Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned using natural materials and other plant-based substances found in trees, leaves, and fruit. No chemicals are used in the tanning process, which is eco-friendly.

Chrome-tanned leather dates to the mid-1800s and is tanned using a family of salts derived from chromium, a natural element. This is the most popular method. The chrome-tanning process takes fewer days and allows the leather to be dyed more colors. It is more soft and flexible. It is often used for jackets, gloves, and upholstery.

“Oil-tanned leather” It’s not actually tanned with oil. It’s typically chrome-tanned leather that has special oils worked into its surface after the tanning process is complete. Vegetable-tanned leather may even be used in special cases. The added oils provide a unique look and texture and also protect the soft leather.

Hot-stuffed leather is a specific variation of this process. It is usually vegetable- or chrome- tanned leather that has been dipped into a mixture of hot oils and waxes. The mixture infuses the leather, giving it a buttery texture, rich natural color, and water-resistant properties.

Full-grain leather is the cream of the crop. Considered the highest quality leather on the market, full-grain leather has never been sanded, buffed (to remove any marks), or had its surface refinished to remove natural marks and variation. That’s about more than aesthetics: the intact fibers in the grain are what makes leather strong, breathable, and durable.

Top-grain leather is the second highest quality leather, and the most common leather used in leather products. It is thinner and more flexible than full-grain leather because it’s been split. Then, it is sanded and a finish is applied to the surface. That finish is what makes top-grain leather smoother, more stain resistant, and more uniform than full-grain leather.

Pull-up is a finishing technique, not strictly speaking a type of leather — any kind of leather can be pull up. A popular finishing technique for top grain leather, the pull up finishing technique infuses hot oil and/or wax into the hide. Pull up leather’s magic is achieved by “hot stuffing”. Hot stuffing heats oil, wax, and/or grease and forces them into the hide. Like most leather, pull up leather comes in a variety of colors and shades. The patina will change depending on the color of the leather. Stretching a darker leather will create a lighter colored stressed area. So while they show scuffs and scrapes, it’s also easy to rub them out with your thumb, a bit of time, and friction pressure. 

The life of the animal affects the leather. As we all know, leather comes from animals. Animals live outside, rub up against fences, get bitten by bugs, fight each other, and roll around on the ground.  They get scratches and brands on their backs and bodies.  When the leather gets processed, and the hair is removed, all the evidence of an easy or rough life shows up in the scars they have.  Due to the nature of leather being a natural product, each hide will be dyed differently and may have a different texture.  No two hides are exactly alike because no two animals are exactly alike.

When it comes to genuine leather, imperfections should not be viewed as defects but rather as qualities that make each piece unique. Grain variations, scars, blemishes, color variations, and natural markings are all part of the natural beauty of leather. Embracing these imperfections adds character and authenticity to leather products, making them even more desirable. So, the next time you come across imperfections in real leather, remember that they are not flaws but rather a testament to the genuine nature of the material.

At Ozark Mountain Leather, we use a full-grain Veg tanned leather tanned at Hermann Oak Tannery in St. Louis, Missouri, for our custom leather rifle and shotgun slings. This leather is made just for us and has been processed, dyed, and treated to help make the perfect slings for you.

Our Bison leather Bible and book covers are made from full grain American Bison leather. It is made just for us by a tannery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  It has a great pull-up effect and comes in black and brown colors.  Our Bison leather has a rustic but yet timeless look and the best leather feel  you will encounter. 

All of these leathers are tanned just for us here at Ozark Mountain Leather by these tanneries, ensuring a quality leather product that is American-made from beginning to end.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask us. Contact us here. We look forward to making something custom for you or a loved one.