Crocodile leather is not a common type of material but is a popular choice to use for luxury items due to its unique patterning, natural sheen and hardness. However, there aren't many people who actually know much about where this material is from, why it is so pricey and how to identify authentic leather. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need. You’ll find out what makes this leather unique, how it is made and how to look after it. We’ll also talk about why a crocodile leather wallet for men is a great choice.
What is Crocodile Leather?
Crocodile leather is a material made from the skin of crocodiles and alligators. Only the belly hide is used to make quality items due to the smooth and even patterning. This is a natural leather with a scale pattern. Every hide will have a different scale pattern.
Why Is This Leather Pricier Than Other Leathers?
There are three main reasons. Firstly, crocodiles are much smaller that cows meaning there aren’t as many hides to use. Secondly, it is quite specialist work to cut around the scales and sew the leather pieces together. Lastly, most leathers today come from farmed animals and are controlled by CITES.
This leather is pricier due to it being rare and specialist work.
How Are Crocodile Leather Wallets Made?
Leather can be made to be durable, pliable and not degrade by using a process called Tanning. From here, the leather can be dyed and finished. Finishing gives the leather the final look and can either be shiny or dull.
Summit and Selva leather wallets are finished using this process and are polished and put together by hand. The finishes available are gloss black, gloss champagne, vintage brown, dark brown and blue.
Single Wallets, Double Wallets and Triple Wallets:
Wallets have panels to hold your notes or cards. They can be folded. Usually single panels will give you a slim wallet. Two panels will give more room and three panels will give the most room but will make your wallet thicker. Be sure to think about your needs.
How To Spot Authentic Crocodile Skin?
Most fake items are stamped cow hide. Here are some tips.
-
Check the scales. Natural scales will vary in shape and size. If they are perfectly even then they’re stamped.
-
Real leather will feel stiff and soft. The natural scales will give it a texture.
-
The stitching and edges will look neat.
-
If it is extremely cheap then be wary. Also check where the skin came from.
How To Look After Your Crocodile Leather Wallet?
-
Wipe your wallet with a clean, dry cloth.
-
Don’t let it get wet, hot or in the sun as this will dry out the leather.
-
Use an exotic leather conditioner but sparingly.
-
Don’t overfill your wallet as this puts more strain on the seams.
Conclusion!
Crocodile leather is a great choice if you know how to appreciate it! By knowing how to spot quality crocodile leather by looking at the scales and stitching and looking after it, you’ll be amazed at how long your piece of leather will last you. A crocodile leather wallet for men would be a great choice to get you started due to you using it everyday.
