What is Crazy Horse leather
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Despite its name, Crazy Horse leather is almost exclusively made from cowhide (the domestic cow, Bos taurus).
Key Facts About the Name and Species
- The Animal Source: It is a type of full-grain cow leather, not horse leather. While high-end brands like Horween do produce authentic horsehide leather, it is typically marketed as "Shell Cordovan" or simply "Horsehide," whereas "Crazy Horse" specifically refers to a finishing process applied to cattle hides.
- Origin of the Name: It is called "Crazy Horse" because it was traditionally used to make horse saddles. The "crazy" descriptor refers to its extreme toughness and durability, capable of holding even the strongest horses.
- The Finishing Process: The leather is created by applying a thick layer of a special natural wax to a buffed and smoothed full-grain cowhide. This process gives it a "pull-up" effect, where the leather changes color when bent or scratched, creating a vintage, distressed look over time.