Was ist Spaltleder?
Split leather is made by breaking thicker leather hides down into several layers. The outer layer, i.e. the layer made from the outside of the leather, is called full-grain leather, and the lower layer, made from the flesh side of the leather, is called the "flesh split". With very thick hides, several layers can even be obtained. These middle layers are then called "core split", "middle split" or "intermediate split".
How is split leather made?
To produce split leather, thicker leather is required. The animal hide must therefore be at least five to ten millimeters thick. Cow leather is often used for this. Before splitting, the animal hide must be completely dehaired and degreased. The leather is usually split before tanning. This requires a special splitting machine, which must be set to the millimeter depending on the thickness, weight and condition of the leather.
WHY IS LEATHER SPLIT?
Since the 18th century, leather has been split using specially developed splitting machines. This means that several qualities of leather can be obtained from one hide and thick leather in particular can be processed better. Gelatine or collagen products can be made from the residues created during splitting, the so-called splitting waste. This makes splitting a very effective, sustainable manufacturing process, as all materials are almost completely utilized.
The grain split, also known as full grain leather, is the highest quality of all leathers because it has a natural grain side. The fiber structure is much denser there. This makes the leather more tear-resistant and durable. However, the middle split and the flesh split can also be given a grain pattern by appropriate processing with an embossing or a film. It is then almost impossible for the untrained eye to distinguish between them at first glance. Products made from the middle split and flesh split are cheaper than leather goods made from the grain split, as these are considered to be of lower quality.
The scar gap
The highest quality split leather is made from the top layer, the hair side of the skin - the so-called grain split. After the manufacturing process is complete, this leather is no longer called split leather, but is produced as smooth leather, nappa leather or aniline leather. The grain split has a naturally smooth side - the grain side - and a rough side - the flesh side. Nubuck leather is made by sanding the grain side. For the production of suede, however, middle split is used.
middle gap and flesh gap
The deeper the split leather layer, the less stable and tear-resistant the split leather becomes. Middle split and flesh split are rough on both sides, like the back of a full-grain leather, and do not have a natural grain side. Leather made from flesh split or core split must have the word "split" in the name, as this split leather is not as high quality as the grain split. Split leather made in this way is then called, for example, cow split, pig split or split suede.
These lower, less high-quality split leather layers can also be given an artificial grain. To do this, they are coated with a film that has a grain structure, for example, or the coating is then embossed so that the surface looks like smooth leather. The leather then looks like a lower-quality wood veneered with precious wood, although the upper layer is not leather at all and the grain is created by embossing.
IS SUEDE THE SAME AS SPLIT LEATHER?
Suede can be made from both the higher quality split grain and the lower quality middle or flesh split. The decisive difference is the quality. Nubuck leather made from split grain is much more durable because it is strengthened by the denser papillary layer of the skin.
Split leather, on the other hand, is a cheaper option and a good alternative if you are looking for a genuine leather product that is easy on your wallet. However, you should always be aware that split leather products are more sensitive than full-grain leather and require special care and careful handling. More than any other leather product, split leather should therefore be carefully cared for, cleaned regularly and impregnated.
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