What is the difference between Top, Full, Corrected and Split Leather?
Once a cow’s skin is removed in one layer, the outer layer of skin is ‘split’ from the lower layers of skin. It is virtually shaved off. Figure 1 illustrates how a cowhide, which initially is very thick, is sliced into two layers - the Top Cut or Grain Split, and the Bottom Cut or Flesh Split. The important advantages of the Top Cut include more natural oils and larger pores, which facilitate a more breathable material. Full Grain has been casually equated with Top Grain in the sales environment, but they are not exactly the same (as we will explain). Top Grain Leather. Top Grain is a term that covers several layers of the hide but has also become a confusing general term to describe quality. The word 'top' indicates the 'top' portion of a hide, not really the quality of the leather. In other words, it indicates from where the leather was cut rather than the grade. Top Grain Leather can include the lower portion of the Full Grain split and share some of its characteristics to include the absence of corrections (See Figure 2). It can also require some correction because it is not entirely Full Grain. Also, in cases where the upper layer of the Bottom Cut is of sufficient quality (and although finished to add grain and remove defects as a Corrected Grain Leather) it too can be referred to as Top Grain. Ultimately, the physical properties of finished leather predominantly depend on the natural quality of the hide layer and the nature of its tanning. |