What is waxed leather?

What is wax leather? What is its appeal and how does it relate to Crazy Horse leather?

In this article, we will delve deeper into the basics of wax leather, its appeal, how it changes over time, how to care for it with oil, and its relationship with Crazy Horse leather. By the end of this article, you will have a deeper understanding of wax leather and know how to bring out its charm to the fullest.

1. What is wax leather?

Waxed leather is a material made by applying a special wax treatment to natural leather such as cowhide or sheepskin. This treatment makes it possible to give the leather resistance to water and dirt while retaining the original durability of the leather. After treatment, waxed leather has a unique luster and a smooth feel to the touch, which enhances the luxurious feel of leather products.

Waxing is done by applying wax to the surface of the leather and then applying heat and pressure to make the wax penetrate the leather. This process makes the leather water-repellent, protecting the leather product from small spills and rain in daily life. Another attractive feature of waxed leather is that the wax blends into the leather the more it is used, and combined with the leather's natural texture, it allows the user to enjoy a unique aging process that suits their lifestyle.

This aging process is the defining feature of waxed leather, and its beauty and individuality only increase with time. When new, the leather has a relatively simple appearance, but after years of use, the surface of the leather develops deeper hues and a complex luster, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork. For this reason, it can be said that products made with waxed leather become more valuable the longer they are used.

However, proper care is essential to maintain the beautiful aging of waxed leather. Regular cleaning and re-application of wax is key to maintaining the condition of the leather and enjoying the product for a long time. In particular, using cleaners and waxes specifically designed for leather products will allow you to take full advantage of the characteristics of waxed leather.

Back to Contents

2. The appeal of waxed leather

The appeal of waxed leather lies in its unique texture, durability, and the beauty that changes with age. This material, created through a special wax process, gives leather products a unique character and develops a color and luster that deepens with use. In this section, we will dig deeper into why waxed leather continues to be so popular.

Firstly, waxed leather is extremely durable. The wax coating on natural leather makes it more resistant to water and dirt, and it will remain beautiful for a long time even with daily use. This treatment makes leather products more practical and helps them maintain their quality in a variety of environments.

Secondly, the appearance of waxed leather changes with use, helping to develop the story of each individual product. When new, it has a relatively subdued appearance, but with use the surface gradually softens and a natural luster appears. Also, small scratches and abrasions that occur in daily life become part of the product over time, creating a unique texture. In this way, waxed leather grows with its owner, becoming more beautiful the more it is used.

Moreover, waxed leather is attractive for its versatility. It is used for a wide range of items, such as shoes, bags and jackets, making the most of the material's potential. It is available in different colors and finishes, allowing designers to be creative and offering consumers more options.

In conclusion, the appeal of waxed leather lies in its durability, beautiful aging and versatile use. These characteristics make waxed leather products special and provide long-lasting pleasure to their owners. With the right care and love, waxed leather products will continue to radiate their unique beauty as they accompany their owners' daily lives.

Back to Contents

3. Aging and its beauty

The aging of waxed leather is an important factor in bringing out the best in your leather products. Over time, waxed leather undergoes a noticeable change in its appearance and texture. At first, it has a uniform color and shine, but with use, the color deepens and a natural sheen appears on the surface. This change brings out the natural texture of the leather and adds a unique story to each individual product.

The aging process is a combination of wear and tear from daily use, natural oils from handling, and environmental factors. Waxed leather, in particular, changes in appearance depending on the lifestyle and care of the wearer. For example, frequent exposure to sunlight from taking the leather outside deepens the color of the leather and accelerates aging. The natural oils from handling leather products also play an important role in softening the leather and deepening the color.

This aging process transforms your waxed leather product into a unique and beautiful piece. However, proper care is essential to maximize its beauty and preserve it for the long term. Proper cleaning and reapplication of wax are important to maintain the condition of the leather and properly manage the aging process. Additionally, protection from excessive sunlight, water and direct heat sources are also essential measures to maintain the health of your leather.

Ultimately, the aging of waxed leather is an expression of the deep bond that forms between the people who use it and their products. As leather goods grow and change over time, they become invaluable to their owners and a part of their lives.

Back to Contents

4. Oil care method

Regular oiling is essential to maintain the beautiful look and feel of your waxed leather products. This care method supports the aging process of waxed leather and keeps the leather flexible and water-resistant. Oiling nourishes the leather, preventing it from drying out and cracking, and helping to maintain the natural beauty of the leather for a long time.

