5 tips for choosing a leather item
There are several qualities of leather, from full grain leather to crust leather.
1- Full grain leather to be preferred
The full grain leather is the most noble part, it is the top of the skin. It is the leather that will patina the best while keeping its suppleness. In this category, calf leather is the smoothest and softest.
The leather flower refers to the dermis that has been treated and to which a varnish has been applied.
The nubuk is the top of the leather that has been scraped to give it a fluffy, soft look.
Suede: even if its aspect is close to nubuck, it is of inferior quality.
Finally, the crust of leather is the lower part of the skin, the least noble and the least expensive. It is also the one that will age the least well.
Do not hesitate to touch as much leather as possible to learn to recognize it, to appreciate the softness of the skin, the fineness of the grain.
2- To check the quality of the finish, run your finger over the edges
There are 2 types of finishing: "saddle" (the edges are cut cleanly) and "padded" (the leather is folded over the edge and sewn with a hem). The first finishing is the rarest because it requires more time.
Several operations are necessary to respect the tradition of the saddlery leatherwork: to thread the edges (a light line on the edge carried out with the threading iron), to dye the edges, to heat them and to sand them. The operation is repeated until a smooth and soft edge is obtained.
We have chosen the "saddlery" finishes which are the most qualitative. They require a know-how and a time of realization very superior to the "rembordées" finishes.
Run your finger along the edge of the saddle stitch finish to appreciate its softness and regularity, synonymous with quality. Discover our Philo handbag, whose finishing touches reflect a real craftsmanship.
3- Regular seams
They ensure the longevity of your product by reinforcing the leather. The regularity of the stitches and their inclination sign a saddle stitching.
4- High-end curls
The quality of these will ensure the durability of your product. Carabiners, rings, fasteners must not oxidize as this would spoil the whole product.
5- French manufacturing, a guarantee of high quality leather goods
The place of manufacture is as important as the quality of the leather: a beautiful leather badly assembled will not last. France has a tradition of quality, from the tanners to the leatherworkers, whose reputation shines on the international scene. Italy, Spain and Portugal are also recognized in these fields.
