What Is Split Leather?

We’ve all heard of leather, but what is split leather?

Split leather is a type of leather where the grain layer has been split away to create a durable, yet lightweight leather material. This type of leather is usually used for items such as wallets, purses, and other leather goods. Split leather is created from the lower part of the hide, which is usually the outermost layer that has been split away from the full-grain leather.

We’ll discuss how it’s made if it’s real leather, the different types and grades, how it differs from full-grain leather, pros and cons of split leather and how to care for it.

Basic Overview

• Split leather is a type of leather cut from the grain side of the hide.
• It is durable and lightweight.
• Split leather is used for wallets, purses, and leather goods.
• It is created from the lower part of the hide and retains the grain pattern of full-grain leather.

How Split Leather Is Made

Split leather is a type of leather derived from the lower layers of the hide after the top grain leather has been separated from the hide.

The process of making split leather involves a few steps:

Tanning:

• Tanning helps preserve the leather and gives it a more durable quality.
• It also helps to give the leather a more uniform color.
• Tanning also gives the leather a waterproof quality.

Splitting:

• The top grain leather is separated from the hide, and the remaining lower layer is then split into two or more layers.
• This creates split leather, which has a slightly different texture and appearance than top or full-grain leather.

Finishing:

• The split leather is then finished with a protective coating that helps to keep its appearance and shape.
• This coating also helps to make the leather more resistant to water and other elements.

Split leather is a great way to get a quality leather product at a lower cost than top-grain or full-grain leather.

It is a popular choice for many leather production projects, and it is also more environmentally friendly than other options.

Is Split Leather Real Leather?

Split leather is made from the lower layers of the hide, so it is a type of real leather, but it’s not as strong or durable as top-grain or genuine leather.

It’s also not as attractive, and it doesn’t have that natural look or feel of quality leather.

Type of Leather	Description	Benefits
Split Grain Leather	Made from the lower layers of the hide	Lower price point
Genuine Leather	Top-grain leather with a protective coating	Durable and attractive
Top-Grain Leather	Highest quality leather	Natural look and feel

Split leather is still made from cow leather, so it’s not a synthetic material, but it’s not as high quality as top-grain leather.

Types of Split Leather

Now let’s take a look at the different types of split leather.

Split leather comes in a few varieties:

• Top Grain: This is the most expensive type of split leather and is the top layer of the hide. It is the most durable and is the most resistant to wear and tear.
• Grain Split: This is a layer below the top grain and is made up of the second layer of the hide. It is much less durable than top grain and is more susceptible to wear and tear.
• Corrected Grain: This is the lowest quality of split leather and is usually produced from the third layer of the hide. It is not as strong as the top grain or grain split and is often treated with a coating to give it a more uniform appearance.
• Drop Split: This is the lowest quality of split leather and is usually made from the fourth layer of the hide. It is even less durable than corrected grain and is often used for decorative purposes.

Split leather is an affordable and versatile material that can be used for a variety of purposes.

It is important to understand the different types of split leather so you can make the best choice for your needs.

Different Grades of Split Leather

Split leather is created when the top layer of hide is split from the bottom layer or split grain. This creates two different types of leather products with unique characteristics.

Split leather is generally used for items that require more strength and durability, such as bags, wallets, and belts.

The most common grades of split leather are as follows:

Grade	Description	Use
Grade A	Highest quality split leather	Upholstery, bags, shoes
Grade B	Medium quality split leather	Bags, wallets, belts
Grade C	Lowest quality split leather	Crafts, decorations, rugs

Popular Uses and Applications of Split Leather

Split leather is often used to make leather furniture, clothing, bags, wallets, and other leather goods.

Split leather is a great material to use because it’s highly durable and offers a unique look and feel.

Here are some of the ways that split leather is used:

• It’s used to make leather furniture, such as sofas, chairs, and ottomans.
• It’s used to make leather clothing, including jackets, coats, and pants.
• It can be used to make bags, wallets, and other leather goods.
• It’s also used to make accessories, such as belts and keychains.

