It’s broadly recognized that there isn’t just one kind of leather available in the market. Options range from nubuck, full-grain, top-grain, and the leather of discussion – split leather. This type of leather often takes a backseat while people explore their options to arrive at a fine choice. One can’t possibly blame them – the reputation of split leather precedes it when making choices, and it’s a wrong one. It’s seen as low grade leather and without the finesse of other grades. Moreover, it’s a very easy thing to confuse leather splitting for split leather, and many leather-based products users are guilty of this misconception. Although they’re linked but aren’t identical.
If you’re here reading now we assume your intention is gaining insight about everything to do with these topics: split-leather versus actual process called “leathering”. Henceforth, after absorbing all crucial information here, it will surely aid you in making informed choices.
Without further beating around the bush, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of the topics.
Understanding the Difference Between Split Leather and Leather Splitting
Possessing the same terminologies can easily lead an average person into confusion. Leather splitting is one thing, and split leather is another entirely. The former is a process while the later is the byproduct of the said process.
Below lies a detailed definition of each concept for your proper understanding.
What is Split Leather?
Split leather is the end product in a leather manufacturing process called leather splitting. During this process, the top grain layer comprising the outer visible layer of the animal’s hide gets ripped off from the hide. What is left is the corium, the bottom layer, which is quite inferior. This inner layer is the parent material that produces split leather.
Since it’s a leftover material after the isolation of the outer thick grain, this leather type tends to be less pricey and more durable. Thus, it’s inferior and neglected in favor of superior quality variants like full-grain and top-grain. However, this leather type isn’t that awful and doesn’t deserve such treatment. It’s unique and resourceful in the manufacturing of suede shoes and bags.
Now, let’s look at the sister term – leather splitting and see how they compare and differ.
What is Leather Splitting?
To put this in the simplest, understandable sentence, leather splitting can be defined as the process of creating multiple layers of a single hide. A single hide can produce up to two or even more layers – and this is based on its thickness via the leather splitting. Each layer is unique in thickness and quality, while forming the base raw material for the manufacturing of the several leather types you see.
The leather-splitting process deploys a machine known as a splitter. The leather workers insert the hide into the machine where the splitting occurs, with impeccable precision using extremely sharp blades. At the end of the process, two layers are typically guaranteed – the top grain, which is the most authentic and highly coveted leather type, and corium – the lower layer, and source of split leather.
History of Split Leather
The earliest history of split leather dates back to the 1800s, around 1830, when the union splitting machine rose to the mainstream leather industry. This groundbreaking innovation split animal hides with sheer precision and accuracy, separating the flesh side from the outermost grain side. As the years progressed, the union machine in 1860, witnessed its first competition – a streamlined splitting machine, spotting a more efficient and accurate blade.
Giving the union machine a run for its money and fame, this recent cutting-edge machine split animal hide with pinpoint accuracy and precision, even splitting into four unique layers. Thus, it got more critical acclaim, particularly because it could flesh out without any strain, a defect in the union machine. Since most animal skins such as cow can have up to 10 millimeter thickness, this fleshing out process into several layers became more practical, birthing several grades and leather types, including split leather. Several modifications would emerge, with greater efficiency and ease of use, and the leather industry got the boost it needed to produce several variants.
The Production Process of Split Leather
The manufacturing process of split leather is almost the same as most leather types and involves the following processes:
Hide Selection
The first stage involves sourcing the animal hide and a cow is usually a fine choice because of its thickness and large surface area. Also, cows are more common and easily accessed.
Hide Preparation
After sourcing the hide, the next crucial act is to prepare the hide for splitting. This typically involves soaking it in a chemical solution to ensure it has zero impurities while eliminating elements like dirt, hair, and sand particles. The preparation process essentially cleans up the hide for further processing.
Splitting
This is the splitting stage we earlier discussed that distinguishes split leather from leather splitting. In this step, the leather’s thickness is reduced via a machine-splitting process which births many layers. They can be two or more, depending on the hide’s thickness and splitting technique of the machine. Typically, this process get rids of the top and full grain layer – which exposes the lower or split layer – that is employed to create split leather.
Tanning
With the top layer out, the split layer is obtained and made to go through a process called tanning, where tanning agents such as chromium salts are used. The split layer is placed in a rotating drum with the chromium salt solution and the tanning process converts it to split leather. This process is also paramount as it prevents the hides from decomposing and also stabilizes the collagen fibers.
Dyeing and Finishing
Just like its name suggests, this stage is the finishing process in the context of final stage production and also in the context of giving split leather a characteristic feel and look or simply put – aesthetic and quality. Part of the finishing process involves pigmentation – dyeing the leather to give it a unique color, and other processes such as embossing, buffing, and different coatings.
Types of Split Leather
Split leather comes in different forms depending on how it was made. Below are the three main types of split leather.
