What Is Cordovan Leather

Shell cordovan is the name for a leather derived from the hindquarters of a horsehide.

What is cordovan leather.

However the original material is goat leather not horse leather. More than just a color it is a very specific leather from a particular part of a horsehide. Often called shell cordovan this leather is made from the shell a membrane on the part of the horse that goes over the fence last. Cordovan is a rich shade of burgundy and a dark shade of rose cordovan takes its name from the city of córdoba spain where the production of cordovan leather was first practiced by the visigoths in the seventh century.

In this sense the use of cordovan overlaps with that of oxblood. This is quite remarkable given the number of economic challenges america has face over the last 108 years. Shell cordovan is often hailed as the king of leathers and for good reason. The main source of material of shell cordovan is horse butt part.

Both have their own unique qualities and values. Genuine horween shell cordovan is an equine leather famous for its durability self polishing character breathability deep color smooth feel and bright luster. The term cordovan has come to describe the color of clothing leather in particular. Shell cordovan is vastly regarded as the finest leather in the world because of its bright luster non creasing grain character great leather smell durability and ability to develop and keep these characteristics over time.

Shell cordovan leather also known as horse butt hide is one the world s most expensive leather types and commonly used to produce high end shoes. It s one of the few types of leather that consumers might know by name. However it should not be overlooked by other leathers like chromexcel. It s a premium leather made from the flat muscle or shell beneath the hide on the rump of a horse.

It has developed something of a cult following and it is used in high end shoes boots belts wallets and watch straps. Phil kalas and nick horween from horween leather co. Each shell is slowly steeped in gentle vegetable liquors. For some reason this is where the most nonporous leather.

The irregular oval shaped shells are tanned stuffed shaved and then polished a process taking at least six months. Horween is a legendary tanning company that has stayed private and in family hands. Horween genuine shell cordovan is the art of tanning at its finest. Are sharing their knowledge of genuine shell cordovan straight from the factory floor with us.

The shell refers to the hindquarter part of the hide once it has been split horizontally to remove the grain.