Feature
Introducing three types of leather: Buttero, Bridle Leather, and Cordovan.
Buttero, bridle leather, cordovan.
The three types of leather used by Munekawa.
Even the same leather has slightly different properties.
What are the characteristics of each leather and who is it recommended for?
Let me introduce them one by one.
Buttero
Buttero
Leather that ages beautifully
Buttero is a type of leather produced in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is tanned individually with natural materials called vegetable tannins, and is characterized by its rich colors and smooth texture.
Because dyes are used, the leather's individuality is not lost and the finish has a transparent feel. Tanning over time makes the leather firm and durable. It ages beautifully and is a material that can be enjoyed for a long time.
At Munekawa, as part of our own original processing, when the leather arrives in Japan from Italy, we press the leather fibers with high temperature and pressure to further increase its density.
The color of Buttero is originally matte, but when heat is applied, a natural luster appears on the grain surface of the leather, giving it a luxurious feel.
It is one of those leathers that retains its firmness even after years of use, ages well, and changes in various ways depending on the user.
Care
How to care for Buttero
Caring for your Buttero
It is important to moisturize leather regularly.
Leather is made from animal skin, so just like human skin, it is very important to keep it moisturized.
Buttero recommends applying a delicate leather cream once every 1-2 months.
This not only increases the durability of the leather, but also allows it to age beautifully, allowing you to enjoy the leather's attractive texture for a long time.
The benefits of caring for leather
- Improves the durability of leather.
- It can reduce water damage slightly.
- Small scratches become less noticeable.
- The leather ages evenly and beautifully.
Related Articles 5 Questions Customers Ask About Leather Care
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Perfect For Those Who Appreciate Buttero Leather
Recommended for:
Buttero is a durable and robust leather material that ages differently depending on the user.
Because it is a sturdy material, it will develop a tasteful appearance even if you use it roughly.
It is recommended for those who are using leather products for the first time, and also as a gift.
Recommended for:
- People who want to enjoy the aging of leather
- People who like unique colors
- Those who are using genuine leather products for the first time
- People who don't know which leather to choose
Weak Point
What are Buttero's weaknesses?
Important points to note
The biggest enemy of leather is water
Water is the biggest enemy of all natural leather, not just Buttero.
If it gets wet, it can cause stains, harden the leather, and cause blisters.
Also, in recent years, many people carry disinfectant alcohol with them, but you should still be careful with this as well.
Alcohol removes the oils from the leather and can cause discoloration.
If your hands are wet with water or alcohol, be sure to dry them thoroughly before touching leather products.
Related ArticlesWater Stains and Scratches on Leather
Bridle leather
Bridle Leather
High strength and unique texture
Bridle leather originates from England.
This leather material was originally used for horse tack such as reins, and is known for its high strength, achieved by repeatedly applying wax and oils to tighten the fibers.
The white powdery substance on the surface of the leather is called "bloom", which is the wax that has been applied and has risen to the surface; it is a sign of high-quality bridle leather.
Munekawa uses bridle leather from Thomas Ware & Sons, a long-established company with over 170 years of history in Bristol, England.
Care
How to care for Bridle leather
Caring for Bridle Leather
When you first start using it, just wipe it dry.
Since bridle leather has wax and oils applied to it, you do not need to use leather care cream or oil when you first start using it.
At first, just wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth, and if the surface feels rough, use a delicate type of cream.
If you clean it too frequently, the leather will become too soft, so please clean it about once every 2 to 3 months.
Weak Point
What are Buttero's weaknesses?
Important points to note
Bridle weaknesses
Bridle leather is a hard, taut leather material that is less prone to scratches than Buttero, but once scratched it tends to be quite noticeable.
Once wrinkles or dents form, it is difficult to return to its original shape, so care must be taken when handling it.
If you carry it in a bag, such as a wallet, please be careful not to let it come into contact with other items.
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Perfect For Those Who Appreciate Bridle Leather
Important points to note
Bridle leather is a leather material that is attractive for its hardness and elegant appearance.
It is formal and luxurious, so it is also recommended for use in business situations.
Recommended for:
- People who want to enjoy the aging of leather
- People who like hard leather
- People who like a solid and elegant atmosphere
- People who want to use it in business situations
Cordovan
Cordovan
High-quality leather with a beautiful sheen
Leather made from the skin of the buttocks of farm horses, native to Europe.
It is characterized by its deep luster, is highly rare, and is known as a high-quality leather material.
Munekawa uses shell cordovan from Horween, a company based in Chicago, USA.
Because the leather is allowed to soak in oil over a long period of time, it has less of the rough, frayed feel that is typical of cordovan, and feels "moist" when you hold it in your hand.
When you first start using it, it has a slightly matte texture, but as you go along you will notice the luster characteristic of cordovan, making it a pleasure to use.
Care
How to care for Cordovan
Caring for your cordovan
When caring for cordovan, be careful of moisture.
Cordovan is vulnerable to moisture.
It is also best to use care products that contain little moisture.
When you first start using it, wiping it dry will be sufficient for a while, but if the surface starts to feel dry, use a small amount of care cream.
You can also use Munekawa's care cream, but if you leave it on for a long time it may cause blisters, so be sure to apply a small amount and then wipe it off immediately.
If you are concerned, we recommend using a care cream made specifically for cordovan, which contains little moisture.
Related article : The texture of aged Horween Cordovan
Weak Point
What are Cordovan's weaknesses?
Important points to note
Cordovan leather is particularly vulnerable to water.
Among all leathers that are vulnerable to water, cordovan requires special care.
Even a small amount of moisture can cause blisters.
Please use with care as leather that has been damaged by getting wet is difficult to restore.
If you tend to sweat easily, we recommend that you use it by putting it inside your bag.
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Perfect For Those Who Appreciate Cordovan
Important points to note
Although cordovan is highly durable, it also has a delicate side.
However, with continued careful use, it will become increasingly lustrous and develop a more beautiful texture than when you first started using it.
This is a recommended leather material for those who want to enjoy such a deep luster.
Recommended for:
- People who want to enjoy the aging of leather
- People who like classical style
- People who like cordovan
- People who want to use it in business situations
Conclusion
Select the Ideal Leather for You
summary
What did you think?
While leather is a strong and durable material, there are some things you need to be careful of.
If you understand the characteristics of each type of leather and use it correctly, you can use it for a long time and it will age beautifully.
Buttero, bridle leather, and cordovan are all high-quality leathers that have been carefully selected.
However, for those who don't know which one to choose, we recommend Buttero, which is the main brand used by Munekawa.
It is relatively easy to handle, and I think many people will be able to appreciate the charm of leather.
For more information about the leather used by Munekawa, please see the following page.