Bicast Leather
Bicast leather is a byproduct of the last stage in leather creation. During the finishing stage, a plastic layer, which could be polyurethane or vinyl, is created on an embossed release paper. This chemical layer is made to lap over split leather, where it remains until curing is complete. One significant advantage of this layering is that, it gives this unique leather type the appearance of full-grain leather. However, it will be stiffer than the full-grain variant.
Suede Leather
Suede leather is a byproduct of the inner layer of split leather which is why it’s very soft and feels cozy to the touch. Also, it is created from the hides of smaller animals like lambs and calves because their skin is younger and softer. More of suede leather is used in the fashion industry to make shoes and clothes.
Genuine Leather
Every type of leather that has successfully gone through the typical leather-creation process from hide extraction to finishing, can be termed genuine. However, the leather-creation is necessary, yet detrimental. Some processes and chemicals deployed during the creation can undermine and weaken the leather’s originality. These processes can produce bi-cast, bonded or split leather types, which are unfortunately, not the best versions of leather. So, by genuine, you could be looking at the lesser quality of leather.
Characteristics of Split Leather
Split leather is defined by the following physical characteristics.
Thickness
Split leather is very thin, and you can’t blame it. When you source its parent material from the lowest layer, it’s only natural that you have a slimmer leather with weak tensile strength, void of structural integrity.
Durability
Unfortunately, the source of split leather has more than one consequence, which includes durability. Don’t expect to use a leather that was created out of the remnant of a much better quality option for years. That would be asking too much and simply not feasible.
Texture
It’s not all terrible and negative with split leather. Here, we have one bright side to it – a smoother texture. You’ll definitely loft the soft, silly feel, which is soothing to use, especially in footwear.
Common Applications of Split Leather
Regardless of its drawbacks, manufacturers can’t have enough of split leather and even users. This leather is deployed across various industries, and more in the fashion landscape. Some of its famous applications include the following:
Footwear
Shoes like suedes with soft textures are mainly created from split leather due to the jelly-like interiors of the animal’s hide. Thus, they are more comfortable for wearing.
Handbags
The luxury bag industry deploys various leather types to create fashionable bags, including split leather options. These bags are always classy and attractive but of lesser quality and more affordable.
Belts
Split leather is used to make stylish, thinner belts for temporary or even prolonged use. Most people usually include them in their wardrobe as an alternative to full-grain leather belts.
Upholstery
Leather is one of the chief materials in the furniture industry used in coating upholstery chairs. Split leather is often the first choice for sofas, settees, and cushion chairs due to its mild texture that snuggles the skin gently when one is relaxing on leather furniture.
Clothing
Split leather can be used to make light clothing for use in summer. From pants to jackets and tees, using split leather is a norm across the clothing industry. Clothing made from split leather is also more affordable, yet stylish.
How to Identify Split Leather
There are telltale signs that will fish out split leather products no matter how disguised they look. Some of these qualities are:
Price
The first factor that gives split leather away for recognition is the price point. Split leather will be kinder to your purse than full-grain. So, when the price is so cheap that it feels unreal, it could be split leather.
Texture
If the price is confusing, clear all doubts by handling the product to observe its texture. Massage its surface to feel the texture. If it feels so gentle to the touch, it’s likely split leather.
Thickness
This feature easily gives split leather away faster than any other quality. It is always light when handled and easier to compress or squeeze. Leather products from top layers of hides are thicker unless they’ve been layered via embossing or must have gone through a series of artificial processes in the creation stage.
Durability
This feature is the last because you can’t tell if a product will be durable until you start using it. So, identifying leather by durability will require purchasing it first and using the product. If it wears off easily or tears, there you go – split leather in your hands.
How to Care For Split Leather
Regardless of how grossly underrated and undervalued split leather is, durability will still depend on the user via maintenance and care. Reckless usage of even the highest full-grain leather products can shorten their lifespan, whereas, careful usage and adequate maintenance of split leather can squeeze out more years from it. Here is how to care for split leather products.
Clean Regularly and with Caution
It’s a thumb rule to always clean leather after each use but this time, you’re dealing with a lighter version of leather. Hence, absolute caution is required. Deploy a soft, dry cloth to clean your split leather product, ensuring dirt and grime have no business with the product’s surface. For suede materials, use suede-friendly brushes and cleaning products, because they require special attention and care.
Store Appropriately
Maintenance and care may be near perfect, but poor storage can incur negative consequences that will render all the care fruitless. Ideally, ensure the environment is not too dry or humid, and air entry is optimal. Humidity levels should be somewhere between 40 and 50%. If you won’t be using the product for a while, do not wrap them with plastic materials because they hamper breathability. Use paper wraps that allow for the passage of air
Avoid Overburdening The Leather Product
Since the leather’s durability is questionable, it’s best to avoid overburdening it. Rotate the wearing or usage with other products. When using split leather as footwear, always ensure the shoe fits properly to prevent overstretching, which could lead to tearing. For bags, don’t stuff them with more products than they can bear. This could lead to over-stretching as well as subsequent tears.
