Though, like all hides aquatic or terrestrial, it’s the finish that determines how leather responds to water.įor example, Horween’s Chromexcel® has been “hot stuffed” and is full of oils, so it’s more water resistant than many unfinished leathers, especially suede. Sharks live in the water, so it’s not surprising that their hides are naturally water resistant. Ortiz notes that shark leather is “way stronger than bovine hides, and it’s waterproof.” This allows for a very durable, long lasting product.(7) The 420 boot I reviewed, in shark leather Shark Leather Water Resistance It’s so tough that 18th- and early 19th-century woodworkers used shagreen for sandpaper.(6) Even after being shaved down, the scales help the leather avoid scuffs and scratches. Untanned skins are called shagreen, a general term which also includes the untanned leather from horses, seals, and even stingray hide. Often these denticles are ground down to make the leather smoother and easier to handle, which also gives shark leather its pebbled appearance. Sharks have rough, hard scales called denticles. There are a few reasons that shark leather has attracted a passionate following. What Are the Benefits of Shark Leather Boots? Source: By Pascal Deynat/Odontobase – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0. While the species may vary depending on season and availability, the exotic leather providers we looked at choose sharks that are non-threatened and non-endangered species.(2)(4)(5) The skin of a lemon shark. Legitimate exotic leather suppliers, like Pan American Leathers, include the species of sharks used for their hides. ![]() CITES is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Wholehide Brown Shark Chelsea boots with a Cuban heel.Ī post shared by John Doe Shoes on at 11:44am PSTĮxotic animal skins fall under protection by CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. ![]() These skins are a by-product from fishing villages. Shark leather comes from non-endangered or threatened shark species. They are not critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. ![]() The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCNN) lists blue sharks as near threatened. The demand for shark leather is not believed to threaten the existence of sharks.īlue sharks are most commonly used for leather goods. The others are vulnerable, endangered or critical.(3) They also mention that, Of those only two, the Tiger Shark and Bull shark are near threatened. A blue shark, the source of most shark leather Is Shark Leather Made of Endangered Animals?Īccording to the FAO, there are about 25 shark species whose skin is desirable for producing leather. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) says that blue shark meat is less desirable for human consumption, and fishers often consider blue sharks to be off-catch. Most exotic leather suppliers advertise shark leather from the blue shark (Prionace glauca). Fishers process shark meat for human consumption and sell the skin to exotic leather suppliers.(2) Like most animal hides, shark hides are a by-product of the food industry. What Are the Benefits of Shark Leather Boots?. ![]()
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