Goatskin Leather
Our recommended goatskin leathers are listed below. They are separated by Tannery and color. Click on any image below to learn more about that leather.
Goatskin leather’s combination of strength and softness makes it an excellent option for Bible rebinding. The natural elasticity of goatskin allows it to maintain its shape over time, ensuring a long-lasting Bible cover. Learn more about characteristics and advantages of goatskin.
Tip: Do you want your Bible’s cover to patina, or do you want your Bible’s cover to resist scratches and scuffs? Goatskin leather is one of the most resistant leathers to scratching and scuffing. Use goatskin leather if you prefer a more “pristine” cover. Use cowhide leather if you want a Bible cover that will patina.
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Alran Patina Sauvage Goatskin
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Chevre Chagrin "Patina Sauvage" Goat Leather comes from the Alran Tannery in France. The Alran tannery has been producing goat leather for over 100 years. Patina Sauvage is a slightly deeper goatskin grain with a special dark patina finish in the depths of the grain that add an aged beauty to the leather. It is full aniline and has an incredible natural touch. The leather is tanned in a full veg-tanned crust and then retanned and dyed with some mineral tannage to add softness and strength at thinner thicknesses. The tanning process involves a unique 23 step process that takes over 4 weeks to produce each hide. This special process involves a lot of hands and working the leather to give it the beautiful grain, soft supple feel and an even color.
**The Patina Sauvage will show more natural variation in the lighter colors. If you like a rustic type look with beautiful variation the Patina Sauvage is a great fit.
Antique Walnut Patina Sauvage
Black Patina Sauvage
Cigar Patina Sauvage
Marine Patina Sauvage
Pine Green Patina Sauvage
Siegel’s Capra Granulosa Goatskin
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Capra Granuloso is created and supplied through Siegel Leather and has a natural grainy character which is very attractive. The grain is naturally obtained, with no artificial graining techniques to hide grain defects such as plating, embossing, etc . Goatskin is a very flexible, yet tough leather that resists scratching and scuffing.
Black Capra Granulosa
British Tan Capra Granulosa
Brown Capra Granulosa
Crimson Capra Granulosa
Forest Capra Granulosa
Gray Capra Granulosa
Navy Capra Granulosa
Purple Capra Granulosa
Red Capra Granulosa
Terra-Cotta Capra Granulosa
Siegel’s Levant Goatskin
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Levant goatskin hasn’t been readily available since before World War II. Siegel Leathers has carefully mastered 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. Levant Goatskin is currently my highest recommended available goatskin leather for rebinding. (yes, even when compared to Sokoto Traditional).
Black Levant
British Tan
Forest Green Levant
Mocha Levant
Navy Levant
Red Levant
Siegel’s Pull-Up Goatskin
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This Pull-Up Goatskin is created and distributed through Siegel Leathers. Pull-up leather, a natural, breathable leather, is also known as “waxed leather.” The waxes and oils combine with the leather’s fibers to create a strong bond that makes pull-up leather extremely durable. When pull-up leather is pulled, folded or stretched you will see lighter-hued lines, shading and color variations develop in those areas as the waxes and oils shift or are “pulled-up.” Like most other natural leathers, pull-up will develop a rich patina over time which adds so much character and depth.
Black Pull-Up Goatskin
Blue Pull-Up Goatskin
British Tan Pull-Up Goatskin
Dark Brown Pull-Up Goatskin
Green Pull-Up Goatskin
Red Pull-Up Goatskin
Siegel’s Sokoto Traditional Goatskin
Click on an image to see a larger image and learn more about that leather.
Sokoto Traditional goatskin is produced from Nigerian skins by Siegel Leathers. They are among the most desirable and expensive goat skins available world wide. Sokoto Traditional goatskin leather is known worldwide as one of the better available goatskin for Bible rebinding. Goatskin is a very flexible, yet tough leather that resists scratching and scuffing.
Black Sokoto Traditional
British Tan Sokoto Traditional
Crimson Sokoto Traditional
Forest Green Sokoto Traditional
Gray Sokoto Traditional
Margie Red Sokoto Traditional
Mocha Sokoto Traditional
Navy Sokoto Traditional
Purple Sokoto Traditional
Red X Sokoto Traditional
Red 104 Sokoto Traditional
Terra-Cotta Sokoto Traditional
Characteristics and Advantages of Goatskin Leather
I get asked regularly which leather is best for Bible rebinding. I do my best not to specify any particular leather at first, because everyone’s personal likes are so different. That’s going to be the first deciding factor anyone must decide. What look do you want for your rebind? Do you want a more traditional look, or do you want a more rustic look? Do you want your Bible to look similar to how it looks new in five years, or do you want it to show its age and wear? Answering those questions will be important to what direction you want to go.
Today I discuss goatskin leather. It’s a traditional leather used for decades in Bible bindings. You can’t go wrong with it, but it may not be your personal best option. The following will help describe the characteristics important to consider when choosing your leather.
Goat leather, also known as goatskin, is renowned for its durable, soft, and flexible qualities. This type of leather is highly prized for its natural grain and shine, which adds a touch of elegance and personality to any leather product. Unlike other types of leather, goatskin has a very distinctive and instantly recognizable grain that sets it apart and makes it an ideal choice for various applications. The thickness of goat leather usually ranges from 0,8mm (2 oz.) to 1,4mm (4 oz.) and its surface from 0,2 m2 (2 sq. ft.), in case of baby goat skins, to 0,8m2 (9 sq. ft.) for older animals.
One of the main advantages of goatskin is its durability and luxurious appearance. It is naturally water resistant and can withstand daily wear and tear, making it perfect for Bibles. Furthermore, goatskin is incredibly elastic, allowing it to adapt to shapes and provide resistance, but at the same time versatility of use.
Why Goatskin Leather is a Popular Choice?
Goatskin is a popular choice due to its exceptional qualities. Its combination of strength and softness makes it an excellent option for Bible rebinding. The natural elasticity of goatskin allows it to maintain its shape over time, ensuring a long-lasting and comfortable fit. Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of goatskin is unparalleled. Its natural grain and shine give a sophisticated look that enhances the appearance of any product.
Tips for Caring for Your Goat Leather
Avoid exposing your goat leather items to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause fading. If your leather gets wet, let it air dry naturally, away from heat sources. Store your goatskin products in a cool, dry place and use a breathable cover to protect them from dust and moisture.
FAQs on Goatskin Leather
1. What are the characteristics of goatskin leather? Goatskin leather is known for its particular grain, natural sheen, and pebbled texture. It is soft, flexible, durable, and water-resistant, making it suitable for various applications.
2. How is goatskin different from other types of leather? Goatskin is softer than cowhide (unless it is upper goatskin). It has a distinctive grain texture and natural sheen, providing a unique aesthetic appeal. Goatskin is also naturally water-resistant and more durable in certain conditions.
3. Is goatskin leather durable and long-lasting? Yes, goatskin leather is highly durable and long-lasting. Its natural water resistance and ability to withstand daily use makes it a robust choice.
4. How do you care for and maintain goatskin leather products? To care for goatskin leather, regularly wipe it with a damp cloth, use a leather conditioner, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, and store it in a cool, dry place with a breathable cover.
5. What makes goatskin a popular choice for luxury goods? The softness, strength, natural luster and unique texture of goatskin make it a popular choice for Bibles. Its aesthetic appeal and ability to maintain its shape over time increase its attractiveness.
6. How does goatskin compare to cowhide leather in terms of quality? Goatskin is a good alternative to cowhide in terms of quality. There is no better leather in general and a lot depends on the use to be made of it and the final look you want to achieve.
