This is definitely a goatskin leather worth considering!

Levant goatskin hasn’t been readily available since before World War II. Careful attempts to master the techniques used to create this leather have been developed by the same supplier that creates Sokoto Traditional goatskin. Using an original Levant hide to reference, they believe, after several years of trials, that they have replicated the process. This newer Levant has a great look and feel. It has a soft temper, great flexibility, grain, and color.

Levant goatskin has a heavier grain than any other goatskin currently available. The heavy grain characteristic comes from shrinking the skins during the tanning process, (not from some “grain manipulation”). Absolutely no grain manipulation either by machine or by hand is used to create this heavy grain.

The raw skins for this product are sourced in the Levant (the former Ottoman Empire). The skins do not come from Iran, or Iraq. There are only a small amount of these skins available, and they are from the same areas that were historically revered for the very fine goatskins which were historically used for bookbinding in cultural heritage.

Levant is available in six colors (Black, Forest Green, Mocha, Natural, Navy Blue, and Red), and has a soft temper, is flexible, and feels great in hand. I don’t know if Levant will eventually have the wide variety of colors that Sokoto Traditional goatskin enjoys, but the colors that Levant has are very nice.

Many of you are aware that I believed Sokoto Traditional to be the premier goatskin leather available to today’s rebinding market. Both leathers have the same approximate weight and temper. However, Levant has a considerably heavier grain that both looks amazing, and feels great. My current evaluation of this leather is that it has now become my favorite goatskin leather.

Why Levant?

Supple, rich texture that tools and stamps beautifully
This is GENUINE Levante, last available prior to WW 2, according to our bookbinder friend,
Should be same leather as used by the most famous Sangorski and Sutcliffe (if these are unfamiliar names, please do an internet search - fascinating)
Easy skiving for a smooth, professional finish
Classic look and feel that honors the finest rebinding traditions

If you're looking for your next go-to goatskin, you may just find your new favorite.