PRODUCTION PROCESS
Hides are sliced to a uniform thickness on precision machines. Only the surface is used. The lower splits are weaker and are subject to stretching and therefore provide an unstable base which results in cracking of topcoat finishes. The ‘chamois leather’ used for window and car washing is an example of split leather.
Hides are produced in many countries — the following list is a guide only of the grading structure used at the tannery level and are not quality grades used by manufactures.
A. Southern Germany, Switzerland, Northern Italy, Norway and Finland.
B. Northern Germany, England, The Netherlands and North America.
C. Australian, Africa, South American and Asia.
North and South America are the largest supplies of hides
