Your new favorite piece of leather is labeled as split leather. Now you're a bit confused, because you already know the other types of leather.
- But what is this split leather?
- Which animal does it come from?
- How is it made?
- Is this genuine leather?
This article will introduce you to the world of split leather and answer all your questions. But one thing is for sure: yes, your split leather is real leather.
Split leather: What is it actually?
Very thick and robust cowhide is usually used to make split leather . As the name split leather suggests, the thick hide is split into different layers . The splitting process creates the split leather layers, which have different quality characteristics .
But now to the facts, the split layers have their own names and characteristics, here is a list for you:
Scar gap (outer gap):
This is the outermost layer, the one on which the animal's hair was. This layer still has a grain side and the fiber structure is denser than in other split leathers.
It is also called full-grain leather and is considered the most robust and valuable layer of split leather.
Core gap (central gap):
This split has two rough sides and is less robust than the grain split . The core split has no grain side and is therefore considered to be of lower quality.
During the processing process, the core gap and the flesh gap are often provided with embossing and foils with a grain pattern, so that the untrained eye can hardly distinguish which gap is involved. The
Meat gap (lower gap):
Refers to the side that sits above the flesh . This layer is also less robust and stable than the grain gap . The flesh gap also has two rough sides. In general, the deeper the split layer, the less tear-resistant and stable it is.
Expert knowledge: Suede is usually made from the flesh split and the core split. Suede and nubuck leather are among the types of suede.
Suede is also a type of rough leather, but it is made from wild animals and should not be confused with nubuck or suede.
How is split leather processed?
The different splits of cow split leather
also have different locations or further processing processes.
The grain split is often used for the production of smooth leather . After the grain split has been tanned, it loses the name grain split. Leather traders then refer to it as smooth leather, aniline leather, etc.
The core split and also the flesh split are often used for shoes , whether in the climbing and hiking segment or the classic sneakers or espadrilles, because a big advantage of split leather is its breathability.
There are special split leathers for sports shoes in particular, which have a smooth side for applying paint or foil. Cheaper shoes often have split leather as an insole. But this type of leather is also popular in the furniture and automotive industries.
In short, split leather is processed here:
- Handbags and accessories
- Fashion and shoe industry
- Furniture industry
- Automotive industry
Recognizing split leather: The most important features
The durability of split leather is not comparable to the durability or quality of real grain leather . However, split leather is often coated in such a way that non-experts can hardly distinguish it from real grain leather. In addition, the top layer is not grain leather at all, but an artificially created embossing.
It is comparable to a low-value piece of wood that has been veneered with precious wood. But an important feature is that the lower split layers must still bear the name "split" to indicate that this is not full-grain leather.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of split leather?
Sustainability is one of the advantages of split leather, would you have thought that?
Here we summarize the most important points for you, some of which you may have expected, others may surprise you.
Advantages:
- Split leather is sustainable, yes you read that right, because different qualities of leather can be obtained from one skin .
- Gelatin or collagen products can be produced from the split waste
- Cow split leather can be processed almost completely
- breathable
Disadvantages:
- The lower layers (core gap and middle gap) are not as stable and tear-resistant as the grain gap
- Split leather is more sensitive to dirt and water
How do you care for split leather?
Due to the open-pored surface, split leather is a little more sensitive to dirt, dust and water. It is best to clean split or suede leather regularly with a special suede brush. If you discover small scrapes and scratches, you can make them almost invisible with this brush.
Caring for split leather is not an impossible task and can be done in part with simple household remedies . If you prefer to play it safe, then get a special leather cleaning spray for split and suede leather and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
After cleaning, you should impregnate the leather ; this will protect and care for the leather.
It is important that you do not use leather grease or leather wax , as this can damage the surface.
What types of split leather are there?
The split leather layers are further processed into different types of leather.
From the high-quality scar gap, often
- Smooth leather,
- aniline leather,
- Nappa leather
- but also nubuck leather .
The core gap is often used for the production of suede.
But suede leather made from the meat split is also available on the market, but this leather is then referred to as suede split. As you know, types of leather made from the lower layers have to carry the word split in their name. As you can see, split leather offers many possibilities for leather production, just exciting, isn't it?
What is the difference between split leather and full-grain leather?
Full grain leather is the name given to split grain leather and leather that has not been split. The desired thickness of the leather is then achieved by processing the flesh side.
Split leather is made from a leather hide by splitting the very thick hide into up to 3 layers . This creates different layers with different qualities depending on the thickness of the leather.
Conclusion
Split leather is fascinating and you can find it almost everywhere. It's pretty impressive that several layers can be created from one skin, which are then very popular in everything from the fashion world to the automotive world. What makes split leather so special is its sustainability , as other products are made from the split waste. Split leather can be processed almost completely and that is a really big plus point.
The many different processing options for split leather make it so interesting. Last but not least, the price is a treat that should not be overlooked.
FAQ
How long does split leather last?
It must be clearly stated here that split leather is not as durable as full-grain leather or suede .
What is coated split leather?
The lower split layers are often coated, including with foils that create a grain pattern. The foil layer must not exceed 0.15 mm, otherwise the coated split leather is no longer considered leather.
Split leather can also be coated with a polyurethane layer, which is then referred to as PU leather. Polyurethane layers are also used in the production of artificial leather.
Can split leather be dyed?
Uncoated split leather can be dyed, but the coated versions are not suitable for this.
Find out more by reading our other articles.