Cowhide has been used since ancient times to provide clothing and footwear for humans; today, its use goes much further, and for this reason, it is considered a basic necessity. Cowhide has different cuts, ranging from the belly and legs to the most durable part, which is the back behind the head. In this area, cowhide is more resistant and, therefore, tends to have much more quality.
One of the reasons why cowhide leads the market is because cowhide is the most used in the manufacture of bags, clothing, hats, belts, wallets, among others. This is due to its characteristics, such as a certain rigidity, but without ceasing to be adaptable. In addition, it is soft to the touch, very resistant and of excellent quality, all this without mentioning that it is an excellent water insulator and has a versatility of breathability, being ideal for both winter and summer seasons.
In summary, it can be said that in the field of leather craftsmanship, cowhide stands out as a versatile and high-quality material, appreciated by both experienced craftsmen and those who are just starting out in this noble craft. At Curtidos Menacho, we understand the importance of knowing this material thoroughly, which is why we have prepared this complete guide so that you can discover its full potential and be inspired by your next creations.
Why choose cowhide?
The physical properties of cowhide are:
• High tensile strength.
• Tear resistance.
• Very high flexural strength.
• High puncture resistance.
• Good thermal insulation.
• The leather is warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Wet and dry abrasion resistance.
• Fungus resistant.
• Chemical attack resistant.
Cowhide stands out for its unique combination of physical and aesthetic properties that make it the preferred choice for a wide range of applications. Some of its most outstanding features are:
• Strength and durability: Cowhide is known for its high resistance to traction, tearing, bending and puncture. This ensures that products made from this material will last over time, even under conditions of intensive use.
• Flexibility and breathability: Despite its robustness, cowhide is surprisingly flexible and allows air circulation. This property makes it ideal for clothing, footwear and accessories that provide comfort and adaptability.
• Thermal insulation: Cowhide acts as an excellent thermal insulator, keeping warm in winter and cool in summer. This feature is especially valued in the manufacture of outerwear and footwear for extreme climates.
• Beauty and versatility: Cowhide has a natural texture and appearance that give it a unique appeal. In addition, it can be dyed, engraved and treated in various ways, which provides endless creative possibilities to artisans and designers.
Applications of cowhide
The versatility of cowhide makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, both in the artisanal and industrial fields. Some of the most common are:
• Leather goods: Wallets, bags, belts and other leather accessories made from cowhide are synonymous with elegance and durability.
• Footwear: Cowhide is widely used in the manufacture of high quality footwear, from boots and shoes to sandals and sports shoes.
• Clothing: Jackets, coats, skirts and pants made from cowhide. Cowhide leathers are timeless garments that combine style and functionality.
• Upholstery: Cowhide is a luxury upholstery material for furniture, car seats and other decorative items.
• Craft items: Cowhide’s malleability makes it the ideal raw material for creating unique handcrafted items such as sculptures, jewelry and decorative objects.
For all these reasons, cowhide products are usually flexible and breathable, they can be dyed or left with their natural finish; Plus, they wick away moisture, retain their shape, and are resistant to sun and heat damage, making them ideal for the outdoors.
Most importantly for you, they age slowly, so they can last up to 5 times longer than other types of leather. Remember, these are products that we use constantly, opening and closing them several times a day, in many cases, every day.
Perhaps you don't give much importance when choosing the leather and you are only guided by taste and its beauty, but when you know its advantages you realize what suits you best when choosing the material for the manufacture of your products, or simply when you want to buy one.
For this reason, you should bet on top-level skins and leathers, since the durability of the object determines the difference with respect to synthetic materials. In addition, they produce fewer allergies and maintenance problems.
Due to its versatility, cowhide facilitates the development of high quality creative leather goods, since it has characteristics that make it suitable for the manufacture of excellent articles.
For this reason, it is the most used by artisans and other producers of objects, without considering the peculiarity that, in this type of cowhide you can see quite regularly certain marks, scratches or even small holes due to its originality, since cowhide, when subjected to synthetic processes, is when it loses its natural features, durability and flexibility.
Because of this, it is important to keep in mind that an original and natural cowhide will show its natural marks of the animal and this does not mean that it is of poor quality, on the contrary, it gives us an indication that the skin is genuine and in this way guarantees that we are acquiring a product of excellent quality.
Types of cowhide
At Curtidos Menacho, we offer a wide variety of cowhide leathers to meet the needs of each project and style:
• Full grain leather: This is the highest quality leather, keeping the outer layer intact, which gives it exceptional strength, durability and beauty. It is ideal for high-end projects and fine leather goods.
• Corrected grain leather: This leather has undergone a light treatment to uniform its surface and hide small imperfections, while maintaining excellent quality and a more affordable price. It is perfect for projects that require a more uniform appearance.
• Suede leather: It is the inner layer of the skin, soft, flexible and velvety to the touch, ideal for projects that require a pleasant touch, such as linings, gloves or clothing.
• Leather stripping: It is obtained from the deeper layers of the skin, being more economical and suitable for applications where resistance is paramount, such as reinforcements, soles or utilitarian craft projects.
• Oiled or pull-up leather: This leather has been treated with oils and waxes to give it a rustic and aged appearance, as well as making it more resistant to wear and tear. water and stain resistant. It is popular for vintage style handbags, backpacks and accessories.
Tips for working with cowhide
• Choose the right tools: Make sure you have quality cutting, sewing, engraving and shaping tools to get the best results and precision in your work.
• Prepare the leather: Clean and condition the leather before working with it to ensure its flexibility, malleability and durability. Use specific leather products that nourish and protect it without damaging it.
• Experiment with techniques: Cowhide lends itself to a variety of techniques, so don't hesitate to explore and discover new forms of expression! Try different finishes, dyes, embossing, and stitching to create unique, personalized pieces.
• Take care of your creations: Protect your works from moisture, direct sunlight, and excess heat to preserve their beauty and extend their lifespan. Clean and condition your leather pieces regularly to keep them in tip-top condition.
Cowhide: sale and price
After learning about the benefits of using cowhide, you might be wondering where you can buy the best at the best prices.
At Curtidos Menacho, we are proud to offer you a selection of premium cheap leathers, along with the expert advice you need to take your projects to the next level. If you are a wholesaler, you will find the best deals because we are suppliers of major leather brands for artisans. Also, as we are experts in leather tanning, we can offer you a wide variety of products for the production of bags, wallets, among others.
Don't think twice, at Curtidos Menacho, you will find everything you need because we have been offering the highest quality in the sale of cowhide for a long time.