The Leather We Use
South Africa is home to diverse wildlife and a well-established leather sector, offering a range of quality hides. Leather quality is largely determined by how much of the original hide is preserved and the extent of processing it undergoes. Generally, the less processed the leather, the higher its quality and the better it ages.
Leather is generally classified as full-grain, top-grain, corrected-grain or bonded leather. At Safriq Crafts, we use premium full-grain leather, which retains the hide’s natural grain, markings and texture. This gives each piece its unique character, durability and authentic appeal. Our leather range includes full-grain bovine leather, wild-horse leather and vegetable-tanned leather.
Our bovine leather is a by-product of the food industry, meaning no animal is slaughtered solely for its hide. From this range, we use the diesel variant, known for its two-tone distressed finish and soft, velvet-like feel. It is buffed, oil-coated and heat-pressed, allowing the oil to penetrate the hide and soften the leather over time.
Wild-horse leather is full-grain leather that has been smoothed and waxed to enhance its fibres. It is valued for its rustic appearance, durability and waxy pull-up finish, which develops a distinctive patina with age and use.
Veg-tanned leather is cowhide leather tanned using natural tannins from tree bark, wood and other botanical sources. It offers a firmer finish, making it ideal for leather goods requiring a firmer handle such as laptop bags.
Our main suppliers include established industry players such as Leatherite, African Leather and Skins, African Gameskin and Woodheads.
Leather Colour Chart
The colour chart below is provided as a guide to help you choose your preferred leather finish. Please note that, because each genuine leather hide has its own natural grain, tone, and character, colours may vary slightly from the samples shown. These images are therefore intended as an indication only and may not reflect the exact final colour of each handcrafted product.
