Is Crazy Horse Leather for You? Everything You Need to Know
Did you know that any product made of crazy horse leather can last for more than 20 years?
In addition to its longevity, the product becomes more beautiful with time. The reason for this is simple — crazy horse leather is full-grain leather.
Full-grain leather is the highest quality leather in the world. It is popularly known for its toughness and durability. It is no surprise it is used to make horse saddles.
A saddle needs to be tough and strong so as not to break, notwithstanding the strength of the horse. This is why crazy horse leather is the traditionally used leather for this.
What is Crazy Horse Leather?
Crazy horse leather is full-grain leather that gets better and more beautiful with time and usage. Rather than wear out, a crazy horse leather develops a patina.
The leather is made from an entire cowhide. Apart from the hair, nothing else is removed. You can easily tell the history of the cow from which it is made by the spots and marks on it.
Crazy horse leather is not from horse leather as the name might imply. It is called ‘crazy horse leather’ because it is used for horse saddles. The word ‘crazy’ signifies its toughness as it can hold a horse no matter how strong it is.
How is Crazy Horse Leather Made?
To make crazy horse leather, the entire cowhide skin is used. Nothing is to be removed from it except the hair. A thick layer of a special kind of wax is then applied to the surface of the cowhide after it’s been smoothed and polished.
The wax works on the fiber of the leather to give it some special effects in tone, shape, and appearance. The wax also makes it resistant to liquid, thereby improving its durability.
How to Care for Your Crazy Horse Leather
1. Clean immediately
When your crazy horse leather gets stained, use a lightly damp cloth to clean the stain. If it gets wet, use a dry cloth to clean the moisture gently.
It helps if you clean immediately as you don’t want the stain to stay long on it and turn permanent. When water stays long on it, it can leave a stain.
2. Don’t use chemical-based cleaners
What sets crazy horse leather apart is the special wax applied to it. This wax is a natural substance that works on the fiber of the leather. If you feel the need to remove a stain, chemical-based cleaners can weaken the wax and damage the leather. Instead, use a soft cloth, warm water, and mild hand soap to remove the stain.
3. Use leather creams or conditioners
As much as the marks and scratches on a crazy horse leather tell both the history of the leather and its use, not everyone likes them. If you want to make your crazy horse leather look as good as new, apply a leather balm or conditioner to it.
To be sure you’re doing it right, you should learn how to condition your leather.
The Crazy Horse Leather for You
The highest quality leather bags, shoes, wallets, and belts are made of crazy horse leather. It is the most expensive leather in the market as it is hand-made and not processed with chemicals. If used with care, a crazy horse leather product will still be strong and firm, even after 20 years.
FAQs About Crazy Horse Leather
What is crazy horse leather?
Crazy horse leather is a type of full-grain cowhide that is treated with natural waxes to enhance its durability and appearance. It develops a rich patina over time and is known for its rugged, vintage look. Despite its name, it is not made from horse leather — the name comes from its use in horse saddles due to its strength.
Why is it called crazy horse leather?
The name "crazy horse leather" comes from its traditional use in crafting horse saddles. The word "crazy" refers to the rugged, tough nature of the leather, which can withstand intense wear and tear — even from a powerful horse. It's not made from horsehide but rather durable full-grain cowhide.
Why is crazy horse leather so durable?
Crazy horse leather is made from the toughest part of the hide — full-grain cowhide — and finished with wax to make it water-resistant and long-lasting. It can withstand daily wear, scratches, and moisture, making it one of the most durable leathers available.
Does crazy horse leather age well?
Yes. Crazy horse leather improves with age. As you use it, it develops a unique patina that deepens the color and enhances the character of the leather. This aging process is highly valued by leather enthusiasts.
Is crazy horse leather waterproof?
While not completely waterproof, crazy horse leather is highly water-resistant thanks to the wax coating applied during manufacturing. Light moisture beads on the surface, and stains can often be wiped away with a soft cloth.
How do you clean crazy horse leather?
To clean crazy horse leather, gently wipe the surface with a dry or lightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or detergents, as they can strip the natural wax. For deeper conditioning, use a leather balm or cream designed for full-grain leather.
What makes crazy horse leather different from other types?
Unlike top-grain or genuine leather, crazy horse leather is full-grain and retains all the natural markings of the hide. It’s thicker, stronger, and more breathable, and its waxed finish allows it to age beautifully with use.
What is crazy horse leather used for?
Crazy horse leather is commonly used in high-end leather goods like bags, wallets, belts, shoes, and notebook covers. Its toughness and vintage appeal make it ideal for everyday items that need to last and age well over time.
7 Responses
Yaroslav
I want to ask you,is crazy horse leather soft?
Bill
Thanks for your detailed informative explanation Galen.
Gian
Hey @karen, before you go snowflaking and woke-ing here, how about you get some common sense and info about leathers? A simple NatGeo documentary would help, and none of us would bear the burden of educating you.
You see, the cows are slaughtered for their meat, nothing to do with “having a good life” they’re basically cows born and bred and cultured to become your beef down your nearest groceries. Their hide or skin if you will, unless you see a skinless cow walking around, those hides of theirs are then used and thus are by-products to make leather.
Think of it like a bonus. Cows are meant to be slaughtered as part of daily human life, and their hides are then used (rather than throwing them away) to make something else. It’s not that we killed a cow mercilessly, skinned them, then threw them in the wild like what most of your fellow-snowflakes would have imagined. Common sense is stranger than fiction, and it has always been like that ever before you snowflakes walk this earth some decade ago.
Now go educate yourself more.
Didrik Thede
Agreed! Fine explanation
karen preston
I have a two of your products and They are great but…. Where does the leather come from? How are these animal treated. Not interested in the whole debate but if you are using hide from animals that have had a good life and are slaughtered humanely, then tell us. It would be a wonderful addition to your already great product and service. I will not buy again until you till I see and article on you site about this subject.
Patrick Bissell
I have several crazy horse leather items from Galen. All are beautiful, functional and unique. Combined with the Galen workmanship, my items will last well past my lifetime.
M. DeStefano
The article on crazy horse leather was great. Just like prior explenations of your products. Please keep it up.
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