Split leather is a great material to use for a variety of projects. It offers a unique look and feel, and can be used to make durable items that will last for years.

Durability Of Split Leather

Split leather is made by splitting the top layer of the hide, also known as a drop split, from the rest of the hide.

Being the top layer of the hide, it is not as durable as full-grain leather, but it is still much stronger than many other types of leather splits.

Features	Full-Grain Leather	Split Leather
Durability	Long-lasting	Shorter lifespan
Maintenance	Regular care	Special care
Cost	Expensive	Affordable

Split Leather Vs. Full Grain Leather

Split leather is a type of leather created when the grain side of a cowhide is split into two or more layers.

The top layer is full-grain leather, while the bottom layer is split leather.

Split leather lacks the grain side of the hide, which gives full-grain leather its durability and strength.

Here is what you need to know when comparing the two:

• Split leather is softer and more pliable than full-grain leather.
• The grain side of split leather is more susceptible to damage and wear than full-grain leather.
• Split leather is less expensive than full-grain leather.
• Split leather is not as durable as full-grain leather and will not last as long.
• Full-grain leather retains its original shape better than split leather.

Ultimately, you will need to decide which type of leather is right for you based on your budget and needs.

Pros and Cons of Split Leather

Here are some pros and cons of split leather:

Pros

• It is an economical leather type.
• It is easy to use, making it a great choice for large projects.
• It can be coated or embossed with an artificial grain to give it the look and feel of top-grain leather.

Cons

• It is not as durable as full-grain leather.
• It is not water-resistant and may suffer damage from water or other liquids.
• It is not as breathable, so it can become uncomfortably warm in hot climates.

How to Care for Split Leather

Split leather is one of the most commonly used leathers, and while it’s durable, it still needs to be treated with care and attention.

In order to maintain the quality of split leather, it should be regularly conditioned and cleaned. For basic care, use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt and dust, followed by a leather conditioner.

This will restore the leather’s natural oils, keeping it soft and supple and preventing it from drying out. Be sure to use a conditioner specifically made for leather.

Coated splits should also be regularly cared for. Use a leather cleaner to remove dirt and dust, then condition the leather with a leather conditioner.

In addition, use a waterproofing product to protect the leather from rain, snow, and other moisture. This is especially important for items like shoes and jackets that are exposed to the elements.

You should also avoid exposing it to direct sunlight and try to keep it away from any sharp objects.

Final Thoughts

We’ve learned that split leather is a material made from the lower layers of the hide, and is real leather.

It comes in different grades, so it’s important to be aware of which you’re buying. Split leather comes with pros and cons, but with proper care, it can last a long time.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if split leather is right for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Split Leather and Bonded Leather?

Split leather is leather that has been split into two or more layers. Bonded leather, on the other hand, is made from leather scraps and fibers that are mixed with a polyurethane or latex binder.

How Does Split Leather Compare to Synthetic Leather?

Split leather is made from the lower layers of hide, while synthetic leather is usually made from plastics or other man-made materials.

Is Split Leather Vegan Friendly?

Split leather is not considered vegan-friendly, as it is made from the hide of an animal. It is not considered a cruelty-free material, as it involves the removal of the hide from the animal.

Is Split Leather Waterproof?

Split leather is not waterproof. It is treated to be more durable and water-resistant, but it is not completely waterproof.

What is the use of split leather?

Split leather is often used in the production of cheaper leather goods where cost is a factor. It can be coated or embossed with a grain pattern to imitate the look of full-grain leather.

What is the difference between split grain and split leather?

Split grain and split leather refer to the same thing. Split leather is often referred to as split grain because it is made from the grain side of the hide.

Resources Used for Research

• General principles of care, storage and display
• Caring for Leather, Skin and Fur
• Leather Purse and Totes
• Leather used in Furniture Upholstery
• Sewing with Leather and Suede: Tips, Techniques and Inspiration
• The manufacture of leather
• Conservation of leather and related materials
• Manufacture of Exotic Leather and Small Leather Goods from Ovine Stomach