Field Leathers Idaho SZ 40

[Powerband]

My advice would be to go for the full aniline Shinki (unless you want something waterproof). The way it ages is amazing.

apologies for the ignorance… what is the alternative for aniline, and what are the differences?

 

[Marc mndt]

apologies for the ignorance… what is the alternative for aniline, and what are the differences?

Yours is pigment dyed. It has a yellowish core with a brown layer sprayed on top of it. Most likely it's water repellent. Mine is dyed all the way through (black core) which makes it slightly heavier relative to pigment dyed leather. It doesn't have a topcoat so it soaks up water like a sponge.

 

[Marc mndt]

Pigment dyed vs full aniline

 

[Powerband]

Thanks a bunch, Marc. Very clear explanation. Does the pigment Dyed Shinki age similarly to aniline, in that the grains and creases are similar features?

 

[Marc mndt]

Thanks a bunch, Marc. Very clear explanation. Does the pigment Dyed Shinki age similarly to aniline, in that the grains and creases are similar features?

The amount of grain that will develop over time differs from one hide to another, regardless of the way it's tanned.

Take this jacket for instance (pigment dyed, very thick top coat). Right sleeve grain level 100. Left sleeve grain level 1.

 

[mendelboaz]

Pun fully intended? I broke down and got on the waiting list earlier this year. I’m really excited to work with Greg on it - he’s been great to work with, even in the early stages.

Ha, I didn't even notice that! No pun intended, but that is an amazing coincidence.

 

[jimmer_5]

My advice would be to go for the full aniline Shinki (unless you want something waterproof). The way it ages is amazing.

Marc, thanks for your advice. I was planning on going with the teacore Shinki because I really want to see the lighter color come through as it wears. Now I have some thinking to do. It seems like the full aniline is a richer color, but it won't patina as dramatically since it is struck all the way through. Is this accurate?

 

[Powerband]

Having owned and still own many jackets/vests with teacore, my preference is to continue to enjoy the beautiful fade and color patina of such finish; however, I wouldn’t mind one day soon to try the aniline leather.

 

[Marc mndt]

It seems like the full aniline is a richer color, but it won't patina as dramatically since it is struck all the way through. Is this accurate?

The full aniline has greater color depth with lots of red undertones, but it won't patina at all. To me the beauty of the full aniline is in those sleeve rolls and in the grain that will develop over time.

@Canuck Panda elaborated on the 'naked' full aniline in this post.

The swatch on top is the teacore black, the middle sleeve is the full aniline black.

I was planning on going with the teacore Shinki because I really want to see the lighter color come through as it wears.

@TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead you got the teacore Shinki right? Any updates on how it ages? Is it already starting to look like this FC?

 

[jimmer_5]

Marc, thank you for the excellent comparison. The look of that Fine Creek jacket is exactly what I'm hoping for. I'm OK with it taking time to achieve - I just want to start with a leather that will actually be able to get there. Most leathers are struck all the way through these days. As beautiful as that aniline leather is, I think I'll go with the teacore (I've never had anything like it in a jacket). Also, a little more water resistance is a good thing here in the Pacific Northwest.