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What Kind of Leather?

CoopDog

Active Member
I know this is a very hard question to answer, but can you tell what kind of leather is in this picture? I have my suspicion.

30554
 

CoopDog

Active Member
Looks like regular cow hide to me. Does it have any labels? Look under the pocket flaps and along the interior side seams.

I also strongly suspect this is cowhide. I don't have access to the jacket, only photos. I like the color, size and construction of the jacket and the price is very good. What I am struggling with is whether I want to spend 5x what this jacket would cost to get a horsehide jacket. I have never had a horsehide jacket. I know a lot depends on the thickness of the leather and how it is tanned, and that there is great horsehide and no so great horsehide. And, some say cowhide is very nice. What is so difficult about this hobby, is that few of us can compare different leathers and jackets in person. So, a lot of trial and error and learning by experience is involved. I have a goatskin, so I guess it couldn't hurt to buy a cowhide, and eventually maybe a horsehide too.
 

jeremiah

Well-Known Member
According to Eastman’s manual, Cow and HH can only truly be distinguished by DNA analysis.
I have myriads of samples of both horse and cow and can show you finished leather that looks strikingly indistinguishable.

you may be right and it’s cow but why ask the question if you were so sure? I can also show you a sample of goat that doesn’t have the characteristic pattern that is normally so prominent on goat hide.

and according to your initial post it was going to be a “hard” task. Doesn’t appear to hard now?
Also, if it were so easy than Aero would not have had the chance to deceive so many prior to Ken coming back in and cleaning house.
 

CoopDog

Active Member
Let me ask this question then: Why should anyone pay the huge premium for horsehide (which I understand is just a function of the much more limited supply of horsehide) if cowhide can only be differentiated by DNA analysis?
 

jeremiah

Well-Known Member
Caveat empor

plenty of scams out there.
My point is I know leather and consider myself to be quite knowledgeable as I’ve handled it all. I think short of seeing the hide prior to cutting one must just trust the maker on what they say it is unless there is reason to suspect trickery. At least in the difference between horse and cow.
what maker is this?
 

Geeboo

Well-Known Member
Many HK & China leather jkt enthusiasts are Very, very concerned about the use of HH in jkts, thinking it is better and is therefore preferred. In my opinion, If given 2 pcs of 4" square leather swatch in front of you & you cannot tell which is which, then it makes no difference whether it is HH or cowhide. So, Iam 100% agreed with what jeremiah said earlier.
Tell U a secret, MOST enthusiasts are too concerned about HH/ cowhide & forgot the very basics - thickness. Thickness determine the feel, texture & drape of the jacket & a IS DETERMINING factor. Some use 1.2mm leather on a worker boot & complain it have wrinkles, some use 2.5mm thick leather for belt and soft like snake skin after 1 yr of use. Some use 1.5mm goat skin in A1 & A2 & think it is very special........... so many wrong directions.
I really have no idea when the idea of HH is superior idea comes from, when & where.
Unlike jeremiah, I only wear penis skin jkts myself these days , opting for its softness - so I wear none (just kidding).
 
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STEVE S.

Well-Known Member
Many HK & China leather jkt enthusiasts are Very, very concerned about the use of HH in jkts, thinking it is better and is therefore preferred. In my opinion, If given 2 pcs of 4" square leather swatch in front of you & you cannot tell which is which, then it makes no difference whether it is HH or cowhide. So, Iam 100% agreed with what jeremiah said earlier.
Tell U a secret, MOST enthusiasts are too concerned about HH/ cowhide & forgot the very basics - thickness. Thickness determine the feel, texture & drape of the jacket & a IS DETERMINING factor. Some use 1.2mm leather on a worker boot & complain it have wrinkles, some use 2.5mm thick leather for belt and soft like snake skin after 1 yr of use. Some use 1.5mm goat skin in A1 & A2 & think it is very special........... so many wrong directions.
I really have no idea when the idea of HH is superior idea comes from, when & where.
Unlike jeremiah, I only wear penis skin jkts myself these days , opting for its softness - so I wear none (just kidding).


Wish I knew you wore that penis skin. Could have saved my circumcision & you could have had a nice matching watchband!
 

Skullface

New Member
That's an attractive jacket there. I like how the guys are saying that it's not a cowhide, though. The best way to find information about your clothing is by searching on the internet. If your clothing is a brand, you're lucky. You can even see if it's original. If the internet can't help, you could ask a company you used. Even with the shoes, I was struggling. It went so bad that I had to get a Taber Abrasion Tester which was worth it. Shopping for shoes isn't a problem right now.
 
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