Some Leather Types :
The different leathers distinguish themselves because of their treatment and quality. The first difference is obtained from the origin and cattle treatment. The leathers that come from the “Pampas”, are better than the ones obtained from the north of the country, because in this last area insects are very harmful and the leathers are usually attacked by them, diminishing their quality. When cattle is not well treated, due to strokes, or because of the barbed wire pens were they are raised up, the leathers show a lower quality. Nowadays, this is an aspect of great importance, taking in to account that cattle trade activity it is one of the most important economic resources.
Full Grain Leather
Full grain leathers are made from the outer of the cowhide and are natural and earthy in appearance. Normaly these leathers are naturally tanned and finished.
Milled or "Floater" Leather
This is a full grain, naturally drum dyed leather, of approximately 2.2mm thickness. Once it has been completely finished, it is put into a "dry drum," with no chemicals and tumbled to soften the fibres within the skins. This is known as "dry drum tumbling" and is an old tanning technique. The tumbling softens the leather and gives it a "milled" effect, which is seen as patterns in the leather. Due to the process, and the natural diversity of skins, there can be variations in the milling effect of the leather.
"Glove" Leather
This is an extremely soft, flexible lightweight leather. It has been produced to give the wearer greater comfort. It is a natural drum dyed full grain leather, slightly thinner than normal (1.4-1.6 mm) which makes it a thinner, lighter weight leather, that has all the properties of the thicker leather. It is as strong and durable as the normal leather. It has been dry drum tumbled, but for a short period of time which ensures the super soft silky feel and the main benefit is the comfort that it provides the wearer.
Suede
Suede is the back, or inside cut, of the cowhide and is therefore cheaper than normal "full grain" leather . Suede is more susceptible to staining and tearing than other leathers.
Nubuck/Roebuck
Nubuck is the full grain front of the cowhide that has been "snuffed" or sanded on the surface to produce the peach finish similar to suede. Roebuck is also the full grain outer of the skin that has been "snuffed" or sanded similar to nubuck, though not as heavy. It is then re-oiled which makes it more earthy in appearance and a better wearing leather.
Drizabone
This is the name only for a variation in finish on suede. It contains more oil as it is subject to more snuffing than suede.
Oil or Waxy Leather
These leathers have a high fat/oil content, which makes the leather soft and supple and more water resistant.
Analine Leather
This is the description used for pure leather and the slight variation in colour caused by the hair follicles in the hide picking up dye at a different rate than the surrounding skin.
Another way of classifying different leathers is taking into account the place of the animal from where they have been taken, or from what animal it has been taken. These details are also important when the artisan has to decide the use he will give to it.
Raw leather is the most common one. Artisans make incredible works with it, from very complex braids, including combined belts, saddles, and other objects very well known all over the world.
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