This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 at 4:48 pm and is filed under Leather Discussion, Marketplace. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
You may have noticed an increasing number of cycle leather outlets offering leather motorcycle jackets , chaps, and various accessories made from “buffalo leather”. But, what is it really? Where does it come from? Is it a good choice for my cycle leather needs?
Well first of all, most times it is “water-buffalo” leather, not american bison. It comes from India, Pakistan, China, and southern Asia. It is used almost exclusively in the manufacture of motorcycle leather and is superbly suited to that purpose. One of the heavier leathers, it is thinner than cowhide, so it breathes better, but tougher and more abrasive resistant, which actually makes it a better choice for motorcycle leather than the much higher priced bison leather.
Most often it is dyed black (by Aniline process to retain it’s softness and flexibility) as this is the most popular color for cycle leather. However, an increasing number of outlets are now offering buffalo leather as a line of brown motorcycle leather in its more-natural chocolate brown coloration. This is an attractive option for those who want something a little different without compromising protection. Hope this helps to clear up some of the confusion.
