Shinki Hikaku - Shell Cordovan - Veg Tanned (Cedar)

Shinki Hikaku (Japan)

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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Price
$ 169.99
  • Thickness: 1.6mm (4 oz) +/- 0.2mm
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Expected Yield: 85%+
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.
Shinki Hikaku Shell Cordovan leather comes from Kobe, Japan. Shinki has been in business since 1951 and are one of the few remaining tanneries producing this special article.  They are well known for their attention to detail, beautiful hides and rich colors. Shinki shell has its subtle differences than the other tanneries, it has a beautiful more polished luster and are less waxy feeling. These unique traits lend itself to really clean small leather goods.

Shell cordovan (or cordovan) is a rare, world-famous leather made of a specific layer of hide - "cordovan". The cordovan layer exists only in equine hides and has its maximum thickness on the rump area. One horse hide yields only two small oval pieces of cordovan - two shells. Using the centuries-old method of pure vegetable tannage and hand finishing, the tanning process takes a full six months to complete. The outcome is one of the world’s finest leathers and one that is highly coveted for its unmatched durability and wonderful patina.  

THICKNESS

  • 4oz (1.6mm) +/- 0.2mm 

    SIZES & DIMENSIONS

    • 1 ds = 0.107 square feet

      SPLITTING

      • Contact us for additional splitting information.

      GREAT FOR

      • Shoes
      • Wallet Exteriors
      • Watch Straps
      • Small Leather Goods

      WHOLESALE

      We are the Official North America distributor for Shinki. You can mix and match any of the Shinki Hikaku Articles (Shell Cordovan, Horse Butts and Antique Horse) to get the discount below on Full hides. We can offer the following discounts on Full Shells 

      • Buy 2 Full Hides (Mix ANY Shinki Article): 3% Off
      • Buy 5 Full Hides (Mix ANY Shinki Article): 6% Off
      • Buy 10 Full Hides (Mix ANY Shinki Article): 8% Off
      • Buy 20 Full Hides (Mix ANY Shinki Article): 10% Off
      • Buy 25 Full Hides (Single Article and Color): Contact us for Tannery Direct

          WHAT TO EXPECT?  



          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 Shinki
          Cut i Butt
          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 1.6mm (4 oz) +/- 0.2mm
          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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