By Cow
Cowhide is the most often used. It is of good quality, very versatile and interesting to develop creative works. Its structure is compact, has some rigidity and yet is flexible. That is why it is lasts quite a long time. In addition, it is soft to the touch. It is normal to have surface marks, as well as streaks, scratches and holes.
Calf
The hair of the calf is thinner and the hair follicles are much closer together than in the case of the cow, so their skin is very fine and almost smooth compared to that of the cowhides. It is characterized by its soft and delicate velvety like texture. In spite of everything, it is still very resistant.
Colt
The pony skin has good characteristics to work with and it is a somewhat cheaper option than cow hide, although its quality is somewhat lower. Its characteristics change according to the body areas of the animal. In the front, the skin is light and its texture is similar to some types of goat skins, being thicker and more compact in the upper part of the hind quarters.
Goat
Goat skins are very thin and the structure is very compact and flexible, which make it very resistant.
Sheep
This type of skin is less suitable than the cow for work in the workshop. It is not easy to embody it. It is an elastic skin, fine and soft with little shine.
Pork
Pig skin is very strong and resistant, which makes it very durable. Its appearance is mottled by the holes left by the hairs, which occur in groups of 3 and are very rigid. The previous skins are the most common and the ones I have decided to focus on. Of course, there are more types of skins on the market.
Now that you know the main characteristics of the different types of skins that you are going to find when it comes to buying the leather products, you can get an idea of what you could use each for.
Depending on the body area and thickness, the cow can be used from masking and molding with the leather of the belly area to making shoe soles when its thickness is 4 or 5 mm, passing through the manufacture of handbags, briefcases, boxes and belts with leather of medium thickness.
- The foal leather is used in a similar way to that of cattle.
- Calfskin is used to make bags and quilted belts, wallets and purses.
- Pig skin also allows you to make bags, belts, wallets, purses and briefcases.
- Goat skin is ideal for making luxury footwear, gloves and bindings of the highest quality and it is also good for handbags, purses and wallets.
- The sheepskin is used for aprons, bellows, linings and restoration.
Leather products are quite expensive, so you must take care them properly with the best leather cleaners and leather conditioners. Please, click on this link to learn more about the excellent leather conditioners.
