Ostrich

Ostrich leather is supple chrome-tanned leather featuring genuine raised quill follicles on the surface, unevenly distributed, unlike embossed grain; quills are largest and densest in the center of the back, while the neck and belly have smaller or sparser quills, and only under the wings is smooth.

You feel it immediately in hand: raised round quills, densest and most pronounced along the center of the back and thinning out toward the edges, while the smooth leather between the quills is soft with a relaxed drape. Because these are genuine quills, every hide is different—before deciding, take a close look at where the quill area will land on your intended project.

• Suitable for: wallets—showcasing the quills on the exterior, with smooth areas used for the back and interior pockets; watch straps, which require only a small strip of quills; and bags, where the leather's natural drape yields a soft structure.
• Zero waste: save the quill-rich back for exterior panels, while the surrounding smooth leather works well for wallet backs, inner slots, or straps—provided you map out your cuts from the start.
• Keep in mind: the largest and densest quills are concentrated on the back, so buy a bit extra if you need quills on multiple parts; the leather is soft and slouchy, so projects requiring structure need reinforcing; and avoid hot pressing or ironing over the quill area, because once flattened, the quills will not pop back up.

The colorfastness of ostrich leather depends on the finish: pigmented leather lines retain their color well, while finishes like Saddle Finish can change color and develop patina over time. When buying, inspect the quill area of each hide carefully and cut deliberately to get the most out of the leather.

In-depth guide: what is ostrich leather? → · See more chrome-tanned leather lines →