All About Leather

[mclaincausey]

Not sure if this thread is duplicative, but this depressing article about global shell cordovan shortfall inspired this thread idea when I couldn't find a place to send it.

I have posted this other article about Horween's operation elsewhere, but it fits in this thread.

[Giles]

It's not just shell Cordovan.

The reason we have been short of IHB-01 and IHB-02 for a few months is that the Chinese (no disrespect Chinese friends, just a statement of fact) have been buying all the good stuff in Japan and we are really struggling to find saddle/bridle leather of appropriate quality…..

[louisbosco]

not to mention reselling at a higher price…

[louisbosco]

on another note, a shortfall in shell is indeed a sad news. 

[mclaincausey]

People are eating less cattle and horse meat I think, so hide supply is down. Then as G mentions the growing post recession appetite in the third world and likely elsewhere is snatching what supply there is.

[mclaincausey]

Nicholas Hollows wrote an interesting post on natural CXL.

I would note that Nick Horween states that the final part of CXL tannage is applying neatsfoot and that all the conditioning needed is doing that again every 6 months.

[Karol]

Reviving this thread as Phil Kalas (Ashland Leather, ex-Horween Leather) offers a detailed look inside the Horween Leather tannery in Chicago, which has been operating since 1905. The tour follows the linear process of leather production, highlighting key stages and equipment.

[Danimal506]

@Karol Awesome! I used to ride my bike by the Horween factory almost daily. I regret not going for a tour. They don’t really do tours, but if you ask nicely they will show you around.

[IH-GARY]

@Karol Awesome! Insights like this give you real additional attachment to the amazing boots and jackets we get to wear.