Cowhide can be divided into multiple layers (up to 8 layers). The outermost layer is the Kraft first layer (top grain leather), which has the best quality, followed by the Split leather and Regenerated leather.
Craftsmanship:
Kraft first layer (top grain leather) - The first layer cut directly from the animal's skin, retaining the natural grain and feel of the original hide. There are natural scars and blood tendon marks on the dermal surface. Occasionally there are knife wounds during processing and the belly area with extremely low utilization rate, as well as the cow's serial number imprint. The production process includes hair removal, tanning, dyeing and other steps, and the process is relatively complicated.
Split leather - The reverse side is the second layer cut from the kraft first layer (top grain leather), and its surface is usually covered with a layer of PU (polyurethane) film to enhance wear resistance and smoothness.
Regenerated leather - Made by crushing waste skins and leather scraps from various animals and blending them with chemical raw materials. Its surface processing technology is the same as that of genuine leather trimmed leather and embossed leather. It is characterized by neat edges, high utilization rate and low price. however, the leather body is generally thicker (not thick enough) and has poor strength.
Material:
Kraft first layer (top grain leather) - High fiber density, thickness is generally around 1.3 mm. The texture is hard, the leather is soft, breathable, wear-resistant and durable.
Split leather - The fiber density is relatively low, the thickness is about 1.68 mm, the texture is hard, but not as wear-resistant as the Kraft first layer (top grain leather).
Use:
Kraft first layer (top grain leather) - Because of its high quality and wear resistance, it is often used to make high-end leather goods, such as leather shoes, leather clothing, leather bags, etc. Duo to its soft leather, it is not suitable for stiff leather bags and other leather products.
Split leather - Because its cost is lower than that of Kraft first layer (top grain leather), it is usually used to make mid-to-low-end leather goods such as mobile phone cases, laptop cases, bags, or some leather products that need to be thinner, lighter, and stiffer.
