LEATHER GLOSSARY

Skive
To slice or split into a thin layer, or to reduce
leather to a specific thickness.
Snuffed
The grain surface is abraded with brushes,
emery wheel or sandpaper. Leather is snuffed
for the purpose of removing defective grain, or
for sueding the surface of the leather.
Split
A single layer from a hide or skin that has been
separated over its whole area into two or more
layers. The layers thus obtained are termed:
(a) top grain split (outer split); (b) flesh split
(inner split); (c) in heavy hides there can also
be middle split.
Split Leather
Skin sliced in layers to give uniform thickness
to the piece (grainside). Split leather (inside) is
trimmed and finished as suede. Cheap leathers
are sometimes pigmented splits with embossed
imitation grain.
Splitting
Cutting leather into two or more layers, or
cutting leather into two sides preparatory to
tanning.
Steer Hide
A castrated bull whose hide shows a tight grain
structure, making it the ideal choice for leather
upholstery.
Suede
Leathers that are finished by buffing the flesh
side (opposite the grain side) to produce a nap.
Sueding
The process of raising fibers on the grain side of
a hide or skin to give a velvet nap effect. This is
generally called nubuck or grain suede.
Suede Split
Leather made from the flesh split of hide or skin
and finished with a velvet-like nap normally on
the split surface.
Table Run
Leathers which are not graded. Cheaper,
ungraded leathers sold to manufacturers.
Tanning
Process whereby putrescible (perishable) raw
hides and skins are converted into leather.
Top Coat
A transparent, protective coating applied to the
leather surface. May also impart luster to the
surface.
Top Grain
The term intended to define genuine grain
leather, as opposed to split leather which has
been pigmented and embossed with a new
grain. In reality, top-grain leather usually has
had the original grain removed and an imitation
grain embossed into the surface.
Unfinished Leather
Normally defines aniline dyed, naked leathers
with no additional application intended to finish,
color or treat in any way that would alter the
natural characteristics of the leather.
Upholstery Leather
A general term for leather processed for use in
furniture, automobiles and airplanes.
Unprotected Leather
This leather does not have a protective coating.
Unprotected leather features more natural
characteristics of the leather, it is typically
softer than treated or protected leather.
They are more susceptible to fading, staining
or soiling.
Vegetable Tanning
The conversion of rawhide into leather with
a greater body and firmness than the more
general method of chromium tanning.
Weight
The weight of leather is measured in ounces per
square foot.
Wet Blue Leather
Leather which after chrome tanning has not
been further processed and is sold in the wet
condition.
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