J&FJ Baker - Reindeer Birch Calf Leather - 200 Year Sunken Treasure Leather (SAMPLES)

J & FJ Baker (UK)

Please note: Images are representative of the actual product, but colors may vary due to device screens and dye lot differences. The leather you receive may appear different than what you see on your screen. When color accuracy is critical, we recommend requesting samples before ordering. Product descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge—if you spot any errors, please let us know 

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"So cool! What a neat story behind this leather. It really holds up to how they describe it - unique smell! Also worth noting it feels great in the hand. Only wish it were cheaper,so I could buy a full side!" - Kitt D.

Price
$ 5.00
In stock and ready for shipping
Specifications
SPLITTING

Leather splitting is a custom service available down to your preferred thickness

Please note split leather can't be returned

There is a tolerance to leather splitting. While we have invested a lot of time and training into hitting a tighter tolerance range than advertised, sometimes the  leather articles and differing densities require the full tolerance range. 

Leather tolerance is denoted by +/- which means the leather can be both above and below that number by the denoted amount.

  • Example 1.2mm +/- 0.1mm.
  • This means that the leather could come anywhere ranging from 1.1-1.3mm across the hide. Most the time this amount is indiscernible to the naked eye, but should be noted if measuring with precise equipment

How we gauge the leather is with a thickness gauge that can reach both the edges and middle of the hide. We apply a moderate amount of pressure (Not too hard and not too soft)

Again our tolerances are tighter than the tanneries. We are usually well inside the range, especially on panels, but occasionally need the full range. Tolerance ranges are as follows: 

Splitting Panels: +/- (0.1mm).

Splitting Full Hides & Half Hides:  +/- 0.15mm

No Splitting (From Tannery Splitter):  +/- 0.2mm

  • The width of our splitter is 27-28 inches. If you have a hide that is larger we will trim the hide to fit and return you both pieces. We cut off the belly section leaving you the nicest area of the hide in tact.
  • Due to it requiring often multiple passes we do not send the split flesh part.
WHOLESALE

This listing is for SAMPLES

All sales on samples are final. No returns or exchanges. 

The reproduction of the famous Russian Reindeer Birch calf leather has quite a unique history. On December 10th, 1786, the Metta Catharina set sail from the Russian port of St. Petersburg bound for the Mediterranean Sea with precious hemp and leather. On its voyage, the Catharina was caught in an intense storm and was forced to shelter in the Plymouth Sound. While the crew was able to safely reach shore, the storm broke the Catharina from its anchor and was lost at sea. Nearly two centuries later, divers were able to track and locate the ship along with its cargo scattered on the seafloor. Remarkably, the leather hides were perfectly preserved despite being underwater for nearly 200 years. After discovering these hides they were highly sought after for some of the most expensive leather goods and have since been a part of the lore.

With careful research, the tannery has been able to reproduce the hides in the same tanning process using Willow Bark and curing with Birch oil. This process gives the leather a unique smoke smell. This leather can "bloom" as the wax ages, the white layer can be worked back into the leather with a horsehair brush. This leather is a part of eastern lore and is a great way to add a cool background story to your projects.

Please note there will be a waxy bloom that will raise up in the grain. This can be worked back Into the leather with a brush and heat. 

THICKNESS

  • 5oz (~2.0mm)
  • For larger Full Hides click HERE

ETHICALLY SOURCED LEATHER

All of our hides are ethically sourced as a byproduct of the meat industry. Leather that might otherwise be overlooked is transformed into something lasting through your creativity.

Fast Shipping

Most orders ship the next business day so you can keep your projects moving.

Customer Service

Our team is here to answer questions and help you find exactly what you need.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Enjoy 30 days of hassle-free returns for peace of mind with each order.

Staff Picks

Outlet

Inspiration

General Info
Tannery i JFJ Baker
Cut i Whole Hide and Side
Material Characteristics
Full Grain i Yes
Grain (Top) i Aniline
Flesh (Bottom) i Smooth
Burnishable i Yes
Processing & Finish
Tannage i Vegetable Tanned
Dye i Completely Through
Finish i Aniline
Physical Properties
Firmness i Firm
Thickness i 2.0mm (5.0 oz) +/- 0.3mm
Splitting i Free Splitting
Yield i 85%+

With a natural product like leather, there can be areas with neck and back wrinkles, veins, scars, bites, loose grain, but in general this article can expect an overall high cutting area. Double Shoulders also increase the cutting yield due to having no bellies where most the defects and loose grain are located. If you require large cuts for bigger products like totes, duffles, etc., we recommend whenever possible ordering a full hide. This leather being full aniline (meaning the leather is very natural with no extra finishing on the surface to hide any flaws) darker colors will better hide any areas of concern. A key skill of using full aniline leather is the ability to work less desirable areas of the hide into the less visible areas of your projects.
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