved off. This process, commonly referred to as leather splitting, divides the hide into layers. 

How Its Made: 

For the purpose of understanding what split leather is made from, we should know how hides are processed. The leather splitting process involves several steps: The leather-splitting process involves several steps: 

Initial Preparation: The rawhide is washed to remove any hair or other matter present on it. 

Splitting: It is then taken through a splitting machine, where it is split into layers. The top layer is commonly known as full-grain leather, whereas the bottom layer is known as split-grain leather. 

Finishing: Further, the split leather can undergo a process to arrive at the desired textures and added resistance for a neater look. 

Other Types of Leather 

This blog improves one’s fashion knowledge since it establishes distinctions between diverse forms of leather. Here’s a brief overview: 

Full Grain Leather: 

This is the finest cut of leather, which uses all the external layers of the hide with the grain remaining intact. It is handy and eventually acquires an exquisite rusty look on the surface when exposed to air for long.

To learn more visit this article : what is a full grain leather

PU Leather (Polyurethane Leather): 

A fabric that is coated with a layer of plastic to come up with a material that resembles leather. It is affordable and, best of all, does not require much attention to be paid to the maintenance aspect.

To learn more visit this article : what is PU leather

Cowhide Leather: 

This type of leather is made from cowhide, and it is more durable and is used in more ways than the other two. It can be processed into different kinds; the whole grain kind and the split grain kind.

If you want to clean your Cowhide Leather bag visit this article : how to clean cowhide leather bags

Advantages and disadvantages of split grain leather

Like any other type, split grain leather has its strengths and limitations in the use of car interiors.

Advantages:

Cost-Effectiveness: It is cheaper than full-grain and top-grain leather types of leather.

Versatility: The given layout is not restrictive, as it can be finished in several ways, making the item versatile.

Disadvantages:

Durability: This is not as hard-wearing as full-grain and top-grain leather.

Wear and Tear: It can easily be damaged over time compared to other types of refrigeration systems.

Aesthetic Appeal: It is not shiny and does not have the wear-and-tear characteristics associated with better-quality leather.

How to Identify Split-Grain Leather 

They often make use of unpreserved top-grain leather, which sits atop the full-grain leather layer of the hide.

There are some key features that one needs to look out for to identify split-grain leather. Compared with top-grain leather, split leather has a soft, fuzzy surface with a velvet-like feel. It may also feel slightly less ‘slack’ and more ‘stringy’. Defining the layers of leather and the leather material may, therefore, be of great benefit.

Comparison with Other Leather Types:

Top Grain vs Split Grain Leather: 

Top-grain leather is characterized by a full-grain leather with a smooth surface because it does not undergo splits to remove any part of the hide. Split-grain leather, however, is not as long-lasting and has a rougher, non-smooth external layer. 

Top-grain leather is slightly more costly than split-grain leather, though split-grain proved to be a cheaper material.

Top Layer Leather: 

This refers to the outer leather surface, also called full-grain leather. This is one of the reasons why hide is preferred. It is considered to be one of the heaviest types of leather and is also known to be one of the finest.

How to Tell if Leather is Real 

When it comes to the leather available, it is critical to distinguish between actual leather and fake leather. Here’s how to identify fake leather by testing its authenticity:

Water Absorption Test: Real leather will expand, absorbing a little water, and the skin will darken temporarily. On the other hand, fake leather will not absorb water, and its properties will not change.

Edge Examination: Bring out any edge of the leather. Real leather will have a more grainy look, which can be felt because fake leather has quite a polished look with no grain.

To learn more visit this article : how to spot fake leather with these easy steps

Conclusion

When it comes to split-grain leather, it is helpful to consider its characterization and background in light of this newfound knowledge. Although split grain leather is not the most preferred type worldwide, it is important to understand its characteristics and how it stands in comparison to the other types of leather in order to make proper decisions concerning your leather items.

The Nomad Nappa collection provides a diverse selection of items made from genuine leather that are both fashionable and stylish. Our collection of leather accessories is a continuation of the long-cherished tradition of leather products and is made of genuine leather material for the targeted audience.