What is Buffalo Leather? - It’s Uses, Care, and Comparison with Other Leathers

Have you ever wondered what makes buffalo leather so unique and sought after? Whether you’re a seasoned leather aficionado or a curious newcomer, buffalo leather offers a world of fascinating characteristics and uses that set it apart from other types of leather.

In this detailed guide, we'll explore the essence of buffalo leather, from its rich history to its modern-day applications. You'll learn about its unmatched durability, distinctive grain patterns, and the best practices for keeping it in top condition. We'll also compare buffalo leather with other popular leathers, giving you a clear understanding of its strengths and why it's a preferred choice for many.

Buffalo leather is not just a material; it's a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and enduring quality. Perfect for everything from rugged bags to elegant accessories, it combines toughness with a natural beauty that only improves with age.

So, whether you're looking to buy, craft, or simply learn, join us as we journey through the world of buffalo leather. Discover its uses, care tips, and how it measures up against other leathers. Get ready to appreciate the versatility and timeless appeal of this extraordinary material!

1. What is Buffalo Leather?

Buffalo leather is derived from the hide of the buffalo animal. However, most people, when mentioning buffalo leather, actually mean bison leather, which comes from the bison animal's hide.

The buffalo is a large bovine creature with three primary types: the Water Buffalo, mainly found in Asia; the Cape Buffalo, predominantly in Africa; and the American Buffalo, located in the United States and parts of Europe. The American Buffalo is, in fact, only distantly related to other buffalo species and is more accurately classified scientifically as a bison. Yes, it’s true!

However, many people commonly refer to them as buffalo, so when discussing buffalo leather, they often mean bison leather. The scientific family for “bovine” includes cattle, bison, buffalo, yak, and some antelope, which can cause confusion.

As we delve further, we’ll refer to bison when we say “buffalo leather,” since that is the commonly understood term. I will also note it as “(bison leather)” to clarify what it truly is. Maybe someday, we will all refer to bison leather as “bison leather.”

For more detailed information, you can check this comprehensive Buffalo Leather Guide.

2. Where Does Buffalo Leather Come From?

Buffalo were first domesticated in Asia over 6,000 years ago. Today, 194 million domesticated buffalo exist globally, with 97% reared in Asia. Farmers often use domesticated buffalo for pulling carts and ploughs, and in India, buffalo produce more milk than cows. When their working life ends, tanners process their hides to produce buffalo leather.

3. How is Buffalo Leather Made?

Buffalo leather (bison leather) can be produced through various methods, depending on the desired attributes of the final product.

3.1 Vegetable Tanned Buffalo Leather

Vegetable tanning uses natural tannins from plants and tree bark to treat the leather. The outcome is typically a strong, durable hide with a natural tone. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 30 days, depending on the specific steps and materials used.

3.2 Chromium Tanned Buffalo Leather

Chromium tanning is a chemical-based process that can produce finished hides in as little as 24 hours. Although somewhat harsher compared to vegetable tanning, this method softens hides and makes them receptive to dyes and finishes. Tanners do not commonly use this method for tanning buffalo leather.

3.3 Brain Tanned Buffalo Leather

Brain tanning involves using various parts of the animal, such as brains, liver, fats, and other elements, to treat the hide. The result is a very supple, flexible hide that retains much of its original grain pattern. Today, other substances can be used to achieve similar characteristics to a traditional “brain tan.”

This method often produces the preferred type of hide for tanning buffalo (bison) hides.

4. The Qualities of Buffalo Leather

5. What Does Buffalo Leather Look Like?

Buffalo leather is renowned for its distinctive grain, which sets it apart from bovine leather. The grain pattern is more pronounced, giving the leather a unique and rugged appearance. It is available in a wide array of colors and finishes, each bringing out the rich, deep tones characteristic of buffalo leather. These rich hues enhance its natural beauty, making it a visually striking material. Whether in its natural tan, deep browns, or dyed in vibrant colors, buffalo leather retains an appealing texture and aesthetic that makes it a popular choice for various leather goods. Its natural grain and variation in color contribute to its luxurious and timeless look.

6. What is Buffalo Leather Used For?

Buffalo leather (bison leather) is versatile and can be used to create a wide range of leather goods, including:

1. Bags: Durable and stylish, perfect for everyday use.
2. Belts: Strong and long-lasting, ideal for both casual and formal wear.
3. Pouches: Handy for carrying small items securely.
4. Slings: Sturdy and reliable, suitable for carrying gear.
5. Sheaths: Protective and robust, great for tools and knives.
6. Scabbards: Tough and durable, ideal for housing swords and other blades.
7. Wallets: Sleek and durable, perfect for daily use.
8. Purses: Fashionable and functional, ideal for carrying essentials.
9. Card Cases: Compact and durable, perfect for keeping cards organized.
10. Collars: Strong and comfortable, suitable for pets.
11. Hats: Stylish and durable, offering protection and a unique look.
12. Duffels: Spacious and sturdy, great for travel and gym use.
13. Carrying Cases: Protective and durable, ideal for electronics and other items.

