Cowhides

Color of Hide
Natural Through-Dyed
Type of Leather
Double Butts
Thickness of Leather
Thin (0.8–1.5 mm) Thick (2.6–4 mm)
Leather Layer Type
Full-grain leather Split leather
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Snappy advises

Cowhides — what to choose?

Cowhides, vegetable-tanned and known as sole leather, strap leather, saddle leather, or bag leather, is an essential material for craftsmen and professionals. We offer natural hides, perfect for tooling and dyeing, as well as deeply dyed hides that are ready for immediate use. Natural hides are easy to customize: simply dampen them lightly with a sponge, let the water absorb, and the surface becomes the perfect base for carving, stamping, or other leatherwork. Choose from various sizes and shapes, such as full hides, half hides, or bends, and adapt the material to your specific needs.

Quick selection

Pick cowhides by material or size — jump straight to what you need.

Color of Hide

Natural Through-Dyed

Type of Leather

Double Butts

Thickness of Leather

Thin (0.8–1.5 mm) Thick (2.6–4 mm)

Leather Layer Type

Full-grain leather Split leather

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Parameter guide

What the parameters of cowhides mean and how to choose the right values.

The leather type defines which part of the animal’s body the leather comes from. Different cuts such as bends, shoulders or butts have distinct properties – for example, the bend (single or double) is the strongest and most stable, while shoulder or belly areas tend to be softer and more flexible. Choosing the right type affects the final strength, dimensional stability, and price of the leather.

Leather thickness determines how firm and stiff the leather is and how easy it is to work with. Thicker leather holds its shape better and withstands more stress – suitable for collars, harnesses or sheaths. Thinner leather bends, sews and shapes easily – ideal for wallets, cases or linings.

Firmness indicates how stiff and resistant the leather is to bending. Stiffer leather is ideal when shape retention is required – such as for belts, sheaths, or saddles. Softer variants, like milled leather, make sense only where maximum flexibility is needed – such as for gloves, fine straps, or areas in direct contact with the skin.

Leather layer type specifies whether the top (grain) or bottom (split) part of the hide was used. Grain leather is taken from the outer side – it preserves the natural surface, is strong, durable, and looks premium. Split leather is made by slicing thicker hides in half – it's thinner, more affordable, lacks the natural grain, and suits hidden or less stressed parts.

Leather quality indicates how much of the surface is free from visible defects such as scars, scratches, or stains. Higher quality means less waste, faster work, and a higher price – ideal when you need large, clean pieces. Lower quality is more affordable and makes sense for smaller products where defects can be easily avoided.

Size of hide means how many dm² one complete hide contains. Larger hides are suitable when you need large, continuous pieces – for example for a saddle or a bag. Smaller hides are useful for small items and easier to handle.

Color of hide indicates the shade in which the leather is dyed throughout its full thickness – not just on the surface. The color remains visible even in cuts and resists bending or wear. Color choice is essential for matching metal parts, contrast details, brand identity, or fashion style.

Natural leather is perfect for those who want to dye or patinate it themselves. Black and brown are classic choices for belts or bags, while blue, red, or pink tones suit fashion, women's, or designer products.

Tanning type indicates the method used to transform raw hide into finished leather. Vegetable-tanned leather is made naturally using plant-based agents – it is firm, stiff, and ideal for embossing patterns or logos into the surface. It is also suitable for tooling and for products that develop a natural patina over time. Chrome-tanned leather is treated with chromium salts – it's softer, more resistant to water and color fading, and fits well for linings, softer straps, or fashion accessories.

Why Pet Hardware®

  • Europe's Leading Shop for Leather Crafters.
  • 37-year tradition and 98241 satisfied customers.
  • The lowest prices and discounts up to 70%.

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