What is cow split leather?
Cow split leather, as an important term in the leather industry, refers to a type of leather obtained by splitting the original cowhide into different layers through the splitting process. This type of leather differs significantly from full grain leather in terms of quality, properties and applications. Understanding the definition, the production process and the application areas of cow split leather is of great importance to those who work in the leather industry or are interested in leather products.
Definition of cow cut leather
Cow cutaway leather usually refers to the middle or bottom part of a whole thick cowhide that has been layered in the direction of its thickness by means of mechanical equipment. This layer of leather does not contain the most superficial grain layer, so it has less natural grain and a relatively rough surface, and needs to undergo certain processing, such as polishing, coating, etc., in order to reach a usable state. This type of leather, also known as second layer leather, is the choice in the search for a balance between cost and functionality.
The production process of cow split leather
The production process for cow split leather begins with the tanning of the original cowhide to make it sufficiently flexible and durable. Then, using specialised machinery, the tanned leather is split to separate the full-grain leather, which has a better surface, from the lower layers of split leather. The surface of the profiled leather is treated to mimic the texture of the full-grain leather or to provide other aesthetic treatments to increase its commercial value.
During the profiling process, the thickness, texture and quality of the cow’s profiled leather can be controlled by adjusting the mechanical equipment to meet the needs of different markets. As there is no need to retain the natural grain of the original leather, this type of leather treatment is relatively more flexible and can be adapted to different design and functional needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of cow split leather
Cow cut leather is popular in the market due to its relatively low price. Its main advantage is cost control, as it utilises parts of the leather that might otherwise be discarded. The surface treatment of split leather gives it a similar appearance to full grain leather, so it is often used to make relatively inexpensive but high quality leather products.
The disadvantages of cow split leather are obvious. Due to its lower original level, the abrasion resistance, breathability and softness of split leather is usually inferior to that of full-grain leather. The natural feel and texture of the leather may be compromised in some cases due to the additional processing required.
Areas of application for cow split leather
Because of its affordability and malleability, split leather is widely used in the manufacture of a variety of products. For example, split leather is often used in the manufacture of footwear, belts, bags, furniture, etc., especially where large areas of leather are required and where the natural grain is not required. It is also commonly used to produce products with an appearance that mimics full grain leather, catering for consumers with high demands on appearance but limited budgets.
Conclusion
Cow split leather is an economical leather product that is separated from cowhide by a splitting process. Although its performance is not as good as that of full grain leather, it occupies a certain position in the market by virtue of its price advantage and wide range of applications. If you come across cow cutaway leather when shopping for leather products, understanding its characteristics and application scenarios will help you make a more informed decision.