LEATHER
Kattasche uses leather from Australia and overseas tanneries who are commited to craftmanship, best quality and the highest environmental standards.
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Kattasche uses leather from Australia and overseas tanneries who are commited to craftmanship, best quality and the highest environmental standards. *
The Italian Leathers
Some of my pieces are made with leather from Italian tanneries that are proud members of the Genuine Italian Vegetable-Tanned Consortium "united to protect
the niche of their high quality product and by sharing the same passion for vegetable -tanned leathers. These leathers are still produced following traditional methods of turning raw hides into durable leathers with time and patience and the skillful combination of technology and experience". These tanneries are known for their niche product and are able to offer a wide variety of colours and finishes that are unique.
The Australian Leathers
Australia has a unique climate and landscape and the leather from its cattle and wildlife has the same raw beauty and durability as the land. The majority of my pieces are made with Australian cow and kangaroo from tanneries in Victoria and Queensland and I use vegetable tanned and chrome tanned leathers from Australia.
What is the difference between chrome and vegetable tanned leather?
Vegetable tanning is a process that is a long and artisanal one and requires skilled craftsmen and women. Hides are cured, limed, de-limed and then tanned over 30-60 days in drums, pits and barrels with different tanning solutions made from tree bark or other plant substances. This tanning method creates a lasting leather with body and character that smells wonderful and will age beautifully over time by building up a natural patina.
Chrome tanning is a process whereby chromium sulphate is used to preserve animal skins and prevent rot. This process gives a soft and very strong leather with many benefits and some drawbacks.
Chrome tanned leather often gets a bad wrap, mostly deserved due to the environmental impact that chrome tanning can have on workers and especially on the environment. That has most impact in countries without strict regulations and modern technologies to reduce damage to humans and environment, not in Australia where tanneries have to comply with strict environmental regulations.
The Art of Tanning
The art of tanning leather is a centuries old craft and without the experienced and artful hand of the tanner we could not produce beautiful products as leather crafters.
I encourage you strongly to ask where the leather comes from in your leather products and if it can be traced back to a tannery that "implements the highest levels of environmental stewardship through a focus on a renewable natural resource and ensures that production is in line with rigorous international, environmental standards that are subject to independent audit" (Packer Leather Queensland). That way as consumers we do not only keep the art of tanning alive but also make environmentally conscious choices.
LEATHERCARE
As a golden rule, don’t let you leather go damp or let it dry out. Keep it subtle.
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As a golden rule, don’t let you leather go damp or let it dry out. Keep it subtle. 〰️
Most Kattasche products are made from preminum, full grain vegetable tanned cow and kangaroo leather. This type of leather is tanned by using a liquor containing the tannins extracted from the bark of trees and plants which give it a beautiful look, smell and natural finish. The natural oils in the leather are retained during this method of tanning and vegetable tanned leather adapts and ages beautifully over time by developing a natural patina. I finish all of my bags with an all over leather conditioner to protect the leather surface or, if required on hand dyed products with a waterbased matt acrylic sealant. However, all leathers need a little care throughout their life to maintain their natural beauty.
Some further advice on how to care for your products:
Water contact - your product is an all weather product but if it gets wet please let it dry naturally and keep it away from unnatural heat to speed up the process, this will dry out the leather and make it stiff.
Non water spillage - like coffee which is of course the most common culprit! Try gently dabbing away any spillage as soon as possible with a soft cloth. Avoid using soap or detergents as these will dry out your leather and will damage the surface of your product resulting in colour change. If serious cleaning is required use traditional saddle soap, which will clean and nourish your leather at the same time, however I would not advice this for any hand dyed product as it might change the patina.
Marking - try and keep your leather product away from sharp objects and instruments that can scratch the surface of your leather. A deep scratch will make the leather vulnerable to further damage through water and the scratches will show up a lighter colour in the leather as only the top layers of the leather are dyed or aged naturally.
Hardware - most Kattasche hardware is solid brass or steel hardware and solid metal will build up a beautiful dark patina over time just like the leather. If you want it to stay shiny you can polish it with a soft cloth.
Conditioning - Leather is a natural product and will age and react to sun, the oils of your skin and the rain. I do advice to recondition your leather product every few months (just like your hands!) to keep it soft and protected but also to avoid colour transfer from any product worn close to the body like a cross-body bag. I use The Artisan's Son leather conditioner for my products which you can apply with a soft cloth. Please always try out any conditioner on an inconspicuous place on your bag first at first use, less is more!
Storage - ideally store your bag in a dark and dry place when not in use and also use the complimentary dust bag your product came in.
I do not recommend using any water proofing spray products on leather.