What is Leather?

Take a piece of soft leather, and tear it, and you’ll notice fine strands that cling together. These were once the very cells of the animal’s skin, now chemically changed into durable state.  Modern industry has yet to find a substitute for leather, especially for foot wear or saddlery. 

After the hide is removed from the animal it must be prepared for the tanner, which is a    separate industry.  Once in the tanner’s hands, the hide is subjected to several processes, depending on its ultimate use.   

The two basic methods of tanning are Chrome (chemical) or Vegetable  (natural substances) Sometimes these are combined called Retan An example of Veg-Tan leather is skirting leather, used in saddle making.  An example of chrome-tan is latigo leather, which is sometimes also retanned.

There are three basic types of leather used in saddle and tack making.  It helps if you have some knowledge of each, and how they’re used.  Please see my article, "Kinds of Leather".

 

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