Splitting leather
LEATHER SPLITS
Splitting leather is a process in which a piece of skin or fur is divided into several layers. This division into different layers is called splitting leather. The reason why leather should be split is that it should be split to size, for example for small items of clothing such as shoes. There are clear differences in quality in split leather. The grain split is considered the most valuable product of leather splitting. This is because the grain tissue is much more stable and of higher quality. It is also much denser. Another aspect why the grain split is of higher quality is that the grained and smooth surface can be processed more easily into pigmented smooth leather. In addition, there is the flesh split and the core split. Compared to the grain split, the flesh split is of lower quality, which is why it is also much cheaper. Incidentally, when selling flesh split split leather, the name "split" must be included in the name to draw attention to the difference in quality.
The flesh split is made from the lower part of the skin and only contains a small amount of the reticular layer. For heavy materials, the third variant of split leather can also be used, which is the core split, which is also called the middle split or intermediate split.
HOW IS SPLIT LEATHER SPLIT?
The production of split leather begins with thicker hides, such as cowhides, which are 5 mm to 10 mm thick. Before the leather is split, the fat and all hair must be removed from the skin. In the next step, the thick hide or fur is split into different layers. This requires a splitting machine that can split the leather horizontally. However, this machine must also be set up correctly. The split leather is made wet during tanning, which is why the tanner must ensure that the split leather is significantly heavier when wet. It also becomes significantly thicker when soaked with water. The result of leather production is that three different types of split leather are created: the grain split, the flesh split and the middle split. Because the different types are obtained from different layers of the skin, they naturally have significant differences in quality.
Leather was already being split in the 18th century. The first splitting machines were developed for this purpose. When splitting leather, a lot of leftovers are usually left over, which are called split waste. Split waste cannot be used to make split leather, but it is often used for other purposes. Gelatin and collagen products can be made from split leather waste. This makes the process of producing split leather very effective and efficient, as all materials are used.
WHY SPLIT LEATHER?
Split leather has various advantages and disadvantages. The question of why leather should be split can be answered by considering the use or purpose of the leather goods. Basically, split leather is simply a thinner leather than conventional leather. For example, if a product requires a thin layer of leather, you can split it. The flesh split that is created when leather is split is of comparatively the lowest quality. Due to the low cost, it is often used for leather shoes. When sold in stores, however, the material is called suede or rough leather. The grain split, on the other hand, is the highest quality and most tear-resistant split leather. In stores, the finished leather goods are known as smooth leather, aniline leather or nappa. The high-quality split leather is often used for high-quality upholstered furniture, car equipment, clothing or shoes. The middle split, which, as the name suggests, is obtained from the middle of the skin, is also of medium quality and durable. Colloquially, the finished products are called suede or rough leather.
There are a number of reasons why splitting leather might be helpful. Firstly, splitting leather can save costs as several leather goods can be made with comparatively less material. Another reason is that you may simply have a leather product that is too thick and you want to make it thinner.
LEATHER SPLITTING BY HAND: IS IT POSSIBLE?
There is no tool for splitting leather that you can use to do it yourself by hand. So your only option is to split the leather using a splitting machine or to leave it to a specialist. Alternatively, you can sharpen the leather using a semi-circular knife if you really want to work by hand. However, when sharpening leather, only the outer edge is sharpened, i.e. cut thinner. So you should consider beforehand whether sharpening the leather is enough for you. If not, then the next step would be to consider whether to leave the splitting to a specialist or to a split leather machine. The prices of splitting machines vary greatly, and of course you also have to consider the differences in quality. So if you only have a small piece of raw material that you want to split, then a cheap machine is certainly sufficient. In addition, a certain amount of manual skill would certainly not be a bad idea.
If you want to split a large amount of leather and feel that you are overwhelmed by the task, then simply look for a reliable professional.