Are Cowhide Leather And Crazy Horse Leather The Same Thing?
Leather has been a popular material for thousands of years, and with good reason. It is durable, versatile, and has a timeless appeal that never goes out of style. While many different types of leather are available on the market, one type that has gained much attention in recent years is crazy horse leather.
Despite its name, crazy horse leather is not sourced from horses but cowhide leather. This type of leather is known for its quality, toughness, and ability to last for over 20 years.
In this article, we will look at Cowhide Leather And Crazy Horse Leather, how it is made, their unique characteristics, and the best ways to care for them. So, if you want to learn more about this durable and versatile leather, keep reading!
What is Crazy Horse Leather?
Crazy horse leather is a type of leather that is often confused with cowhide leather, but they are not the same. Crazy horse leather is made from full-grain cowhide leather, which is then treated with a special waxing process to create a unique, rustic appearance. This waxing process gives the leather a distressed, rugged look that becomes more pronounced with use and age.
The name “crazy horse” is inspired by the leather’s wild and untamed nature, which resembles a wild horse’s rugged and unpredictable behavior. This type of leather is highly durable and can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use, making it an excellent choice for outdoor and workwear.
Look & Texture
The upper layer of the crazy horse leather has not been altered. This indicates that the scratches, scars, imperfections, and other flaws are visible to the unaided eye. These marks impart personality to the leather, which is absent in other varieties of leather.
Even top-grain leather has been sanded to eradicate imperfections to create uniformity. Full-grain leather does not conform to this conception and retains its natural splendor.
Durability & Strength
One of the reasons why crazy horse leather is robust and long-lasting is that it is almost entirely unprocessed. It has a breathable texture, and no portion of the leather has been treated.
The leather retains its ability to absorb oil and other substances for this very purpose. Although crazy horse leather is susceptible to stains, it can be conditioned frequently to maintain its cleanliness and attractiveness.
Patina & Aging
The natural aging of wild horse leather is its greatest quality. Its ability to incorporate oil and waxes results in developing a patina that enhances its character rather than diminishing it.
Other varieties of leather typically do not stain because they have been treated to remove their natural markings.
Consequently, it can prevent itself from becoming stained but also prevents the patina from forming. Therefore, crazy horse leather has a natural patina that allows the material to breathe and become more beautiful.
How Is Crazy Horse Leather Made?
Crazy horse leather is a type of leather that is made from cowhide leather. It is first tanned using traditional methods and then undergoes a unique waxing process to give it its rugged texture and distinct appearance.
This waxing process involves applying a special blend of waxes and oils to the leather, which seeps into its pores and crevices. The leather is then heat-treated, causing the wax to melt and penetrate deeper into the leather.
The end result is leather that looks like it has been roughed up by a wild horse. But here’s the interesting part – as you use and handle the leather, the wax layer begins to wear off in certain areas, revealing the natural color and texture of the leather underneath. This creates a unique and personalized look specific to each piece of leather.
It’s important to note that the waxing process can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some companies use different blends of waxes and oils, resulting in variations in appearance and texture. However, the general process of applying wax to cowhide leather remains the same.
One of the main benefits of crazy horse leather is its durability. The wax layer helps to protect the leather from scratches, scuffs, and other forms of wear and tear. Plus, as the leather ages, it develops a natural patina that adds to its character and uniqueness.
Can Crazy Horse Leather Shrink?
We’ve already said that crazy horse leather is made from full-grain cowhide leather. Crazy horse leather is made from 100% real cowhide leather, the whole cowhide in one piece. It is then treated with wax and polish to make it water-resistant, sturdy, and soft to the touch while looking tough.
What is Cowhide Leather?
Cowhide leather is a type of leather that is made from the hides of cows. It is a durable and strong material commonly used for leather goods, including shoes, bags, belts, and leather jackets. Cowhide leather is popular due to its versatility, availability, and affordability. It can be treated differently for various finishes, such as smooth, suede, or textured.
Look & Texture
Cowhide leather has a natural, textured look and feels unique to each piece of leather. It has a rough yet refined appearance that can be smooth or slightly pebbled, depending on the finish. The texture and look of cowhide leather make it a popular choice for a wide range of leather products.
Durability & Strength
Cowhide leather is known for its durability and strength, making it a popular choice for leather products that withstand regular wear and tear. Its thick and sturdy nature makes it less susceptible to scratches and scuffs than other leather types.
Additionally, cowhide leather can age gracefully and develop a natural patina over time, enhancing its strength and durability.
Patina & Aging
Cowhide leather develops a unique patina over time, a natural sheen or gloss that occurs due to aging.
As the leather is exposed to light, air, and oils from your skin, it develops a rich, darkened color that adds character and depth to the leather. The patina also acts as a protective layer, making the leather more resistant to wear and tear.
How Is Cowhide Leather Made?
Cowhide leather is made from the hides of cows through a process called tanning. The process involves treating the raw hides with various chemicals to prevent decay and stabilize the leather fibers.
However, the hides are stretched and dried, after which they undergo further processing to achieve the desired finish and texture. Finally, the leather is dyed and treated with oils and waxes to enhance its durability, texture, and appearance.
Can Cowhide Leather Shrink?
Cowhide leather can shrink if exposed to excessive moisture or high heat. When the leather gets wet, it can shrink as it dries out.
Additionally, exposing cowhide leather to high heat, such as placing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source, can cause the leather fibers to contract, leading to shrinkage.
To prevent shrinking or damage to cowhide leather, it’s important to avoid exposing it to excessive moisture or high heat and to properly care for the leather.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can Crazy Horse Leather Get Wet?
Cowhide leather can shrink if exposed to excessive moisture or high heat. It’s important to avoid exposing it to water and heat and to care for the leather to prevent shrinkage properly.
Q2: How Does Crazy Horse Leather Age?
Crazy horse leather ages by developing a natural patina, a darkened color, and a unique sheen due to exposure to light, air, and oils from the skin.
Q3: Is Crazy Horse Good For Shoes?
Crazy horse leather is extremely resilient and durable, which makes it a great material for Leather Pants and leather bags.
Q4: What’s The Difference Between Horsehide And Cowhide?
Horsehide leather is stiffer and harder to break in than cowhide leather. It also looks brighter and shinier than cowhide leather.
Final Verdict:
In conclusion, while cowhide leather and crazy horse leather share some similarities, they are not the same thing. Cowhide leather is smooth and consistent in texture and color, while crazy horse leather has a rough and rugged texture with color variations. Additionally, crazy horse leather is more resistant to scratches and water than cowhide leather, making it a popular choice for bags and accessories. Ultimately, the choice between cowhide leather and crazy horse leather depends on personal preference and the intended use of the leather.