Practical Exotica: Why Ostrich Wallets are The Best Investment
Even in the age of digital money, such a traditional thing as a wallet has not lost its relevance. It’s amazing that although we now have new forms of money, we still prefer wallets made of materials that passed the test of time. Despite the invention of polymers and faux leather, genuine leather is still going strong. The secret of its relevance is durability and exceptional aesthetic properties. Other materials simply fail to deliver this.
Leather is available in myriads of types depending on the species it was taken from. Cowhide is the most popular option due to its inexpensive price tag and decent quality. Along with that, if you are seeking something more interesting and even more resilient, you won’t have a deficit of options. In this post, we’d like to introduce you to ostrich leather. Wallets made of this exotic leather are worth every cent.
From a Farm to Your Wallet
Ostriches are not endangered animals. The populations of these animals are not threatened in the wild. However, ostrich skin is not a hunter’s prey. These huge birds are raised on farms, just like chickens. And they are grown not only for the sake of the skin, but for the sake of everything that is possible to utilize – eggs, meat, and feathers, too. This makes ostrich breeding truly sustainable.
When you opt for a wallet constructed from ostrich leather, you support small businesses. The vast majority of ostrich farms are located in countries with struggling economies. These farms tend to be on the smaller side and are operated not by corporations but by farmers and their families.
It is hard work to raise and take care of the large birds. When it comes to tanning leather, a tremendous amount of work is involved too. Many processes are carried out manually to preserve the unique pattern of ostrich leather. This is one of the factors why genuine ostrich wallets are more expensive than cowhide products. However, in return for your money, you get so much more in terms of durability, wearability, and aesthetics.
Three Types of Ostrich Leather
Ostrich leather is highly prized for its unique texture called quill or crown. The feathers grow from follicles that look like small bumps or nodes. The bird has the same number of follicles throughout its life, so young individuals have a denser pattern than adult ones. Follicles are not spaced out uniformly, so every quill pattern is unique. Knowing this peculiarity of ostrich leather you can easily distinguish it from fakes.
If you notice that follicles form uniform rows or are placed at the same distance from one another, this leather is not genuine. It is just a replica made by embossing. Besides, you can determine the authenticity of the skin by pressing one of the bumps. If it is hard enough and makes a slight creak, then you have nothing to worry about. However, if it immediately caved in and its hardness is the same as the rest of the hide, you’re dealing with a counterfeit. Also, you should discover a pore in every quill follicle. A feather used to be there. Fakes just don’t have this detail.
The crown is the most valuable part of ostrich skin but only 1/3 of its surface features it. It is present on the back and the chest. The flanks, hips, and abdominal part of the hide provide smooth skin akin to that of bovines. This skin has the same properties as quill but due to the lack of bumps is considered less fashionable, hence it is slightly cheaper. In wallets, smooth skin tends to appear in the interior while the bumpy portion constitutes the exterior. It makes sense because the crown would make compartments and slots unnecessarily thick.
One more unique texture can be seen on ostrich legs. The portion deprived of feathers features a scale pattern instead. The middle of the hide showcases a vertical row of large oval scales with smaller round scales filling the rest of the space. Ostrich leg leather lends a unique appeal to wallet exteriors but it is not as supple and soft as other types of ostrich skin.
The Things We Love Ostrich Leather For
Lovely patterns of ostrich leather aren’t the only reason to opt for this material. Ostrich skin combines beauty with durability and practicality in the most amazing manner.
- Leather’s increased thickness resists tears, punctures, and abrasion. Therefore, it is able to successfully withstand years of intensive use. Ostrich wallets retain their attractive look even after 20+ years in use.
- While being fairly thick, ostrich leather is surprisingly soft and supple. This property makes it possible to manufacture wallets in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and designs. This is not always the case with crocodile leather or other types of exotic materials that are often too tough for fancy shapes.
- Ostrich leather naturally features plenty of oils. Not only do they soften the skin but also tremendously improve its water resistance. Allegedly, its water resistance surpasses that of alligator and crocodile leathers.
- Men’s and women’s ostrich leather wallets are available in a huge range of colors. That’s because the unique structure of the skin lends itself well to dying.
Ostrich leather wallets provide an excellent bang for your buck. They are a long-term investment in the appeal of your look and everyday comfort.
