Crazy Horse Leather and Horsehide: Know the Names and Choose the Character You Love
It has 'horse' in the name, so is it horsehide? That's an understandable first thought. The names may sound alike, but the crazy horse leather bags featured here are made from cowhide.
Horsehide is leather made from a horse's skin. Once that difference is clear, you can relax and look at the colours, sheen and textures you enjoy. Knowing the material names opens up more pleasure in choosing a bag.
Crazy horse leather: cowhide with richly varied tones
The crazy horse leather products in this article use cowhide. Their appeal is the lighter colour that appears at bends or scuffed areas, a characteristic of leather treated with oils or waxes.
It has a slightly relaxed look from the start, with everyday sheen and shallow scuffs gradually adding to it. The texture suits those who like clothes that aren't too pristine and everyday objects with a history. Part of its pleasure is recognising that a change in appearance can be character rather than damage.
Horsehide and cordovan don't mean the same thing
Horsehide identifies the animal the leather comes from. Cordovan is a particular leather made from a dense fibrous layer in the horse's hindquarters. Not every horsehide product is cordovan.
You may know cordovan through glossy wallets, but horsehide comes from different parts of the hide and has many finishes. Looking at a bag's softness and surface without assuming it will resemble cordovan can reveal a different kind of appeal.
Look beyond the material name to the feel you enjoy
If you're drawn to shifting tones and a relaxed appearance, crazy horse leather is worth exploring. If you prefer a clean sheen or a firmer feel, compare the finishes and product shapes in both cowhide and horsehide.
Lightness and durability don't depend on the animal alone. Leather thickness, lining, fittings and the bag's size all influence how it feels to use. In photographs, look at the sides and opening as well as the front to picture carrying it day to day.
For everyday carrying or packing for a trip
A bag gives you a generous surface on which to enjoy leather's character. Think about the occasion: a shape you can wear on your back for everyday belongings, or a duffel for clothes on a trip. Both products below are made from crazy horse cowhide.
A three-way leather bag for more ways to carry every day
A cowhide bag measuring approximately 32 × 15 × 33 cm and weighing around 1.7 kg. Attaching or removing the straps lets you use it as a tote, backpack or shoulder bag. It has a zip closure and small-item pockets inside. For those who'd enjoy leather's character while changing the carrying style to suit their clothes or journey.
A leather duffel bag for clothes and travel essentials
A cowhide travel bag measuring approximately 55 × 27 × 23 cm and weighing around 2.2 kg. It has a zip closure and a rear strap for attaching it to a suitcase. It has some weight even before you pack, so think about journeys by car and the distances you'll carry it when choosing.
Match the care to the leather's finish
For everyday care, start by removing dust with a soft cloth. After rain, blot away moisture and let the leather dry in the shade. Even oil-treated leather doesn't need oil added after every use. Test a cream suited to the finish in a hidden area before applying it.
For horsehide, too, choose care by the finish, such as cordovan or a napped surface, rather than the animal name alone. With either leather, pay attention to straps against pale clothes and to moisture from rain or sweat.
Common questions about choosing leather
Is crazy horse leather genuine leather?
The products featured here are cowhide. With other products, checking the material details as well as the name will help you identify the leather used.
Which lasts longer, cowhide or horsehide?
It depends on the leather's finish, the bag's construction, use and storage. Rather than ranking them by name alone, choose something that suits what you carry and how you carry it, then give it appropriate care.
Pair the leather you love with your favourite clothes
Once the names are familiar, look back at your wardrobe. Varied leather tones with a work shirt. A glossy accessory alongside an understated jacket. We hope knowing a little about the materials helps you find what you love.
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About the author
Yama (Cowmono Owner)
Yama has worked in sales and marketing at apparel companies in Japan and abroad, with a broad interest in fashion, sport, outdoor pursuits and subcultures.