Repair When Needed
It will be unrealistic to avoid scratches and minor dents on your split leather product. However, these dents can be managed or made to appear less conspicuous by using a leather oil or conditioner. Wipe off the affected area with a clean, dry cloth, apply the product around it, and massage gently. It should look better going forward. For torn parts or holes created by insects, you will need an adhesive, and a similar leather material for patching it. Alternatively, seek professional repair assistance.
Conditioning with the Right Material
Conditioning is a fundamental leather care practice that protects the leather’s suppleness, extends its lifespan, and gives the user more value for a purchase. This is possible if done right and with the perfect conditioning product. Hence, choose only a split leather conditioner that has been formulated with the right chemicals that safely interact with split leather. Using any other conditioner may attract side effects. Also, you would want to bypass conditioners made of wax or heavy oils; they can obstruct the leather’s access to air via its pores and lead to mold formation.
Avoid Exposure to Water, Sun, and Moisture
These elements are instrumental to leather’s gradual degradation and ultimate ruin. UV rays from the sun can lead to extreme dryness, cracks, and discoloration. Water and moisture can initiate mold and spore formation. Consequently, shield your split leather from the elements as best as you can, especially during storage since it’s impossible to stay indoors because you’re avoiding the sun or rain.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Split Leather
So far, split leather has been touted for being substandard and far less durable. However, there are some positives with the products, as with the demerits. Let’s look at them below.
Pros of Split Leather
Affordability
You don’t have to break the bank when you desire split leather. The good part is that they still appear trendy, and one can easily pass them off as top grain from a distance. No need to break the bank.
Versatility
Split leather is versatile and can be refined in different ways to look like any other leather. It can be suede or nubuck. You can have them in shoes, bags, belts, clothing, and accessories. Add that to their affordability and you can have an entire closet of split leather products.
Accessibility
This is quite logical and in line with marketing dynamics. When a product is cheap, it is readily accessible. Make it scarce, and the price skyrockets. So, split leather is more accessible than most types of leather because it’s affordable.
Cons of Split Leather
Quality Concerns
Split leather is affordable and ubiquitous. Both factors will always raise doubts about the genuine quality of a product, especially in the luxury leather goods markets. However, if you looks closely buy from reputable sources, you could be lucky to find a quality split leather.
Breathability Issues
Split leather is often subjected to various treatments like pigmentation and embossing to conform it to the standards of full-grain leather. These processes lead to breathability concerns as the various treatments involve chemicals that may clog the pores of leather.
Not as Durable
The biggest challenge of split leather is durability. This challenge comes from the root of split leather, which, as earlier mentioned, is on the inner, inferior part of the animal’s hide.
Comparing Split Leather and Other Types of Leather
To further cement your understanding on the concept of split leather, here is a comparison between this leather type and its counterparts.
Split Leather vs Full Grain Leather
Full-grain is everything that split leather is not – durability, quality, affordable, and availability. Full-grain leather is the king of leather types, the true leather from the outer layer and packs all the authenticity or characters that leather is known and revered for. Meanwhile, split leather falls short in quality, durability, and authenticity, blame its source – the hide’s interiors, and you won’t be wrong.
Split Leather vs Top Grain Leather
The difference between split and top-grain also stems from their source. From this guide so far, it has been established that split leather is sourced from the inner layer, after the topmost layer is split. Top-grain leather is a byproduct from the top of an animal’s hide during the splitting process. Top-grain leather is the second-best leather type after full-grain. However, split and top-grain leather have a similar relationship in certain features. For instance, they are thinner, affordable, and not as durable as full-grain leather.
Split Leather vs Bonded Leather
Split and bonded leathers would naturally fall under the same class, but to compare, they spot unique differences. Bonded leather is what you get when shredded leather scraps and fibers are squashed to bits and layered over a fiber backing using polyurethane. On the contrary, split leather is from the animal’s skin, only from a side that devalues it. In similarities, they are both affordable, less durable, and inferior to top and full-grain leathers.
Conclusion
Split leather, sourced from the inner layer of an animal’s hide when the top layer goes off, is often misconstrued with other leather types and grossly underappreciated. However, this peculiar leather type is unique, with some likable qualities. It is affordable, won’t cramp down on your style, and available on demand. While it may not be durable, adequate care and maintenance can resolve the durability drawback. Purchasing split leather products means you must agree to a compromise by sacrificing durability and authenticity for affordability and accessibility.
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Looking for a seasoned brand in the leather industry, for the best leather products to amplify your style? Look no further. At HOPLOK Leather, we pride ourselves in exquisite, authentic, and classy leather products finely created from the best raw hides and technological processes. Our products stand the test time, keeping our army of clients happier with each passing day. From belts and bags to wallets and wristlets, you can hardly go wrong by pitching your tent with us, and that’s a guarantee.
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