There are many marketing terms bandied about in the leather industry, the worst amongst which I would posit is ‘genuine’ leather. While it is in fact leather, it is of the poorest quality and the term genuine lends it a false air of superiority. Leather, much like your own skin, has different layers.
The first layer of genuine leather, given its imperfections, has been sanded off and painted over. There might be real leather beneath, but it is now weakened and also peels off as it is painted. It therefore does not age well and often disintegrates quickly.
Top grain leather is slightly higher quality as less epidermis has been shaved off, and it retains more properties of high quality leather. Less dye and corrections need to be done in order to have a blemish free surface, but the full thickness of the leather has not been preserved, thereby affecting durability and aesthetics.
Finally, we have full grain leather, where the original skin from the animal has been preserved as they have had little scars or blemishes. Little to no correction has been done, therefore preserving the full thickness of the leather as the name rightly suggests. Imagine the skin on the face of a beautiful model- one might appreciate the undulations and pores, and clarity of skin. Full grain leather has similar characteristics to this, and leather in its natural form and beauty. Full grain leather will patina with time, where the leather absorbs oils and potentially darkens, becoming smoother with use. It is a rare material where it actually becomes more lovely and beautiful with the passage of time and use. There is a deep sense of satisfaction whenever you pick up a handcrafted leather product made from the finest leather, as you know it is uniquely yours- every scratch, touch and spot adds to its story as it accompanies you through life.