7. Buffalo Leather Vs Other Types of Leather

Buffalo leather stands out due to its unique texture and exceptional durability. In this section, we compare it with various other types of leather to highlight its distinctive qualities and applications.

7.1 Buffalo Leather Vs Genuine Leather

Genuine leather’ describes the lowest quality leather available. It may be ‘split leather,’ where tanners coat the bottom layer of the hide for a smooth appearance, or ‘bonded leather,’ where they pulp leather scraps and glue them to a polyurethane base. Compared to full grain or top grain buffalo leather, ‘genuine leather’ is vastly inferior. It is weaker, lacks durability, and does not possess the natural beauty of buffalo leather.

7.2 Buffalo Leather Vs Sheep Leather

Sheep leather is thin and lacks strength, making it suitable for items where thinness is beneficial, such as book covers, gloves, and lightweight clothing. In contrast, buffalo leather is thick, supple, and extremely strong, making it ideal for weight-bearing products like bags.

7.3 Buffalo Leather Vs Calf Leather

Calf leather, or calfskin, offers high quality and is valued for its softness and fine grain. People use it for lightweight items such as book bindings, wallets, and shoe uppers. In contrast, buffalo leather is much thicker with a coarser grain, offering greater strength and durability. Therefore, buffalo leather is better suited for hard-working items like saddles, motorcycle clothing, and bags.

7.4 Buffalo Leather Vs Cowhide Leather

The tanned hide of a cow with the hair left on is cowhide leather, each carrying its own unique pattern. You can also dye and print it with new patterns. People commonly use cowhide leather for decorative floor or wall coverings, as well as for furniture, bags, and shoes. Because of its distinct animal origin appearance, people use cowhide less widely than cow leather. People use buffalo leather, being strong, durable, and attractive, for similar purposes to cow leather.

7.5 Buffalo Leather Vs Lambskin Leather

Lambskin leather is a finely grained leather with a soft, buttery texture, prized for high-end small leather goods like handbags from Chanel and Dior. It is a fragile leather and prone to stains, unlike buffalo leather, which is thick, coarse-grained, and very durable. When durability and strength are needed, buffalo leather is the clear choice.

7.6 Buffalo Leather Vs Bison Leather

Buffalo leather and bison leather, though often confused, have distinct differences. Buffalo leather, typically from water buffalo in Asia, is thick, rugged, and has a unique grain pattern, making it ideal for heavy-duty items like furniture and work boots. Bison leather, from American bison, is slightly more flexible and has a more uniform texture, suitable for high-quality clothing and accessories. While both are durable and strong, buffalo leather's bold texture contrasts with bison leather's smoother, refined appearance. The choice between them depends on the specific product needs and desired look.

8. Leather Working with Buffalo Leather

Buffalo leather is enjoyable to work with due to its thickness, offering a variety of options for creating leather goods. Its flexibility allows it to be used alone or combined with other leathers and materials, making it ideal for bag designs. With its slight stretch while maintaining form, buffalo leather is perfect for wearable items and accessories such as wallets, handbags, belts, and straps.

9. Where to Buy Buffalo Leather?

If you are looking to acquire buffalo leather (bison leather) for a project, it is typically available from leather supply houses and specialized companies. Usually, a few different colors are offered. While grain patterns are not always selectable, product photos from suppliers can give you a general idea of what is in stock.

The final appearance and texture of the leather heavily depend on the tanning and processing methods used.

Another, more time-intensive option is sourcing buffalo hides directly from farms. Some farms allow customers to purchase specific hides from individual animals. These hides can then be sent to specialized buffalo hide processors to be transformed into the final product. This method may allow you to influence the tanning process.

You might be able to provide input to the tanner or choose a tanner that processes the hide in your preferred manner. This option is not recommended if you plan to start your buffalo leather project immediately. However, if you have the time and resources, this approach can ensure you get the exact type of leather you want.

Additionally, buffalo hides can be purchased “hair-on” or “hair-off.” Hair-on hides retain the buffalo hair, often used in clothing where the smooth, tanned inside provides comfort while the outer hair offers protection and warmth.

10. Buffalo Leather Care & Maintenance

Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for all leather goods. As they are natural fibers, keeping the surfaces clean and regularly conditioning them with oils will help them remain strong and look their best.

