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District Leather Horween Watch Straps

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District Leather Horween Watch Straps

curtiswhaley

Apr 12, 2017

Hi. What's the difference between the Horse Strip and the Shell?

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Cam35333

Apr 13, 2017

curtiswhaleyStrip can come from any part of the hide and shell comes from a specific area on the butt of the horse. Go to Ashland leather and they have a good explanation of shell Cordovan.

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curtiswhaley

Apr 13, 2017

Cam35333Thanks. I saw a diagram that said the strip was from the small of the back, just above the shell. But does anyone know what the practical difference is? What's the difference in feel, durability, etc?

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bill_districtleather

116

District Leather

Apr 13, 2017

curtiswhaleyThe major differences between the two leathers stem from the fact that horse strip consists of the typical grain/flesh tissue structure found in most animal skin leather. Shell cordovan, on the other hand, is actually produced from a thin subdermal muscle membrane on the rump of a horse (I believe horses, mules, and zebras are the only animals with this membrane). The shell membrane naturally has a very consistent tissue structure, unlike typical animal skin leather which has a pattern that varies from smooth and tight grain to rough and loose flesh (suede). This consistent structure is what gives shell cordovan the unique property of not creasing (if you see a broken in pair of shell cordovan shoes, the tops are said to "roll" rather than crease like conventional leather). Because of the tissue structure, shell cordovan is incredibly durable and, with proper care, will last much longer than conventional leather. The feel is incredible. The finished side has a beautiful sheen formed during the glazing process (in this case, "glazing" is actually a method of physically/mechanically producing a high sheen finish via friction), and the back side of the leather has a smooth, buttery feel. I could go on and on about shell cordovan, but I'll rest there for now.
Horse strip Chromexcel itself is a fantastic leather that will serve you well over the years. It's durable, flexible, will soften as it breaks in, and it will develop a rich patina as time goes on.
If you've got the means and are torn between the two, without a doubt, go with shell cordovan. Life is full of regrets, but that decision won't be one of them.
Hope that helps.

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