Animal Leather Sources

So you’re excited about getting into leather working and you want a simple Animal Leather Source Guide!  Leather working is certainly a satisfying and fun hobby and you can pretty much make anything you can think of. A small wallet, a phone cover, a bag or maybe if you’re more adventurous a jacket or a work apron and so on.  The question is how to choose the best leather for the work you want to do.

There are many types of leather as leather is made from skins of different animals. The hides and skins used are mainly those of cattle, sheep, goat, pig and in a lesser amount, reptiles, birds and fish. The suitably and price of each animal though differs and below we have some types of animal leather sources and what you might be able to use them for.

Animal

Suitable for

Cow – Most common leather and least expensive due to availability.

Boots, Bags, Upholstery, Garments, Belts

Sheep -Very soft and comfortable as well as light weight delicate.

Garments,  Shoes, Accessories

Pig – Not only dense leather with supple feel but also comfortable and water-resistant.

Gloves, Garments, Boots, Bags, Shoes

Goat – Economical, strong durable with a fine grain comparatively slightly softer and tougher than cow.

Gloves, Belts, Pouches, Garments, Shoes

Deer – One of the toughest leathers available not to mention abrasion resistant.

Garments, Footballs, Bags

Ostrich – Not only the finest but also the most durable leather.

Shoes, Boots, Bags

Buffalo – Extremely strong, durable and rugged  on the contrary it is also soft and supple.

Garments, Upholstery, Belts, Armour

Kangaroo – Kangaroo skin  is the strongest and most highly abrasion resistant leather

Garments, Whips, Athletic Shoes

Snake – Delicate and at the same time thin and soft

Bags, Boots, Pouches, Shoes

Eel – Very thin and not strong however surprisingly soft, shiny and smooth.

Bags

Stingray – Tough and durable as plastic and yet it has a beautiful appearance.

Bags, Belts, Garments

Crocodile – Extremely expensive but at the same time very strong and durable

Boots, Bags, Belts