At ColsenKeane Leather we are obsessed with using the best hides in the world. We only use full grain leather, which is the highest quality leather you can get, far superior to the “genuine leather” commonly used by larger brands.
What is Full Grain Leather?
The strongest and most durable part of the hide of an animal is just below the hair. The grain pattern in this part of the hide is very tight, and the leather made from here is called "full-grain" leather. Full-grain leather is the strongest and most durable leather. Additionally, since the grain is so tight, it resists moisture very well. Over time, full-grain leather will develop a patina from being handled.
What Causes Natural Markings on a Hide?
Common leather markings present Full Grain hides often exhibit shading variations, healed scratches, neck wrinkles, insect bites, barbed wire marks, stretch marks, vein marks and brands. We take care to select the highest quality and best presenting sections of each hide for our larger items, such as bags. All of these distinct markings are part of the unique look that each of our pieces express. If you are looking for “perfect,” unmarked leather, then you are looking for a hide that has been overly treated, with the character and quality of the hide depleted. Choose quality and leather as unique and distinctive as you.
What is "pull-up?"
Leather "pull up" is when leather is stretched, folded or pulled, and the hide color becomes lighter in those areas as a result.
What is Patina?
Leather Patina is a natural aging effect caused by everyday use and wear of leather. It produces a darkening and soft sheen that enriches the look of leather goods. Exposure to dirt, body oils, sunlight, and spills give the leather a unique character that will develop over time.
MEET OUR COW HIDES
"CRAZY HORSE"
Our "Crazy Horse" leather is a U.S.-sourced and Chrome Tanned Full Grain cowhide that’s made by applying special purpose waxes to the surface. These waxes are melted and migrated under frictional heat. As a result, when the leather surface is rubbed, the color of the rubbed portion changes.This exhibits an antique effect. The oils and colors seem to burst from the hide. Over time and with use, this hide develops a beautiful patina; darkening where the bag receives the most friction, with a soft sheen. Crazy Horse is quintessential ColsenKeane, and by far our most popular hide.
"HAVANA BROWN"
This hide is a U.S.-sourced cowhide that has been vegetable tanned. What might be considered a very traditional brown, the hue has highs and lows of rich, reddish brown coloring throughout. "Havana Brown" is for the refined, the professional, the timeless. This hide imbues every ColsenKeane product with a classic feel, making it an ideal option for those seeking a timeless look.
"NATURAL TAN"
Our "Natural Tan" leather is a Full Grain cowhide that takes someone who has a vision to watch their leather piece literally change every day. Because this leather has almost no protective coating and is essentially a blank slate, it absorbs every bit of its surroundings (rain drops, the oils in your hands, the spilled tea, etc.) The light and sun will literally “suntan” the hide to a beautiful copper patina. For the person who longs for their leather piece to tell the story of where they have been, Natural Tan is for you. The below photo shows how natural tan leather starts (shown on the fender) and what it will look like as it ages (shown on the left).
"BURNT SIENNA"
"Burnt Sienna" is a gorgeous U.S. cowhide that is buttery soft to the touch. This golden medium brown has a rich, amber-colored pull-up, and is beautifully finished and smells even better. The softness lends itself well to small leather goods like clutches and totes, and will form like a glove around what you choose to carry in it. (***photo depicts a No. 918 Campbell Crossbody made from Burnt Sienna, and featuring Relaxed Mahogany straps.)
DENALI LEATHERS: Brown, Black, or Tan
"DEEP BLACK"
MEET OUR BUFFALO HIDES
"GLAZED TAN"
"Glazed Tan" is a beautiful, full aniline belting leather made of high quality, Full Grain Water Buffalo hide. This leather is likely the toughest of our hides - it is insanely durable. Each hide (and portion of a hide!) is completely unique due to the variegated, crackled finish. Each product made from Glazed Tan can contain smooth darker portions, with less crackle, or lighter, more crackled areas. Colors within the Glazed Tan hide range from dark, deep brown to light shades of orange. Each piece is truly a one-of-a-kind.
"HAWTHORNE BROWN"
"RELAXED MAHOGANY"
"DISTRESSED BUFFALO"
"BUFFALO BLACK"
"BLUE BUFFALO"
"BRITISH RACING GREEN"
This medium dark green leather provides a sleek, polished look. Its unique hue brightens to a bright emerald color when illuminated by sunlight. This color of leather receives the most comments in our showroom! This makes it the perfect choice for a sophisticated, refined look. Make green your new neutral.
"BUFFALO RED"
Make a bold statement with this primary red Buffalo hide. Its bright, saturated shade offers an outstanding pop of color for any Satchel or accessory, and with nearly no pull up, this hide is fully saturated.
Just a little fine print: Color setting vary greatly on each monitor therefore, we cannot guarantee that your monitor's display of any particular color will be 100% accurate.
