Comparison of cowhide and crocodile skin
Cowhide and crocodile skin are two of the most commonly used leathers in the leather industry. They have different characteristics and durability, and are of high commercial value. Let's go through and compare these two skin types to better understand their differences.
Similarities of real cowhide and crocodile skin
- Flexibility, heat resistance and good elasticity, the leather surface does not crack or explode during use.
- Long-term use can be up to several decades. Moreover, the skin will become softer and more shiny with regular use.
- Easy to clean, if necessary, just use polish or a soft cloth to wipe the item will look like new.
- Create luxury, elegance, personality for you each product: clutch, long wallet, handbag... This is also the highlight of real leather compared to imitation leather.
The difference between cowhide and crocodile skin
1. Origin and quality:
Cowhide is the skin obtained from cows, raised for meat and hides. This is one of the most popular and widely available leathers in the world. Cowhide is usually soft, smooth, and durable, helping to produce high-end leather products such as bags, shoes, wallets, and clothing.
Crocodile skin, as the name suggests, is the skin of a crocodile. This is a high end leather with an expensive item. Crocodile skin has a unique appearance with natural cracks, creating a luxurious and classic look. However, due to the limited number of crocodiles, crocodile skin has a high value and is less popular than cowhide.
2. Durability and water resistance:
Cowhide has good durability and is water resistant when treated with waterproofing. This makes it a popular choice for frequently used products, such as shoes and bags.
Crocodile leather is also highly durable, but it is naturally more water resistant than cowhide. Therefore, crocodile skin is often used in products that require high water resistance properties, such as leather wallets and high-end fashion items.
3. Uniqueness and aesthetics:
Cowhide has a rich natural color and can be dyed into a variety of colors. It is suitable for both classic and modern products.
Crocodile skin stands out with its natural cracks, creating a unique and seductive look. Cracks in crocodile skin are prized and used to decorate high-end products.
4. For the environment:
Cowhide is often a by-product of the livestock and beef industries. Therefore, using cowhide can be considered more sustainable, as most cows are raised for meat.
For alligator skins, hunting or keeping crocodiles in captivity to collect skins can have a significant impact on the environment and on crocodile populations in the wild.
Note to preserve real leather
- You should not let the two types of leather get wet, if so, wipe the leather surface with a dry soft cloth and let it dry naturally (do not use a dryer to dry the skin).
- Keep the product in a clean, dry place and use it regularly to prevent it from becoming moldy or forgotten.
- Avoid letting sharp objects, hard objects come into contact with the skin surface, this will cause the skin to be scratched and peeled.
- Do not expose the skin to high temperatures for such a long time, it will cause the skin to dry and crack.
- The hot and humid weather in Vietnam is easy to make the skin moldy. When the leather shows signs of mold, use a soft cloth to wipe the mold and store it in a cool place.
- Avoid cramming too many items and exceed the tolerance of the skin.
In summary, both cowhide and crocodile skin have their own distinct characteristics and advantages. The choice between these two types of leather depends on the needs of use, nature and aesthetic value that consumers are looking for. Still, both are premium materials and are worthwhile for making high-quality leather products.