Today's blog is about leather made using the chrome tanning method .
In our workshop, we mainly make products using vegetable-tanned leather, such as Italian Buttero, bridle leather, and cordovan, but we also make products using chrome-tanned leather.
Vegetable tanned and chrome tanned leather are the same, but their properties are very different.
Chrome-tanned leather may be especially suitable for those who " don't want the leather to change over time " or " have a lot of contact with water at work and are worried about it getting wet ."
If you are one of these people, please read to the end and learn more about chrome-tanned leather.
What is chrome tanning?
Chrome tanning is a technique that uses a chemical called basic chromium sulfate to tan leather. Currently, over 80% of leather products are made using this method, making it the most commonly used leather in our daily lives.
Compared to vegetable tanning, it is characterized by uniform and stable quality . It can also be produced at a lower cost than vegetable tanning.
When working with chrome-tanned leather in the workshop, you can really feel its stability, which is less affected by weather and humidity.
Three characteristics of chrome-tanned leather
1. Scratch resistant
One of the greatest features of chrome-tanned leather is its toughness . It is not easily scratched by a light fingernail, and it is not affected by minor accidents that occur during everyday use.
Large leather mouse pad "MP Wide"
We often hear from our customers that our products are more durable and easy to use than we expected . We feel that this sense of security is especially important for those who are purchasing leather products for the first time.
If vegetable-tanned leather is leather that gives you the joy of growing it , then chrome-tanned leather is leather that gives you the peace of mind of being able to use it without any worries .
2. Water resistant = No need to panic even if it suddenly rains
Many people have the impression that leather products are weak against water. Chrome-tanned leather is highly water-resistant , so even if it gets a little wet in the rain, there is no problem as long as you wipe it off immediately with a dry cloth.
Of course, getting completely soaked is a no-no , but not having to worry too much about sudden downpours is a major benefit for everyday use. You can carry it with you with peace of mind, especially during the rainy season or when using it outdoors.
3. Soft = quickly fits in your hand
Chrome-tanned leather is more elastic and resilient than vegetable-tanned leather, and is soft from the start, so no break-in period is required .
Unlike vegetable-tanned leather, which is stiff at first and then gradually breaks in , it does not have a distinctive feel that remains unchanged from the day you buy it.
Recommended for those who choose chrome-tanned leather
For those new to leather products
If you have never used leather products before, it might be a good idea to start with chrome-tanned leather.
Epson "Cram Long" L-shaped zipper wallet
Basic care is sufficient with just a dry wipe, and no special knowledge or tools are required. The leather is soft and comfortable to the touch from the start, making it easy to use even for first-time users.
Chrome tanning is also less likely to age over time and the color and texture do not change, so if that is what you prefer, we recommend it.
For those who are unsure about which gift to choose
Chrome tanning is also recommended for those who are worried about choosing a gift because they don't know the recipient's preferences or don't want to make a mistake.
Chrome tanning is not only easy to handle, but also has good color development.
It comes in a wide variety of colors and is popular with people of all ages and genders.
Miniature coin case "Palm" embossed leather (JOY) type
Even if the shape is the same, the appearance of the product changes completely depending on whether it is chrome tanned or vegetable tanned.
"It's hard to imagine vegetable tanned leather, but chrome tanned leather would look good," so if you're unsure, consider chrome tanned leather as an option.
For those who want to enjoy using it in combination with vegetable tanned leather
Another way to enjoy this product is if you already own some Buttero products but would like to experience something different .
Epson L-shaped zipper long wallet "Cram"
When choosing leather depending on the occasion, you can choose vegetable tanned leather for formal occasions and chrome tanned leather for casual occasions or active days.
Enjoy choosing the one that best suits your lifestyle!
Summary: A new way to interact with leather
The appeal of leather products is that they can be used casually and roughly, but chrome-tanned leather is a leather material that gives off a different kind of "ease and roughness" than vegetable-tanned leather.
We want as many people as possible to know the appeal of leather products that are easy to pick up and safe to use, and that are "close to everyday life."
At Munekawa's workshop, we strive to create products that utilize the unique characteristics of both vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned leather. Rather than deciding which is better, we hope you will choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences .
If you are having trouble choosing a leather product, please feel free to contact us. We will help you choose the leather product that is right for you.
Leather products are sure to make your daily life richer and more comfortable. I hope this article will be the catalyst for such wonderful encounters.
