On this page you will find useful information about leather and answers to frequently asked questions. As leather is a natural animal product, the thickness, texture and quality of the leather will vary between hides.

Parts of the leather hide

The Back - this is one piece that includes the butt and shoulder areas, but not the belly. The best leather is near the spine at the butt end.

The Butt - it is the thickest and strongest part of the hide, and considered the best cut for firmer items such as belts. A half butt is .. well .. half the butt!

The Side - this is hide cut in half down the middle, and will include the belly areas.

The Belly - This is a stretchy softer leather of varying thickness.

The Shoulder - This is a softer area of the hide, often used for making bags.

Chrome tan leather: uses chrome in the tanning process. This produces a more waterproof leather.

Veg tan leather: the original way to tan leather using natural plant material.

At J Wood Leathers, leather merchant, we have a vast amount of experience in the selection of the right leather hide for your type of product, please call for help.