The first step in oiling your leather item is to keep it clean. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove any surface dust or dirt. This helps the oil penetrate evenly into the leather and form an effective protective layer. Next, take a small amount of the leather care oil onto your hands and apply a thin, even layer to the surface of the leather. When applying, be sure to spread it throughout the leather, and be sure to rub the oil in carefully, especially in areas that tend to dry out.

After applying the oil, you should allow the leather to fully absorb the oil - usually a few hours or overnight is recommended. Once this time has elapsed, gently wipe off any excess oil with a soft cloth and lightly buff the leather surface. This will make the leather even softer, more water resistant and give it its unique sheen.

The important thing is that oiling should be done regularly. During the change of seasons, and especially during the dry winter months, it is advisable to check the condition of your leather products more frequently and oil them as necessary. However, applying too much oil can also put a strain on the leather, so you need to be careful about the amount of oil you use and how often.

With proper oil care, waxed leather products can maintain their beauty and functionality for a long time. This care is not just a maintenance task, but also a way to deepen the bond with your beloved leather products.

Back to Contents

5. Relationship with Crazy Horse Leather

Crazy horse leather, as the name suggests, is a type of leather that is tough and ages beautifully. This leather belongs to the waxed leather family, and the two are closely related. Crazy horse leather is also made by applying a special wax treatment to natural leather, which results in increased durability and a unique texture and feel.

The greatest feature of Crazy Horse Leather is that the more it is used, the richer its appearance becomes. When new, it has a characteristic matte texture, but over time, a natural luster will develop on the surface of the leather and the color will deepen. Like waxed leather, this occurs through a combination of friction with hands and objects, the transfer of natural oils, and the effects of sunlight. This process of Crazy Horse Leather reflects the lifestyle and habits of each individual user, creating a truly unique leather product that is unique to that person.

There is a deep connection between waxed leather and crazy horse leather in that they both enjoy the changes that occur over time, but there are some differences in the processing methods and the textures they achieve. Waxed leather is available in a wider variety of colors and textures, while crazy horse leather is characterized by a lineup that focuses on rougher, earthy colors. This difference means that both are suitable for different styles of products, offering consumers a wider range of options.

Caring for Crazy Horse leather is similar to waxed leather and requires regular cleaning and application of the appropriate wax. This care will help the leather retain its beauty and functionality over the long term and will also promote beautiful aging.

Ultimately, both waxed and crazy horse leathers offer great joy to leather lovers through the unique textures and beauty of aging that they both offer. By understanding their respective characteristics and caring for them properly, these leathers can become a part of their owners' lives over time.

Back to Contents

6. Summary

This article provides a detailed explanation of the appeal and characteristics of wax leather, as well as its relationship with Crazy Horse leather. Wax leather is highly regarded by many leather product enthusiasts as a material that combines durability and beautiful aging due to its unique processing. Through aging, it reflects the lifestyle of the user and creates a unique texture that is different for each piece. This process symbolizes the moment when a leather product goes beyond being a mere object and becomes a special presence for its owner.

Similarly, Crazy Horse leather, this waxed leather, has established its own position as a material that allows you to enjoy its unique texture and aging process. Both waxed leather and crazy horse leather, each with their own individuality and beauty, symbolize the diversity and richness of leather products.

However, proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and functionality of these materials over time. Regular care with oil is an important step to protect your leather product and allow it to age beautifully and healthily. Don't neglect this care if you want to deepen your bond with your beloved leather product and enjoy its beauty for a long time.

In conclusion, waxed leather and crazy horse leather are wonderful materials that, with proper care, will increase in value over time. These leather products go beyond the joy of simply owning them; they will become part of the owner's life and take on a deeper meaning. With the right knowledge and love, leather products will remain our faithful companions for many years to come.

Back to Contents

You can view COWMONO leather products, which offer high quality at low prices, below.

Click here for Crazy Horse Leather products

Genuine leather products available here

We also sell high-quality PU leather products that allow you to enjoy the texture of leather at an affordable price.

Author Information


Author: Yama (Cowmono Owner)

Occupation: Owner of Slowth Lab

Self-introduction: I have worked in sales and marketing at apparel companies in Japan and overseas for over a quarter of a year. I have a deep knowledge of mode fashion, sports, outdoors, and subculture.