You may not be sure what the difference is between buffalo and cow hide leather, as they both stem from the Bovidae family, nor which is best for making bags. Both types of leather provide unique benefits in both their function and appearance that allow you to customize your bags. Here’s what you need to know as you shop around and determine what you want from your leather.
Cow Leather
One of the most common types of leather available, cow hide leather is by far more common and is typically a byproduct of the cattle and meat industries. Cow leather is very tough and reliable, perfect for making a bevy of accessories, including belts, wallets, coats, and bags. The leather is very resistant to ripping in comparison to other leather while still maintaining a degree of elasticity, especially in chrome tanned cow leather. This elasticity is important for ensuring leather clothing items adapt to the form of the user’s body, or bend around the corners of a bag. Additionally, this characteristic helps accessories like wallets or bags last longer because they’re not so incredibly rigid.
Furthermore, the durability of cow leather ensures it can repel moisture, retain its form, and withstand heat or sun damage—all important factors for ensuring your bag remains functional and able to protect the items within it from the elements. Cowhide leather is a reliable and excellent go-to material for a large variety of projects.
Buffalo Leather
But what about buffalo leather? We should first establish that “buffalo” is actually referring to bison leather. The terms “buffalo” and “bison” are often used interchangeably, but they’re two very different animals. Bison leather is an American leather, typically sourced from bison cattle farms in the American West. Bison leather is incredibly strong and pliable, much like cow leather, but can also be much thicker, allowing it to be one of the most enduring and long-lasting forms of leather at no cost to flexibility.
While its practical attributes are similar to cowhide leather, you may also be swayed by bison leather because of its incredible appearance. The unique grain pattern of bison leather is rich and preserved so that the material doesn’t spread out too far. Furthermore, bison leather tends to have a higher tensile strength than cow, meaning it tears less easily. If you want your bag to really stand out, bison leather is the way to go.
Supplying Your Leather
So, which is best for making bags? It’s entirely up to your personal preference and what you want from your bag. A good way to further examine and compare the qualities of these two types of leather is through a single, reliable source. Montana Leather Company has long been supplying crafters and aspiring leatherworkers with the leather and tools they need for their projects. Get in contact with us for more information and help deciding which type of leather is best for your bags.
