How to Tell Cheap Leather vs Good Leather - (3 TIPS) - how to quickly grade leather quality

Is my leather product is good quality? This is a question i get asked a lot so i made to this video to show you how i quickly judge leather. I have made other videos on genuine leather, bonded leather, suede leather, nubuck leather, leather basics and other leather quality videos as well if you are curious about a more in depth video on those subjects.

OTHER LEATHER QUALITY VIDS

[sataneatcheese]

I get the impression that knowing your leather really comes from working with it as oppose to wearing it. Good video me dudes.

[Lezlr]

not a leather expert but I love the emphasis on buying long lasting, high quality products over cheap and disposable ones

[low-costgearbudgettour]

I test leathers, usually cowhide, for motorcycle clothing. A simple test is to make a straight scissor cut part way along a strip of leather. A few inches is enough leather. Then I try to pull it apart by progressively pulling harder. You can do it manually or if you want a better comparison, use clamps and a fishing/luggage scale. You can compare the results to some statistics. For example, “competition grade” cowhide of 1.4mm should be around 22 pounds force (10kg) or better.

[mnlvill]

The first test I ever conducted was folding the leather and making sure it did not crack or split. I believe my dad taught me that method.

[jeffruebens]

For shoes, the tread usually wears out before the leather. I use a mink oil for waterproofing. I have had long wearing tread from the Sketchers brand, if the tread looks deep when new. An expensive shoe with shallow tread is for suckers. Shoe Goo brand glue works well for repairing shoes and other things- it is strong, flexible and clear, and very thick before it hardens so it helps hold a part in place. Gorilla Glue expands as it hardens and usually makes a big mess.

[geralt]

I usually look at the sole and stitching when it comes to leather shoes, if the sole is structured and it has a good welt, it's always a decent leather. Other things like bags or jackets are harder to tell but once you get used to nice leather, you never feel like using anything remotely lesser ever again.

[Ocxlocxl]

your vids help me decide on whether to buy shoes in TK Maxx. Saw a shoe recently which looked epic but on examination I knew it was not good quality- thanks to you. I am the first to comment too- well done, I admire your work and am telling my friend to also. Mark in London

[dragonswordstriker]

Great video, I like how you mention characteristics to look out for and mention that it's not necessarily indicative of leather quality, but the likelihood of a leather being poorer quality is much higher. Gives your work credibility!

[danieldeleongarcia]

For these kind of advices, I feel good of knowing english. Pretty nice videos, I'm learning lots of this man.

[xavieronativia]

I think a cool video that you can do is cutting into like kangaroo leather soccer shoes/cleats like the Puma King top or Adidas Copa mundials

[sagesserbetc]

Your vidéos are a lot of fun to watch, i have worked a des years for a furniture brand, i was qualifiying and cuting peaces for seats, i didn't knew the difference between full grain, half grain, but what we were looking at was on witch portion of the cow the leather was from..Thanks for your contents!

[michaelng]

Would you ever do leather sneakers like Common Projects?

[martinfoster]

A tear test is a good and fast way to determine leather quality. Motorcycle hides are tested this way by manufacturers as a quick way of passing or rejecting a hide. A small cut is made near the edge of a hide. A side acting torque plier is a popular tool for this. If you don’t have one or can’t find one, a luggage scale can be used to pull apart the cut and the force noted on the scale.

[ludwigvonn]

I never noticed the difference between my belts until i saw your video on genuine leather. The expensive ones really are top grain...go figure.

[alexherrera]

Rose, !thanks for the tips. Any plans to cut Thursday Boots?
Thanks!!

[pepleatherlab]

I think it's a great idea to simply avoid all products that are labelled 'Bonded or Genuine Leather.' Well, unless your buying low end restaurant furniture.

[HungryH]

All I can say is when I handle a piece of quality full grain veg tanned leather I can definitely feel the difference between it and poor quality 'genuine' or just top grain leather. It feels solid, smooth, thicker and heavier than the junk leather (especially those stuffed with paper etc.). It has a feel to it like it will last a long time.

[jbrooks]

I would like to see you cut open a pair of the thorogood boots, I've had a couple of pairs through the years and they seemed to be good boot. Thanks

[sherwinever]

This is a very helpful and informative short video. It's very different from just seeing pictures and drawings of grains on the internet. Thanks for this mate! 😊👍

[genaroipg]

Love your vids. a vid on different terminology would be cool. For example what's the difference between saddling leather, harness leather, English brittle ECT.. that would be super helpful..