One important tip: always test any cleaner or conditioner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t react negatively with the leather. Once you’re sure it’s safe, you can proceed with cleaning and conditioning.

Vegetable-tanned leather is particularly sensitive to cleaners. Even large drops of water can darken this type of leather, so handle with care.

10.1 How to Clean Buffalo Leather?

Buffalo leather can be cleaned by gently rubbing a moist, lint-free cloth over the surface. The key is finding the right balance between too wet, which might stain the leather, and too dry, which won’t effectively remove dirt, dust, and grime.

Some moisture will air-dry from the surface, so while it might seem like any water would cause stains, a damp cloth usually won’t leave any visible marks.

For deeper dirt, difficult stains, or a thorough cleaning, a dedicated leather cleaner can be very helpful. Saddle soap is a popular choice, especially for vegetable-tanned leathers like those used in saddlery. Applying it with a soft cleaning brush can enhance the cleaning, but ensure the bristles are very soft and meant for leather.

Lexol is another leather cleaner formulated to be gentle on leather while effectively removing dirt and grime.

10.2 How to Condition Buffalo Leather?

Since buffalo tanned leather (bison leather) typically lacks surface finishes, its fibers dry out more quickly than other types of leather. Therefore, it is essential to condition vegetable-tanned leather more frequently.

This process generally involves applying wax, oil, or cream to the surface and allowing the leather to absorb it. Proper conditioning makes the leather more supple, flexible, resistant to scratches, and improves its feel.

After thoroughly cleaning the surface, apply the conditioner using an applicator or soft cloth. Apply it in small circles, let it soak in, and then wipe off any excess with a clean, lint-free cloth.

At this stage, you may apply a protective finish if desired. This helps make the leather more water and scratch-resistant. However, it may also add a layer to the surface, slightly obscuring the natural grain's look and feel. Protective finishes are typically natural waxes or synthetic waxes/acrylics like resolene.

Usually, a well-cleaned and conditioned buffalo leather piece is best without an additional finish applied.

10.3 How to Fix a Scratch on Buffalo Leather?

There are several methods to repair scratches in buffalo leather (bison leather), and you typically start with one before moving to the next, depending on the scratch's size and depth. Since natural leather contains many fibers and oils, replenishing these oils is usually the first step in fixing a scratch.

For small scratches, try rubbing your finger over the area to buff it out. If the scratch is deeper, apply some leather conditioner to the scratch and the surrounding area, then buff it out after a short while.

For very large or deep scratches, consider using a leather filler kit. These kits typically include a substance that can be squeezed into leather cracks or cuts to fill them. They often come with color-matching options to closely match the existing leather. Follow the specific instructions in the kit, but usually, once dried, the surface can be smoothed and conditioned.

10.4 How to Fix Tears in Bison Leather?

You can often repair tears in buffalo leather (bison leather) by sewing. The repaired tear will usually not look as smooth or finished as the original piece, but you can certainly join the leather back together. By using a fine, strong thread, you can sew through small holes to mend the tear.

For smaller tears, leather glue can be effective. It will bond the torn areas together. Choosing a glue that closely matches the leather color will make the repair less noticeable. If the available glue differs significantly in color, once it dries, you can paint it with acrylic paint that matches the leather. Acrylic paint is beneficial as it offers some flexibility, which is usually helpful when applied to leather goods.

10.5 How to Store Buffalo Leather?

Buffalo leather (bison leather) should be stored in a cool, dry, and dust-free location. Leather products generally benefit from environments with low to average humidity. Adequate air flow is also important, as it allows the natural fibers to “breathe.”

If stored in a sealed environment, humidity might increase, leading to deterioration and mold. Conversely, if the humidity is too low, the leather can dry out, causing cracking and weakening of the fibers.

A suitable place to store buffalo leather is a dressing room or closet with a livable temperature, moderate humidity, and frequent airflow. Some leather goods come with storage bags made from breathable fabric, which can help keep dust off and are a great choice if available.

Most commonly associated with the United States, buffalo leather is an excellent option for crafting leather goods with a pleasant grain pattern that are strong and wear well over time.

11. Moving Forward

As you explore the world of buffalo leather, you'll discover its unique charm and exceptional qualities. Whether you're crafting a new leather project, investing in durable goods, or simply appreciating the natural beauty of this remarkable material, buffalo leather offers a blend of strength, texture, and timeless appeal. By understanding its characteristics and proper care techniques, you can ensure your buffalo leather items remain resilient and visually stunning for years to come. Embrace the journey with buffalo leather, and enjoy the rich heritage and versatility it brings to your creations and everyday life.

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