Crazy horse leather: what makes this leather different from the rest
In the leather world, there exist some highly durable kinds of leather, and one such type is known as Crazy Horse leather. It is a kind of luxury leather with very unique qualities, and no other leather material can match the properties of this timeless leather type.
In this article, we will discuss this amazing leather called Crazy Horse leather. We will also answer questions people often ask, such as: What is Crazy Horse leather? How did it get this name? How is it made? And many more. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of Crazy Horse leather and will be able to make a more informed decision when purchasing this luxury material.
Table of Contents
What is crazy horse leather?
Crazy Horse leather is full-grain leather, which is the highest grade of animal leather, made from the hides of cows or buffaloes. The entire cowhide is used except for the hairs to make this leather. Cowhide leather is coated with a special kind of wax. Due to this wax coating, Crazy Horse leather gets its unique appearance and texture that improves with time and usage as it tends to develop a beautiful surface patina and change its color slightly, making it look even better.
Because of this wax coating, Crazy Horse leather also becomes water-resistant, enhancing its durability even more. Crazy Horse leather can easily last for decades and can even outlast the user if properly taken care of.
How did crazy horse leather get its name?
The name “Crazy Horse” implies that it is derived from horsehide, but that’s not true. It has gotten the name “Crazy Horse” after a legendary Native American war leader, Crazy Horse. This leather is strong and can withstand the test of time, just like a true warrior.
Crazy Horse leather is also known as oil pull-up leather or simply pull-up leather. It is supposed to change its color when it is bent.
Is Crazy Horse leather for you?
If you like luxurious and durable items, then Crazy Horse leather is just for you. Any product made out of Crazy Horse leather can last for at least 20 years or more if taken care of properly.
And it’s not limited to that. In addition to longevity, its appearance will get better and better with time, making it a true classic that never goes out of fashion.
How is crazy horse leather made?
1.| Material selection
The highest quality full grain cowhide or buffalo hide is chosen because of its strength and natural characteristics
2.| Tanning
One of the most crucial steps is tanning. In this step, animal hide is transformed into leather by a process called tanning, in which hides are tanned by either vegetable tanning or chrome tanning methods. In vegetable leather tanning, natural tanning agents derived from tree bark are used, and in chrome tanning, chromium salts are used as tanning agents.
3.| Hot stuffing
This step of the manufacturing process makes all the difference between normal full-grain leather and Crazy Horse leather. This hot stuffing process involves heating the leather and then infusing it with natural oils and waxes until it is saturated. Sometimes, animal fat is also used.
4.| Drying
After hot stuffing, the leather is allowed to dry naturally. After drying, additional oils and waxes are applied to condition the leather which further enhances it smoothness and flexibility
5.| Finishing
It is the final stage of the manufacturing process and it involves final touches such as polishing, buffing, etc. before going for a quality check
Crazy horse leather vs genuine leather
Crazy Horse leather is a type of genuine leather, but not every genuine leather is Crazy Horse leather.
“Genuine leather” is a broad term used for leather made from animal skin. However, it does not indicate the quality of the leather. For instance, the cheapest quality bonded leather also falls under the genuine leather category, but that doesn’t mean it’s very durable and strong.
In contrast, Crazy Horse leather is known for its high quality and durability.
Pros and cons of crazy horse leather
Here’s a detailed look at its pros and cons:
Pros
1.| Durability
As we have already mentioned crazy horse is one of the strongest and most durable leather type
2.| Age well
Apart from durability, it gets better with age which makes it really desirable by many people
3.| Water resistance
Cowhide is naturally quite resistant to water and also it is waxed which further enhances its water-resisting properties
4.| Low maintenance
Though it needs some conditioning and care but it is far less than other types of leather need which makes it comparatively low-maintenance
Cons
1.| Cost
The cost of crazy horse leather is even higher as compared to normal full grain cow leather
2.| Initial stiffness
As crazy horse leather is derived from cowhide, it inherits its natural properties such as stiffness, it can feel stiff in the beginning but as you break it in it will become softer
3.| Scratches easily
Scratches can be easily visible on this leather, and this property is even admired by some leather enthusiasts, but not everybody likes the scratches. However, these scratches tend to blend with the patina over time.
How do you care for crazy horse leather?
Conditioning: Proper maintenance is crucial for any type of leather. Crazy Horse leather needs to be conditioned periodically, perhaps once a year. You should also keep your leather items clean by wiping off any dust or residue with a soft, dry cloth.
Avoid harsh cleaning agents: Keep in mind not to use any cleaning agents to clean Crazy Horse leather as they can damage the wax coating on the leather. Only use leather-specific products or those recommended by the manufacturer.
Storage: Always store your leather goods in a dry and ventilated place. Avoid putting them in plastic bags and use breathable fabric bags instead to ensure airflow. Hang them instead of folding, which can cause permanent creases.
Avoid excessive moisture: Crazy Horse leather is quite resistant to moisture and water, but just like any other leather, it is not fully immune to moisture. Therefore, avoid exposing it to moisture and wipe off any water spills immediately with a dry cloth.
Uses of crazy horse leather
Crazy Horse leather, being a versatile material, can be used where full-grain leather is employed. However, due to its exceptional strength and durability, it has been traditionally used in the making of horse saddles. The word “crazy” signifies toughness, which is what a material should possess to withstand the strength of a horse.
Apart from that, it is also the perfect material for durable bags and luggage, footwear, accessories, furniture, safety gear, jackets and apparel, high-strength outdoor gear, and many more applications.
Conclusion
Well, I hope you’ve found answers to all your questions, such as what is crazy horse leather and Why is it so expensive. However, a common question remains: Is crazy horse leather really worth the price? Well, In my opinion, the answer is definitely yes. Considering all its unique qualities and the effort that goes into making it, crazy horse leather is worth the extra investment. No other leather can quite match the luxurious feel of top grain leather.
For more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.
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