What are the most popular leather types by tanning process?

  • Vegetable-tanned leather

    Any item listed on our website will normally be made using Vegetable-tanned leather - a type of leather that is tanned using natural tannins - bark, leaves, fruit etc. This process provides a more natural look and feel to the leather, and is often considered more environmentally friendly compared to other tanning methods.

  • Chrome-tanned leather

    A widely-used alternative is chrome-tanned leather - when the leather is tanned using chromium salts. Such leather is quicker and cheaper to produce. At the same time, it provides a better consistency in color and texture and improved scratch-resistance characteristics.

    When you make a custom request - you can ask for your item to be made from Chrome-tanned leather.

What is leather temper?

Leather temper is the pliability or softness of the leather, ranging from very soft to very stiff. Interestingly, the thickness of the leather does not significantly influence its softness or hardness; the tanning process plays a more crucial role. Here at ROCK LEATHER SCISSORS, we split the leather in 4 categories by temper:

  • Soft

    Leather that is extremely flexible and pliable. Such leather won't hold its shape. Often used on clothing or upholstery (skirts, gloves etc).

  • Semi-soft

    This type of leather is quite soft and flexible. Typically used for sneakers, handbags and other small crafts, such as wallets and card holders.

  • Semi-hard

    Or semi-stiff; this leather is stiffer and more rigid and can hold its shape. Such leather is often used for boots or motorcycle bags, but also for wallets, card holders and bags.

  • Hard or Stiff

    This leather is very rigid and is not easily bent or folded. Most commonly used in saddlery and for making heavy duty items.

Leathers commonly used in our crafts

Vegetable-tanned leathers are our preference due to more natural look, feel and smell. Neverthelesss, each and every leather article is unique and has a different temper and finish.

Smooth leather finish

  • Temper: semi-hard
  • Vegetable tanned leathers with aniline finish
  • Soft to touch surface with natural look and deep colors

Women's preferred leather for wallets and other non heavy-duty crafts due to more luxurious look.

Leather with matte/buffed finish

  • Temper: semi-soft
  • Vegetable tanned leathers dyed with aniline
  • A unique matte, scratched-looking finish that is obtained by stone polishing

Our number one choice for wallets and card holders due to its unique rustic look and patina development.

Waxy leather with Pull-up effect

  • Temper: semi-soft
  • Dry-milled vegetable tanned leathers that are finished with oils and wax
  • Such finishing process gives the leather a very unique distressed look and a beautiful pull-up effect

We offer this type of leather as a primary and secondary leather for wallets and card holder, as well as toiletry bags and other crafts.

Milled or tumbled leathers

  • Temper: soft
  • Dry-milled and Aniline finish
  • Naturally looking pebbled surface

We use such leathers primarily for small bags, such as toiletry bags, phone satchels etc;

Looking for something else?

The leather world offers more diversity than most people think. We have preferences for some leathers in our crafts, but there are much options available. And we might have some in stock!

Send us a message and let us know what you are looking for. Whether it is a certain type of leather like Shell Cordovan, or just a color reference - we'll get back to you and offer something special!

Get in touch!