Types of Leather
We carefully select the most optimal leather for each product according to its functionality, style and design. Functionality is our top priority, always in a style that stands out.
Full-grain vegetable tanned leather
We choose to work with full-grain vegetable leather in all of our products. Our backpacks, wallets and sleeves are made of this leather, the best leather you can buy.
Full-grain is the outermost layer of skin, the strongest part of the hide and the most premium one. This piece of leather is praised for its high durability. You may be able to appreciate natural marks from time to time, scars, bites and wrinkles, would remain once the hide is tanned and are not considered blemishes, as are the signature of a maximum quality leather, full-grain leather without or low imperfections is known to be rare.
The vegetable tanning method is slow and complex. Approximately 10% of all leather is vegetable tanned. Through multiple processes, textures that are pleasant to the touch and immune to the passage of time are achieved. The secret of vegetable tanning are the tannins, which arises from natural extracts present in quebracho trees. Due to the careful tanning process and the natural tannins, vegetable tanned leather develops a rich and beautiful patina, giving it a unique personality to each product, aging nicely over time with an authentic look and feel, and that’s why we select this leather for most of the products in our catalogue.
Top-grain mineral tanned leather
Top-grain leather is sourced from the top layer of the hide, but it's been sanded or buffed to minimize imperfections, resulting in a uniform appearance ideal for large-scale products. Regarded as high-end material, it's commonly used in wristwatches, handbags, wallets, belts, and shoes.
Mineral tanning involves various finishes where a protective layer is applied to enhance light fastness and stain resistance, while also increasing water resistance. This method ensures uniform color and surface, making it one of the most popular high-quality leather finishes. It requires minimal care and maintenance, suiting the needs of most users.
Environment & Quality
Ensuring the well-being of our environment is essential, beginning with recognizing the repercussions of our decisions. Chrome-tanned leather, renowned for its resilience and adaptability, presents environmental obstacles due to the chemical substances utilized in its tanning procedure. Chromium, a vital element in chrome tanning, has the potential to contaminate water sources if not carefully managed, resulting in detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health.
At Wikuna, we prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. This commitment is reflected in our choice to offer full-grain vegetable-tanned leather products, which significantly reduce environmental impact while maintaining the quality and integrity you expect. Join us in making responsible choices for a brighter, greener future.