What is your all time favourite leather

[vivicorsi]

Not considering the cut of the jacket or the comfort of wearing

what is your favourite leather in terms of looks and ageing?

mine is fqhh oil pulled brown so far. i love the non shiny vintage looks it gets.

 

[Fonzie]

If comfort isn’t a factor, Horween’s black ChromeXcel FQHH is very special, but as an all rounder in terms of texture, drape, looks and hand, the HH that Eastman is uses is the winner for me.

 

[handymike]

Himel’s American tanned (not Horween) steerhide. He stopped using it due to supply issues, but it was incredible...

For color- Horween midnight blue cxl

For smell- Shinki

 

[Robbie79]

Many in a different way:
Horsehide: Shinki from FW, RC, GW, Himel and BK's Victory HH
Deerskin: Freewheelers Shinki Deerskin
Thedi's goatskin and buffalo hide
Badalassi (The Few, Aero, BK)

 

[ton312]

21oz selvedge...LOL
Horween CXL or the old Vanson Comp weight for me.

 

[JMax]

Old Cal HH.

 

[El Marro]

If I had to pick one favorite it would be cordovan CXL horsehide. My Bootlegger is made from this leather and the jacket still has that wonderful new smell after almost three years of wear.
Shinki horsehide is a very close second because of the wonderful grain and texture it displays.
I guess the nose won out on this one!

 

[zebedee]

The brown FQHH Aero uses.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

For years I preferred Aero's CXL FQHH and battered tan HH among others but after obtaining my Thedi washed buffalo I've found that I love the finish and wear ability of that leather. In fact I have another of a different color on order.
HD

 

[Monitor]

The best all around leather that I have handled - meaning texture, weight, finish, feel, drape, etc. - originated in Germany. It's the Harro brand that I often mention, though I never saw one quite like it. It's black with a reddish-brown core. Soft, pliable yet Vanson grade weight-wise. Photo doesn't do it justice.

 

[Robbie79]

View attachment 165039 For years I preferred Aero's CXL FQHH and battered tan HH among others but after obtaining my Thedi washed buffalo I've found that I love the finished and wear ability of that leather. In fact I have another of a different color on order.
HD

View attachment 165040

I agree with you I also highly recommend Thedi's washed buffalo (also other leathers like goatskin) to anyone here because it's special, durable, nice weight, subtle (no break-in required), antique wash is special, intoxicating smell and on top of that Theodoros' craftmanship is very good - comparing the stitch-quality/count his work isn't worse compared to Freewheelers IMO....btw. you took the pic of my washed grey buffalo Thedi jacket ;-)

 

[Robbie79]

The best all around leather that I have handled - meaning texture, weight, finish, feel, drape, etc. - originated in Germany. It's the Harro brand that I often mention, though I never saw one quite like it. It's black with a reddish-brown core. Soft, pliable yet Vanson grade weight-wise. Photo doesn't do it justice.

Looks really nice, thick, heavy and subtle... to be honest, I've never heard of Harro before.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

So that is your grey buffalo Robbie..!! I searched Thedi trying to find photos of the grey. Finally I found one small group of that color. Don't know why Thedi doesn't display their grey buff more.
HD

 

[Robbie79]

So that is your grey buffalo Robbie..!! I searched Thedi trying to find photos of the grey. Finally I found one small group of that color. Don't know why Thedi doesn't display their grey buff more.
HD

Yes, it is and I don't understand neither why Theo doesn't display more of his grey buffalo. I'm sure you'll like it as you do like your tan washed buffalo. This leather is really unique! Which one did you order from Theo in grey buffalo? I'm sure you posted somewhere but I can't remember...getting older ;-)

 

[dubpynchon]

I'd choose Horween CXL and older Vanson comp weight first, followed by any of the top manufacturers' goatskin and Vanson's X150.

 

[vivicorsi]

Has there ever been a leather jacket made out of shell cordovan? I know aero‘ s Cordovan only describes the colour but has nothing to do with Shell cordovan.
Are there manufactures building shell Cordovan jackets? ( must cost a fortune)

 

[Gamma68]

I have yet to be as fortunate as some of you guys and explore the world of shinki, cordovan CXL, etc. But here's a collage of what I enjoy about the leather in some jackets I own. Maybe these leathers aren't so special to some, but I think one can find beauty in many quality leathers, if you look closely enough.

Graining difference in adjacent panels and strong oily, leathery scent (Walter Dyer naked cowhide):

Uncorrected stretch marks. @AbbaDatDeHat has dubbed this "tree barking." (Brooks gold label steerhide):

Overall graining, softness and pliability. Wearing it is like receiving a warm hug (Kehoe steerhide):

Loads of graining and subtle color variation (Schott cowhide):

The shoulders and faded elbows of an old horse (Lawrence FQHH):

Making a new jacket your own through wear, handling, exposure (Schott horsehide):

And the subtle scars and marks that remind you that your jacket was once a living, breathing creature that had a full set of experiences before it took on a second life (Lawrence FQHH):

 

[Monitor]

...as for the known brands, I'd go with Horween CXL (Cordo is the finest), specific older Vanson Comp. weight, Jerky Horsehide and I really like the look of Lewis Leathers lamb, tho I've no clue what's it like IRL.

I doubt it I'll ever find a leather jacket made from a leather that can match this one, though...

 

[Nykwil]

Has there ever been a leather jacket made out of shell cordovan? I know aero‘ s Cordovan only describes the colour but has nothing to do with Shell cordovan.
Are there manufactures building shell Cordovan jackets? ( must cost a fortune)

Shell panels come from the butt of the horse and don’t come in sizes big enough for a jacket which is why you only ever see shell on small leather goods and shoes

 

[El Marro]

Y

Shell panels come from the butt of the horse and don’t come in sizes big enough for a jacket which is why you only ever see shell on small leather goods and shoes

I suppose you could make a jacket this way, but it would be extremely expensive and would end up looking something like a patchwork quilt...