Leather: What it is and Where it Comes From

In recent years the popularity of leather products have increased dramatically. Because of this increase in popularity it is noteworthy to know just where leather comes from and how it is processed for the consumer

(PRWEB) January 31, 2005 -- In recent years the popularity of leather products have increased dramatically. Because Iof this increase in popularity it is noteworthy to know just where leather comes from and how it is processed for the consumer. This will give the consumer an idea of the different types of leather that is available to him and the knowledge to choose the type of leather that would be most beneficial for his or her intended use.

Leather is the skin of an animal that has been chemically altered to produce a strong, flexible material that resists decay. Cattle hides and Calfskins, Goatskin and Kidskins, Sheepskins and lambskins are the skins that are used for almost all of the worlds output of leather. Other hides and skins used include those of the horse, pig, Kangaroo, Deer, Reptile, Seal, and Walrus.

Leather products have a wide range of uses. The wide variety of skins and the way they Are processed can produce leather as soft as cloth or as hard as a shoe sole. The major raw material for leather production is Cattle hides. The production from these hides ranges from lightweight and supple to tough and strong. The production of durable leather such as soles of shoes, machine belting, engine gaskets, and harnesses are produced form tough hides. The lighter and finer grained calfskins are used for making fine leather such as shoe uppers. The soft and supple sheepskin yields the types of leather suitable for gloves, jackets and other apparel.

Human beings have used animal skins and have learned how to make leather since ancient times. The process of using chemicals to turn skins into leather is called tanning.

Hillside Enterprises
http://www.hillsideleather.com
email getleather@hillsideleather.com

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