Cow

[Cow] The most used leather material

The most common of leather materials that has been used for leather products since ancient times. The finish is beautiful and durable, and is widely distributed. There are the following differences in names and properties depending on the age and gender.

[Calf: The finest material with outstanding surface texture]
The leather of calves within 6 months of age is dominated by dairy cows. Since they are very young, there are few scratches, the surface is smooth, and the fibers are fine and soft. In particular, baby calf, which is the leather of calves within 3 months of age, is used as a material for high-class leather products because it is thinner and has a finer surface than calf.

[Kip: Luxury leather with beauty and affordability]
Refers to the leather of medium cows from 6 months to 2 years old. Like calf, the surface is fine and there are few scratches. Although it is not as smooth as calf, it is highly versatile due to its thick and strong leather, making it an affordable material among high-end products.

[Steerhide: The most popular cowhide material]
Male cows that have been castrated between the ages of 3 and 6 months, and more than 2 years old. The thickness is relatively uniform, there are few scratches, and the fineness of the surface is close to that of a kip. It is the most popular cowhide that is widely distributed and used for a wide range of leather products.

[Cowhide: A well-balanced cowhide]
Leather of adult female cows more than 2 years old and have given birth. In terms of thickness and strength, it has characteristics that can be said to be almost halfway between Kip and Steerhide. Since it is an adult cow, the leather is relatively large, and it is often used for large bags and jackets.

[Used for]
·shoes
·bag
·belt
·furniture etc.

Horse

[Horse] Attractive cordovan with beautiful luster

Since the fiber structure is coarse and thin as a whole, it is less strong than cowhide, but it is more flexible and has been used in clothing for a long time. Among them, the rare leather of the buttocks of heavy horses, which is called cordovan, is used as a high-class material whose fibers are so dense that it does not allow air or water to pass through and has a beautiful luster.

[Used for]
·shoes
·bag
·school bag
·small items etc.

Pig

[Pig] The only leather that can be self-supplied in Japan

It is the only leather that can be consistently produced, everything from breeding to processing, in Japan, and is also exported overseas. Pigskin suede is very popular and is also used for casual shoes. Three pores on the surface of the leather penetrate all layers and provide excellent breathability, so they are often used for shoe insoles.

[Used for]
·shoes
·bag
·clothing
·small items etc.

Deer

[Deer] Highly water resistant leather familiar to Japan

It is soft, feels good, and has excellent water resistance, and has been used for armor and clothing in Japan for centuries. Also, deer leather that is tanned with vegetable oil is called chamois leather, which is also used for lens and automobile polishing, taking advantage of its property that it easily absorbs moisture but does not harden and returns to its original state even when stretched.

[Used for]
·wear
·gloves
·armor
·towels etc.

Goat

[Goat] haracterized by its unique grain and softness

Goat leather has a unique fine grain on the surface. Adult goat leather is called goatskin, and kid leather is called kidskin. Goatskin leather is thin but has excellent strength and fine fibers. It is also soft but durable and does not easily lose its shape. Kidskin is thinner and lighter than goatskin, and is used in high-end shoes, gloves, and clothing.

[Used for]
·shoes
·handbags
·clothing
·gloves etc.

Sheep

[Sheep] Used for high-class clothing with outstanding texture

Adults are called sheep, those under a year old are called lamb. Known for its fine texture and is thin and soft. However, since the fibers are coarse, it is rarely used for leather products that require strength. It is very smooth and used in high-class gloves and hats, and those with hair are used as moutons for coats.

[Used for]
・clothing
・golf gloves
・hats etc.

Lizard

[Lizard] Ring-shaped scales are proof of the highest quality

Among reptiles, lizard leather, which is a popular material, is collectively called lizard and is used for various purposes because of its relative strength. The ring mark lizard, which is the largest and toughest leather among lizards, has a ring pattern on the scales and is considered to be the finest product. Recently, some leathers have been used by removing this pattern by chemical treatment.

[Used for]
・ Handbag
・ Accessories
・ Watch bands, etc.

Crocodile

[Crocodile] A unique scale pattern creates a rich expression

There is the "belly cut" which makes use of the unique scale pattern "abdominal scale plate" of the abdomen, and a "back cut" that makes use of the larger scales on the back. Rich in leather expression, it is often used for small items such as belts, watch bands, wallets, and women's bags. Crocodile with beautifully aligned scale patterns are popular.

[Used for]
・ Handbag
・ Accessories
・ Belt etc.

Ostrich

[Ostrich] A high-class material with unique protrusions

The largest among birds, the ostrich used for leather is mainly from Africa. The skin has a round protrusion after the feathers are pulled out, which is prized as a unique and beautiful pattern. The leather is durable and flexible, and is widely used as a high-class material along with crocodile leather.

[Used for]
・ Handbag
・ Clothing
・ Accessories
・ Belt etc.

Snake

[Snake] Ideal for highly fashionable items

Pythons with beautiful spots on the whole body are mainly used. Among them, the diamond python with a diamond pattern is very popular. Snakes such as sea snakes and cobras are also used according to the scale patterns, and are used for highly fashionable products such as bags, accessories, boots and jackets.

[Used for such things]
・ Handbag
・ Accessories
・ Boots
・ Watch bands, etc.