Split leather, on the other hand, will be less flexible and its surface can’t patina – instead, it is more likely to peel or wear off, progressively losing its newness but without replacing it with character as a full-grain leather will.Īdditionally, full-grain leather can be split down to less than a millimetre and yet still retain amazing tear strength whilst becoming as soft and pliable as a fine fabric. And the more natural the finish on such leather, the more it will polish and patina with use over the years. The far greater strength and flexibility of full-grain leather allow it to yield to movement in all directions and yet rebound and recover its shape with no damage. Given that these coated and printed Splits can look so good, what would be the problem in using them? Well, as with so many things in life, quality tends to come to the fore, even if it takes a while. Nowadays we see everything from this ‘satchel leather’ to extremely convincing saffiano or croc-prints that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing – but only when new. The emergence of the electric splitting machine gave us the first mass use of these splits – in school satchels – back in the 1950s, every schoolchild had one. However, its new top surface can be extensively treated to improve its appearance.īy coating it in a thick layer of pigment, or, more typically, a plasticised paint or polyurethane (PU) finish, which can also be embossed with a grain pattern, the Split can be made to look almost exactly like full-grain leather. Lacking the tight fibre structure of the grain layer, the split leather is now much less resilient and can tear easily, so it must retain a reasonable thickness to be useful. The Split can now also be used as leather, but there is one key difference – without the grain, it is much more fragile than it was. The splitting machine cuts beautifully, giving a super-flat surface to the back of the full-grain piece and on the new ‘top’ of the Split. Her many unexpected journeys in life have shaped her no-fuss, minimalist and chic aesthetic Read more about the collaboration in our recent blog post. A designer, entrepreneur, author, and mother of five, India, like Tusting, is part of the very fabric of British heritage yet she has not always followed the usual paths. We are thrilled to bring you a truly happy collaboration with the creative force that is India Hicks. OUR HUGE THANKS GO TO EVERYBODY WHO HAS ORDERED FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FOR THE COLLECTION AND, OF COURSE, FOR YOUR PATIENCE WHILST WE FINISH MAKING ALL THE ORDERED BAGS. India Hicks + Tusting – WE ARE BOTH DELIGHTED AND SORRY TO SAY THAT THE COLLECTION HAS NOW SOLD OUT.Century is our most luxurious and dynamic range of men’s bags to date. Century Collection – Our new Century collection for AW19 gains its inspiration from a pivotal figure in the company’s history, Jack Tusting.They include classic leather wallets and purses, washbags and pouches, luggage tags and key fobs – all can be personalised to make a lasting memory or indulgent treat. Little things – Our accessories are TUSTING quality in miniature, with exquisite attention to detail – the little things that make your life go more smoothly and which also make perfect gifts.

Our luggage collection gives you a world of luxuriously stylish travel companions to choose from.

Travel – For adventures, for business travel, for weekends away – around the world or round the corner.

The fastest-growing category of bags is massively popular for good reason.

Backpacks – For the ultimate in hands-free luxury bags, our collection of leather backpacks is ever-expanding.

Our ladies’ bags deliver discretely stylish, beautiful British luxury in premium full-grain leathers.

Handbags – A classic leather handbag is a true investment, one to choose slowly in the sure knowledge that it will serve you well for a long time.

Business – Whether for business or pleasure, our extensive range of leather briefcases, folios, travel bags and accessories are all British-made, from the finest full-grain leathers and best quality fittings.

Grain leather hides for sale