Spaltlærs

Spaltlærs is a term used in the leather industry to describe a leather that has been split during the tanning process. When a hide is too thick for its intended use or to maximize yield, it can be mechanically cut into two or more layers. The top layer, containing the grain surface, is typically called top-grain leather, while the lower layers are referred to as split leather.

Split leather retains some of the fibrous structure of the original hide but lacks the natural grain pattern found on the surface. This can give it a different texture and appearance compared to full-grain or top-grain leather. Depending on the processing, split leather can be left as a suede-like material with a napped finish, or it can be further treated, embossed, or coated to resemble other types of leather.

Common uses for split leather include upholstery, accessories like wallets and belts, and certain types of footwear. It is often more affordable than top-grain or full-grain leather due to the splitting process and the absence of the premium grain layer. However, its durability and resistance to wear can vary significantly based on the quality of the split and any subsequent treatments applied. The term "spaltlærs" specifically refers to this split layer of the leather hide.