What Part Of The Horse Is Shell Cordovan?

rump.
Shell cordovan or cordovan is a type of leather commonly used in high-end shoemaking. Cordovan is an equine leather made from the fibrous flat connective tissue (or shell) beneath the hide on the rump of the horse.

Is shell cordovan horse?

Shell Cordovan comes from horses. This type of leather is comprised of fibrous tissue made up of collagen and elastin located directly under the hide on the rump of the horse. It is known for being used on high end dress footwear.

What kind of leather is shell cordovan?

vegetable tanned leather
Shell Cordovan is a vegetable tanned leather that is treated with oils during the tanning process, this creates the unique feel that cordovan has. It has the touch of vegetable-tanned leather that is slightly „spongy“ and not as stiff as chrome-tanned leather but also has an oily touch because of its high oil content.

Is shell cordovan the best leather?

Shell cordovan is vastly regarded as the finest leather in the world because of its bright luster, non-creasing grain character, great leather smell, durability, and ability to develop and keep these characteristics over time.

Why is shell cordovan so expensive?

Why is shell cordovan so expensive? The high price tag of cordovan comes down to the low supply of hides, the high demand for them, and the long, complicated tanning process.

Is shell cordovan the most expensive?

The most expensive exotic leather in the world is from the shell cordovan, a leather derived from the flat muscles underneath the hide on a horse’s rump. As you can imagine, not many places in the world raise horses for leather.

How long will shell cordovan last?

a lifetime
It’s no exaggeration to say that they’ll last you a lifetime — so if you’re looking to buy one pair of high-quality shoes for literally the rest of your life, look no further than shell cordovan.

Can shell cordovan get wet?

Shell cordovan is exceptionally durable. The pores are so dense on the hindquarters of a horse that they are not visible to the naked eye. The hide is naturally resistant to water (though not impervious).

Is cordovan same as mahogany?

Similarly to Cordovan being a leather and a color, Mahogany is also a wood type and a color. For example, you can have a guitar made from mahogany wood or have a piece of maple stained into a mahogany color. The word cordovan has experienced a similar evolution.

Does shell cordovan crack?

Cordovan shoes age beautifully and will develop a particularly appealing patina over time. Unlike calf leather, Shell Cordovan does not crack nor crease, it ripples, which helps to preserve its surface.

Does shell cordovan lose its shine?

Shell cordovan – that durable and robust leather known for its luster – doesn’t stay shiny for long. It can look pretty dull after a year’s worth of wear, and afterwards, it’s hard to get that factory-fresh gleam again.

Does shell cordovan scratch easily?

Second, shell cordovan leather is naturally scratch resistant. The leather is made from the dense flat muscle tissue from the rump of a horse, so it’s highly durable.

What is the toughest animal leather?

Kangaroo leather has the best strength/weight ratio of any upland boot leather available. Australian kangaroo leather is lighter but stronger than cowhide of equal thickness. Kangaroo is a very light-weight and thin leather that is ounce-for-ounce the toughest leather in the world.

What is the best leather in the world?

2. Quality & Cost. Full grain leather is the highest quality grade of leather that money can buy. It comes from the top layer of the hide and includes all of the natural grain.

What is the highest quality leather?

Full-Grain Leather
Full-Grain Leather Is the Best Quality
It is the most popular type of leather. It has not been snuffed, sanded, or buffed to remove any natural marks or imperfections from its surface. Its fibers are stable and durable because the grain has not been removed.

What is color 8 shell cordovan?

A rich dark brown with burgundy/eggplant tones, Color #8 Shell Cordovan has the potential to develop an extremely rich patina, with brighter, burnished tones of red that resemble color #2 and beyond. Coveted by leather heads around the world, Color #8 is often referred to simply as ‘Cordovan’.

Can you polish shell cordovan?

By brushing them to remove dirt and polishing them with a cotton cloth; you may achieve your required result. If you feel a small amount of polish is required, do so with a cloth or brush, but do so sparingly.

Can you polish cordovan?

Apply Saphir Cordovan Cream Polish
Just apply it using circular motions and massage it into the cordovan leather. Since cordovan is such a dense leather it’s best to actually allow the cordovan at least 30 minutes to fully absorb and nourish the cordovan leather and for the waxes to dry.

Which animal leather is more expensive?

Crocodile leather is the most expensive in the world. It’s the most sought-after luxury leather used by Italian tailors. Other expensive leathers often used by these same tailors include: Crocodile.

How many alligators does it take to make boots?

Three 8′-9′ American Alligators (52-54 cm) produces one pair of full boots (tops and bottoms).

How do you soften shell cordovan?

Brush, vigorously, for several minutes using a horsehair brush. Every 10 – 15 wearings, apply a light haze of neutral Creme Cordovan or Venetian Cream sparingly. Allow to sit at least 10 minutes (my great grandfather insisted on overnight). Brush again, as long as you can stand it.