CHAHIN LEATHER
The family-owned tannery was founded in 1932 by the Chahin family. The traditions and values have since carried on for three generations. The skills and knowledge that have been acquired over eight decades are part of our heritage will continue to be passed onto future generations.
Through the years, the machinery and technologies may have changed but we still make our leather using the same artisanal process as in the beginning. Good things take time. Like a fine wine or bourbon, crafting the best leather shouldn’t be rushed. The vegetable tanning process takes about 45 days using high quality hides and natural vegetable tannins. This leather is known for creating finished products that not only become richer as they are used, but also develops a patina over time.
Hide Preparation
The artisanal tanning process takes nearly 45 days and is what makes vegetable leather much different from leathers produced using other types of tannages. The slow and time-honored vegetable tanning process using jumbo, heavy native steer (from the United States and Canada) sets Chahin leather apart.
When the Jumbo Heavy Native Steer hides arrive from North America (the United States and Canada) they are re-hydrated, de-haired and other operations are preformed to prepare the hides for the tanning process.
Vegetable Tanning
The hides are vegetable tanned using the traditional method of deep pit drums filled with a blend of vegetable tannins and extracts. These are exacted with from trees such as quebracho, chesnut, mimosa, and acacia trees.
The hides will remain in these pits for about 30 days. Tanning the leather for a long period of time gives the leather an unbeatable richness. After tanning in the pits, the hides are now considered leather.
Oiling and Finishing
Some of the leather is then dyed in large drums and then oiled or sent for hot stuffing a process whereby oils and waxes are drummed into the leather using heat and mechanical action. The oiling process makes the leather flexible and soft.
The hides are then are taken through the setting out process to smooth out wrinkles. The excess liquid is then removed from the sides using a samming machine. After this is complete, each piece is stretched out and cleaned by hand.
The leather is then sent to the drying chambers where humidity and temperature are controlled to allow the leather to dry slowly.
Some leathers may require a final finish depending on the look desired and the use of the leather products that will be made using the leather. After the finishing is complete, the leather is ready to be used to make leather goods that can last a lifetime.
The Leather
SKIRTING LEATHER
Our skirting leathers are 100% vegetable tanned using an artisanal process that takes nearly four weeks. After the tanning process is complete, the leather is drum dyed. The tanning process produces firm leather that is good for tooling, carving, stamping, embossing, oiling, and dyeing.This full grain leather will produce high quality finished goods with strength.
Thickness: 11/13oz - 13-15oz | 4.4/5.4mm - 5.4/6.4oz
STRAP LEATHER
Our strap leather is 100% vegetable tanned in the same four-week process as our skirting leather but leveled for a more uniform thickness. After the tanning process is complete, the leather is drum dyed for uniform coloring. Our tanning process produces strap leather that takes tooling well and also oils and dyes uniformly.
Thickness: 2/3oz - 11-13oz | 0.8/1.2mm - 4.4/5.4mm
HOLSTER STRAP
ChahinLeather™ holster strap is 100% vegetable tanned in the same four-week process as our tooling strap leather but specially formulated with extra tannins so that it takes wet molding extremely well. It is perfect for use in making holsters and sheaths. This leather is also good for tooling, carving, stamping, embossing, and dyeing like our regular strap leather.
Thickness: 3/4 oz - 12/13 oz | 1.2/1.6mm - 4.8/5.2mm
LUXE STRAP
Our luxe strap leather is 100% vegetable tanned in the same four-week process as our regular strap leather. After the tanning process is complete, the leather is drum dyed for uniform coloring. It is then finished with a soft sheen. This leather is perfect bags and leather accessories.
Thickness: 3/4 oz - 11/12 oz | 1.2/1.6mm - 4.4/4.8mm
BRIDLE LEATHER
Our bridle leather is fully finished with a waxy feel and a beautiful sheen. After the vegetable tanning process, the leather is hot stuffed with oils and tallows that penetrate through the hides, giving the leather a smooth, rich cut. The bridle leather is weather-resistant due to these oils and waxes. After the tanning process is complete, the leather is drum dyed for uniform coloring.
Thickness: 3/4 oz - 12/13 oz | 1.2/1.6mm - 4.8/5.2mm
HARNESS LEATHER
Our harness is similar to our bridle leather but offers a full thickness and is hot stuffed with even more oils and tallows. After the tanning process is complete, the leather is drum dyed for uniform coloring. This leather is durable and able to withstand the elements yet features and smooth, rich cut.
Thickness: 4/5 oz - 12/13 oz | 1.6/2.0mm - 4.6/5.4mm
LATIGO LEATHER
ChahinLeather™ latigo is produced using a chrome tannage followed by a vegetable re-tan for maximum durability. This double process tanning method gives the leather tensile strength and water resistance while maintaining the look and feel of vegetable tanned leather. After the tanning process is complete, the leather is placed in a stuffing drum with tallows and waxes then drum dyed for uniform coloring. This leather is strong and is able to withstand the elements yet flexible and supple.
Products: Dog collars, leashes, tie straps, saddle strings, utility belts, reins, headstalls.
Thickness: 6/7oz - 10/12 oz | 2.4/2.8mm - 4.0/4.8mm
RAWHIDE
Our rawhide leather is durable and strong. When soaked in water, it becomes flexible and able to be shaped or molded. Once dry, it becomes stiff and retains the shape.
Colors: White and Flint (Natural) | Available by the side or in strips.
Weights available: 2/3 oz - 4/5 oz | 0.8/1.2mm - 1.6/2.0mm
Services
Cutting Service
Not only can we provide leather to suit your project needs, we also offer cut parts. When selecting the cut parts for your project, you have access to a wide range of leather options, custom dies, and a team of skilled leather crafters. The parts are cut intentionally with your specifications, yield, and quality in mind.
Straps | Belts | Coasters | Mouse Pads | Custom
