Answer: Because most companies use
CHEAP SPLIT LEATHER
or Patchwork Pieced Together Leather!
What's the Difference?
Isn't Leather all the same?
PART 3 - NAKED LEATHER
The obvious answer to this question is no:
The quality and type of the leather determines the price.
To really understand the difference between the quality and types of leather, you have to know what the different types and qualities that are available, the main manufacturing purpose for that type of leather, and the cost for those products. The main types of leather used in manufacturing of Motorcycle Chaps are Split leather, Premium leather, Naked leather, and Patchwork leather. We will discuss each different type of leather in a different article: Part 1 - Split Cowhide, Part 2 - Premium Leather, Part 3 - Naked Leather, Part 4 - Patchwork Leather.
NAKED LEATHER has many of the same characteristics as top grain cowhide. NAKED LEATHER must be a minimum of 1.2 mil in thickness, but many brands will make them in a thickness of 1.5 mil. NAKED LEATHER, is also fuzzy on one side and smooth on the other. The smooth side is the side where the hair and natural grain is located. The difference between NAKED LEATHER and Top Grain Leather is that all of the natural grain in NAKED LEATHER is preserved. NAKED LEATHER has its own process to finishing in the tanning process too. It must be a natural "no" or "very few" chemical process and absolutely a "no heat" process. This means that the hides cannot have a stamped grain on them. They can be used for any color pigmentation too. These hides are usually blemish and bruise free.
NAKED LEATHER is very soft leather. NAKED LEATHER is known for it's ultra soft feel, strength, and durability. The top or smooth side of the cowhide has extra elasticity as compared to other types of leathers. When people talk about "breaking in" the leather that they have just purchased, they are NOT talking about NAKED LEATHER. NAKED LEATHER CHAPS ARE VERY SOFT LEATHER CHAPS. NAKED LEATHER CHAPS will arrive completely soft. The only parts of the garment that need to be worked a little, will be the seams. The seams of naked leather garment are usually put together with an adhesive, folded into 3 layers, then double stitched. Those areas will need to be worked for a very short time.
NAKED LEATHER can be stretched to great lengths also. You can probably stretch your NAKED LEATHER CHAPS several inches in both length and width if there is no lining. With NAKED LEATHER, stretching the leather can be done without losing the strength and durability to the hide, or causing damage. Real NAKED LEATHER garments will continue to soften even more over time.
NAKED LEATHER will last a lifetime. NAKED LEATHER is one of the most durable and versatile garment materials man uses. Chaps made from NAKED LEATHER will last a lifetime, unless you cut them or purposely set out to destroy them. These NAKED LEATHER will mold to your body over time to give you a fit that is truly custom.
NAKED LEATHER CHAPS are going to give you some protection from the weather. These NAKED LEATHER will be windproof for the life of the chaps or longer. Wind will never penetrate the top grain layer unless you put a hole in them.
NAKED LEATHER CHAPS do not shed water very well without treating. You will want to water proof, and condition the leather on a regular basis. We at RealBikers.com recommend mink oil for the water repelling properties. I have found that going to any farm or horse supply store will usually produce the best quality and lowest price on Mink Oil. DO NOT USE SYNTHETIC LEATHER TREATMENTS.
We sell NAKED LEATHER CHAPS starting at a price of $99.99. We are currently out of stock, but will hopefully have them in stock soon.
RealBikers.com is family owned and operated by Wholesale Direct, The Ozark Leather Shop, located at 1503 S 3rd Street, Ozark, Missouri 65721. So call us toll free Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm Central Time at 877-735-1377 with any questions and we can get started on your Custom Patches today. |
