Leather, an extremely durable and versatile material, is resistant to physical stress, but at the same time supple and pliable as few other materials are. Consequently, people buying and using items made of vegetable tanned leather generally expect a lifetime of use. In fact, some personal items are so hard-wearing and timeless, that they can easily be passed from one generation to the next.
Veg-tanned leather, (also known as bark tanned leather) is not passive, but responds favorably to use. With its natural ability to wear well with age, and adapt to its role, veg-tan leather products reveal subtle changes with handling, building character and making each item unique. Continuous use leads to the evolution of a rich patina which advances the beauty of veg-tanned items with time.
The production of leather predates recorded history, perhaps going as far back as 12,000 years. It is a fact that the Egyptians were well versed in the art of vegetable tanning, making it the oldest method of leather manufacture, in use today.
Tannins, the main active ingredients, which have strong anti-oxidant properties, are extracted from certain plants and trees. Their application is able to change an organic matter which would naturally decay, into a stable material that will not decompose. The natural finish obtained by this process feels superb to the touch and has a rich natural smell, which no other method of tanning imparts to hides and skins.
Compared to other methods of tanning, veg-tanning has positive, environmentally friendly attributes. Certified vegetable-tanned leather guarantees the absence of toxic chemicals, and heavy metals, therefore avoiding harm to humans or the environment and allowing for its safe disposal, when it eventually arrives at “the end of the road”.
Full grain-veg tanned leather, while maintaining its natural characteristics is also adept at holding print or graphic effect when stamping or imprinting is required.
Despite its inherent durability and natural resilience, occasional applications of a reputable leather care product will extend the life, retard deterioration, preserve and to some extent restore the flexibility of your leather goods.
Most of the preferred dressings available contain oil , which will be either animal or vegetable in origin. Most prevalent is lanolin. This is able to maintain relatively long-term flexibility and suppleness in leather. Most dressings contain one or more of the following: beeswax , which can give body to the surface of leather and can then be buffed to a glossy finish if desired , or some other wax, such as, spermaceti, carnauba, candellila and also neat’s-foot oil.
NAPA leather is a superior extra supple full grain leather, sourced from various animals, used by us to make items such as our compact classic spectacle and sunglass sheaths.
Of exceptional quality and softness it may be treated as follows: