This was fantastic and useful information. I was shopping at the markets of Florence today and decided to not purchase and item and do my research. Thankfully I came across this video. Thank you!
I went to this shop as part of the tour. Pretty much all tours take you to this shop and I have to say buyers beware. There are several misinformation here: 1. The fire test DOES work. “Leather doesn’t burn” means that leather, like all organic protein materials (e.g. wool, silk) doesn’t catch flame but will singe and roast. But it won’t flame up that’s the idea. Whereas plastic polyester will catch fire very fast. It’s not that fire won’t damage leather. So this “there are no fire proof cows” is just a moot point. He is right that many will use the fire test incorrectly to fool you. Real fire test is finding a loose edge and then actually burn it, not moving, and if it doesn’t flame up but frays the ends and singes with a charcoal smell, it’s real leather. If however it catches fire and gives off a plastic smell, it’s fake 2. Like I commented before, Italian leather means it’s tanned in Italy, doesn’t matter where they get the hide. He didn’t make this distinction but seems to mislead you into thinking you shouldn’t expect leather to originate from Italy. This is a seller tactic so you won’t ask questions to make sure you get Italian leather. And honestly from what I’ve seen in that store, I was not impressed with their leather, especially handbags and jackets. Their leather felt like plastic to me, not supple at all and probably isn’t even top grain. 3. Their craftsmanship is not that great. My friend bought a bag there and after just 2 years the ring on the bag broke and cannot be repaired. And again, the leather on bag itself is really subpar, feels like fake leather. In fact, all my made in China high end brand bags beats hers in terms of quality, and they are cheaper too. You can just feel the difference. Don’t fall for these “lessons.” Do your homework and Shop around to decide for yourself. There are plenty of information out there on how to identify quality leather. Tours have contract with this shop to bring them business. Now think about this: if the shop is indeed a good one why would they need tours to do that for them? No reputable shop I’m aware of has contracts with tours. That’s how you know.
Actually leather takes a lot longer to ignite compared to fake, even with fire retardency, fake will pretty much ignite if you leave flame for couple seconds. Fake products contain a lot of oil base.so a flame test Is pretty good, try it on an old jacket or boots.also I wouldn't rely on shipping and production info as you can get it off net quite easily. Best way in the world is to tell them you work in the industry, autos, upholstery etc, they'll soon change subject. Peace
You are absolutely correct. My boyfriend and I wear leather shorts when we are camping and they survive the embers when we stomp the fire out. We also use them to stub our cigarettes out when we are walking in an area where the grass is dry and it has never damaged them. We have worn them for several years and I cannot imagine that synthetic leather would have lasted for more than a few days.
How to spot a real leather : leather isn't perfect just like your skin. It might have stretched marks, patina, creases and sometimes visible pores. They are never perfect or uniformed. If its too perfect doesnt mean its not leather but could be an engineered leather. PU was added into the leather to establish uniformity and consistency. This type of leather is mostly used in upholstery and mass produced leather products ( factory produced).
I am a leather worker. Believe me there are alot of other good leathers around the world besides italian. A leather craftman should be able to spot a good leather no matter where it came from. Each leather sheet is like an individual. Each piece is its own kind. Thats why i always hand pick my leather supplies. Sheet by sheet. Like you buy apples at the farmers market. What kind of animal skin would suit the purpose.Where it was made is utter rubbish.
This was fantastic and useful information. I was shopping at the markets of Florence today and decided to not purchase and item and do my research. Thankfully I came across this video.
Thank you!
Fire-proof cow. I need to get me one of them!
I went to this shop as part of the tour. Pretty much all tours take you to this shop and I have to say buyers beware. There are several misinformation here:
1. The fire test DOES work. “Leather doesn’t burn” means that leather, like all organic protein materials (e.g. wool, silk) doesn’t catch flame but will singe and roast. But it won’t flame up that’s the idea. Whereas plastic polyester will catch fire very fast. It’s not that fire won’t damage leather. So this “there are no fire proof cows” is just a moot point. He is right that many will use the fire test incorrectly to fool you. Real fire test is finding a loose edge and then actually burn it, not moving, and if it doesn’t flame up but frays the ends and singes with a charcoal smell, it’s real leather. If however it catches fire and gives off a plastic smell, it’s fake
2. Like I commented before, Italian leather means it’s tanned in Italy, doesn’t matter where they get the hide. He didn’t make this distinction but seems to mislead you into thinking you shouldn’t expect leather to originate from Italy. This is a seller tactic so you won’t ask questions to make sure you get Italian leather. And honestly from what I’ve seen in that store, I was not impressed with their leather, especially handbags and jackets. Their leather felt like plastic to me, not supple at all and probably isn’t even top grain.
3. Their craftsmanship is not that great. My friend bought a bag there and after just 2 years the ring on the bag broke and cannot be repaired. And again, the leather on bag itself is really subpar, feels like fake leather. In fact, all my made in China high end brand bags beats hers in terms of quality, and they are cheaper too. You can just feel the difference.
Don’t fall for these “lessons.” Do your homework and Shop around to decide for yourself. There are plenty of information out there on how to identify quality leather. Tours have contract with this shop to bring them business. Now think about this: if the shop is indeed a good one why would they need tours to do that for them? No reputable shop I’m aware of has contracts with tours. That’s how you know.
Great video. Watching this in Florence right before going out
Excellent informtion
great video... Knowledgeable...
Actually leather takes a lot longer to ignite compared to fake, even with fire retardency, fake will pretty much ignite if you leave flame for couple seconds. Fake products contain a lot of oil base.so a flame test Is pretty good, try it on an old jacket or boots.also I wouldn't rely on shipping and production info as you can get it off net quite easily. Best way in the world is to tell them you work in the industry, autos, upholstery etc, they'll soon change subject. Peace
You are absolutely correct. My boyfriend and I wear leather shorts when we are camping and they survive the embers when we stomp the fire out. We also use them to stub our cigarettes out when we are walking in an area where the grass is dry and it has never damaged them. We have worn them for several years and I cannot imagine that synthetic leather would have lasted for more than a few days.
Oh my God I fell for it
Can you tell by the taste?
I'd buy from this guy, and I'd also be willing to watch him star in a move. Cutiepie.
He could star in one of my home movies :)
Awesome
How to spot a real leather : leather isn't perfect just like your skin. It might have stretched marks, patina, creases and sometimes visible pores. They are never perfect or uniformed. If its too perfect doesnt mean its not leather but could be an engineered leather. PU was added into the leather to establish uniformity and consistency. This type of leather is mostly used in upholstery and mass produced leather products ( factory produced).
only cow!
Ross! i didn't know you were using my now darn!
i should have copyrighted LOL
the Fire Proof cow was deadly funny!
wait... so Italian leather is not really italian but from elsewhere? Then what the heck is italian leather?
I am a leather worker. Believe me there are alot of other good leathers around the world besides italian. A leather craftman should be able to spot a good leather no matter where it came from. Each leather sheet is like an individual. Each piece is its own kind. Thats why i always hand pick my leather supplies. Sheet by sheet. Like you buy apples at the farmers market. What kind of animal skin would suit the purpose.Where it was made is utter rubbish.
Thanks for the video. It's very important for me to never buy something with real leather.
Well shit