I really like leather. I like the feel of it, the smell of it and the look of it. It's one of few things that I think improves with age. However I've bought leather thought they would and didn't age well. What I didn't know is that there is leather….and then there is LEATHER!
The leather that I like is known as Full Grain Leather. Full grain leather is only used in the top quality products. The beauty of full grain leather is the fact that it is made with not much treatment making it not only more natural looking but much tougher and more durable.A lot of leathers are made from a layer of hide however full grain leather is made from the whole hide making itthicker; just another feature in addition to the rugged nature of full grain leather. Leather can be treated in many processes to develop various appearances and finishes however these processes can make it weaker.
Right now there's a worldwide deficit of leather because of three underlying considerations.
1. Cattle herds in the United States have shrunk to pre-1950s levels due to droughts which have minimized the feed available for cattle
2. Vehicle purchases have grown to unprecedented levels worldwide and leather is highly requested for automobile interiors
3. The economy in China has grown and its citizens are hungry for luxury leather goods
As a result, the price of hide (from which leather goods are made) is at record high levels. This is causing leather prices to increase. Retailers have started selling lesser quality alternatives like PVC Artificial Leather and bonded leather. Bonded leather is just pieces of leather or leather fibers fused together with a bonding compound, generally a form of plastic, and mashed into sheets. When you consider the end product is made of less than one-fifth leather it is {hard|difficult| to know how manufacturers are allowed to even refer to it as leather!
The next time you consider buying a leather guitar strap or acoustic guitar strap holder, make sure you check the quality of leather it is made from. Any acoustic guitar strap constructed of a lower grade leather will offer a lot less strength and longevity than better quality full grade leather products. The same goes for leather coats, leather accessories like wallets and belts, shoes and handbags and computer sleeves and luggage.
If you find a relatively inexpensive leather guitar strap, or any other leather product, the likelihood is it is made from inferior quality leather.
Because of the high price of leather, leather goods are believed to be particularly special gifts right now.
The leather that I like is known as Full Grain Leather. Full grain leather is only used in the top quality products. The beauty of full grain leather is the fact that it is made with not much treatment making it not only more natural looking but much tougher and more durable.A lot of leathers are made from a layer of hide however full grain leather is made from the whole hide making itthicker; just another feature in addition to the rugged nature of full grain leather. Leather can be treated in many processes to develop various appearances and finishes however these processes can make it weaker.
Right now there's a worldwide deficit of leather because of three underlying considerations.
1. Cattle herds in the United States have shrunk to pre-1950s levels due to droughts which have minimized the feed available for cattle
2. Vehicle purchases have grown to unprecedented levels worldwide and leather is highly requested for automobile interiors
3. The economy in China has grown and its citizens are hungry for luxury leather goods
As a result, the price of hide (from which leather goods are made) is at record high levels. This is causing leather prices to increase. Retailers have started selling lesser quality alternatives like PVC Artificial Leather and bonded leather. Bonded leather is just pieces of leather or leather fibers fused together with a bonding compound, generally a form of plastic, and mashed into sheets. When you consider the end product is made of less than one-fifth leather it is {hard|difficult| to know how manufacturers are allowed to even refer to it as leather!
The next time you consider buying a leather guitar strap or acoustic guitar strap holder, make sure you check the quality of leather it is made from. Any acoustic guitar strap constructed of a lower grade leather will offer a lot less strength and longevity than better quality full grade leather products. The same goes for leather coats, leather accessories like wallets and belts, shoes and handbags and computer sleeves and luggage.
If you find a relatively inexpensive leather guitar strap, or any other leather product, the likelihood is it is made from inferior quality leather.
Because of the high price of leather, leather goods are believed to be particularly special gifts right now.
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