Something You Should Know About Genuine Leather
Has this situation ever happened to you? When you want to buy a genuine leather product, you will most likely be confused by the seller's words game. You can often hear them talking about the first layer and second layer of cowhide. However, the majority of us do not understand the difference between the two. So what is the difference between the first layer and second layer of cowhide? Let's take a closer look together. By the end of this brief article, you will be able to tell the difference.
Differences between the two levels of Real Leather
Fiber Density
Everyone knows that the first layer of cowhide comes from the animal's skin's surface, which has delicate texture characteristics. After being treated, the refined material is used for top quality leather products: such as luxury brands leather bags, shoes, and other accessories. On the other hand, the second layer of cowhide mainly came from multiple levels of hiding crosscut and pieced together. This is the reason behind the leather looks rough and hard.
Thickness
If you bought items of the two categories, try to touch them, and you will notice this point. The thickness of the first layer of cowhide is generally about 1.3 mm, while the second layer of cowhide is about 1.68 mm. By feeling the leather product's surface with our hand, we can easily notice that the first layer of cowhide looks more delicate.
Production Processes
Although the first layer and the second layer cowhide are both natural leather materials, the production process between the two is quite different. The first-layer leather is exquisite, and the processing is carried out without using chemicals. Instead, the second-layer cowhide is made by adding some PVC and PU film, so the second-layer cowhide leather is relatively hard and not soft enough.
Different Feeling
Since the cowhide is selected from different cow parts, the produced leather's texture is definitely different. While the first layer of cowhide feels smooth to touch and is very soft and comfortable, the second layer of cowhide has a slightly rough feel.
Pricing
Generally, the price of leather goods made from the first layer of cowhide is relatively high, and the overall product lifespan lasts longer. On the contrary, the second layer of cowhide is different: its leather content is lower, therefore the price is lower. Of course, it will burst or break much easier if used for a long time.
Which one is the better choice?
Since there are such noticeable differences between them, which one is the better pick? Needless to say, the quality of the first layer cowhide is higher because most of the first layer cowhide is directly processed, and the leather fiber tissue produced by it has a greater density. Besides, this quality of the leather product is delicate and textured, with the most natural characteristics. Still, the second-layer cowhide is a split layer of cowhide. Almost all second-layer cowhides are made by adding some materials such as polyethylene in the production. Therefore, the texture of the second-layer cowhide is much worse than that of the first layer cowhide. The air permeability of the second-layer cowhide is not impressive, and it is prone to cracking. Naturally, the quality is much worse than that of the first layer cowhide.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article gave you more insides about the different levels of genuine leather. Huadu Leather, in Guangzhou, China, is the widest leather manufacturing cluster in the world. Here, an everyday huge volume of refined first layer leather is processed to make a high-quality leather product. If you want to know more about natural leather, come to visit our website!