Does crazy horse leather deteriorate? Differences with aging and how to not overlook damage

The color has become darker than when I first used it, and the areas I touch often have a glossy appearance. Many people choose leather products because they look forward to such changes, but when the scratches and wrinkles increase, they may wonder whether this is due to the taste or damage.

crazy horse leatherThere are also changes in facial expressions that you can enjoy, as well as damage that you don't want to leave untreated. It is important to look at the appearance and the functions used separately in order to maintain a long-term relationship with the leather, rather than simply thinking that the leather has grown.

What is the difference between aging and deterioration?

Here, we will explain the change in color, luster, and texture over time and use as aging, and deterioration as damage such as tears and cracks that make it difficult to use. In reality, both may progress at the same time, and just because it looks good doesn't mean it's in good condition.

If it's a bag, check not only the leather, but also the handle, the base of the strap, the zipper, and the interior. If you check the folds, seams, and opening/closing parts of wallets and small items separately, it will be easier to notice damage hidden in changes in facial expressions.

If the color changes when you bend it, it is not a scratch.

The pull-up property is a clue to understanding the shade of Crazy Horse leather. Finishes that contain wax or oil may cause shading to appear when the leather is bent or pushed up, as explained in the Japan Leather Industry Federation's Dictionary of Terms. [1]

We also consider conditions where the surface is lightly scratched and looks bright, and conditions where the leather itself is cut or deeply torn. There is a difference between the color blending in and becoming less noticeable and the strength of the damaged area returning.

Don't try to forcefully bend it or scratch it with your nails many times to check, but rather observe what you can see during normal use.

Conditions you want to stop and check before enjoying the change

Deep cracks, tears, and frayed seams

If there are tears or fraying in the area where the load is applied, it is better to check the usage than to fix the appearance. Even if the color becomes darker with oil and becomes less noticeable, this does not mean that you can carry heavy loads as is.

Peeling of the surface and persistent stickiness

Don't treat these like changes in color or gloss, check the indications on the material and the symptoms. The Tokyo Metropolitan Leather Technology Center introduces an example in which a specific coating used on genuine leather can crack as it hardens over time. Just because it's genuine leather doesn't necessarily mean that the surface treatment won't get damaged. [2]

Please note that this explanation does not mean that the paint is used on the introduced product, but is a supplementary explanation to prevent you from assuming the cause of the damage based on the name alone.

White powder or deposits that are suspected to be mold

Even if you see white material, it may not be possible to determine that it is mold just by looking at it. The Leather Technology Center also explains spews where salt or fat appears on the surface, but please do not try to identify them at home using solvents or heat, but instead separate them from other products and consult the retailer or specialist. [2]

In everyday life, we decide how to use it before we consider color.

Even if you want to darken the color quickly, there is no need to keep exposing it to the sun or adding oil repeatedly. First, gently remove dust after regular use, and if it gets wet, do not store it away, but handle it according to the instructions on the product.

When cleaning, check the available supplies and try them in an inconspicuous place. If you change the texture of the surface too much, it will be difficult to compare it with the original condition, so you want to avoid applying it randomly to the areas you are concerned about. [3]

You also need to be careful about contact with light-colored clothing. Don't think of changes in the leather as evidence that the color has stopped transferring; instead, check the affected areas when it rains, sweats, or your clothes change.

Don't leave it behind, check the condition from time to time

Rather than inspecting the item only when you take it out of the shelf, it will be easier to notice changes if you open the item even when it is not in use and look at the interior, pockets, and metal fittings. Check the way you place the bag, such as pushing it too tightly or placing it in the bag while it is still damp.

During storage, choose a location that does not come in close contact with other products, following the product instructions to avoid direct sunlight, high temperature, and high humidity. There is no need to add oil from the beginning without checking the condition even if it has not been used for a long time. [4]

If you want to compare photos, the shooting conditions are also the same.

We recommend taking photos to record changes in the same location, light, and angle. The color may look different just depending on the shooting conditions, so instead of using it as a sample to say "I'll definitely get this color in a few months," I'd like to keep it as a record so I can look back at my product.

Frequently asked questions

How many years does Crazy Horse leather last?

There is no common age for all products. In addition to the condition of the material, please make a judgment by looking at usage, storage, and damage to straps, metal fittings, etc.

Will small scratches always disappear over time?

I can't say it will definitely go away. Some scratches blend in with the surroundings and become less noticeable, while others remain, and deep cuts do not heal naturally.

Are the areas where the color has faded dry?

Possible factors include the finish giving off shading, scratches, and the way the light hits it. Don't judge that there is a lack of oil based on the color alone; instead, consider when, where, and how the texture changes.

Will it get damaged if I store it without using it?

Even if scratches due to use can be avoided, changes due to storage conditions and time will not disappear. Please check the condition inside and outside before putting it away and when taking it out.

Is it the same aging that causes the surface of PU leather to peel off?

It is treated separately from changes that can be enjoyed as texture. Since the materials are different, don't rely on oil replenishment for genuine leather as a solution; instead, check out the instructions for the care and deterioration of synthetic leather.

Two forms to use while observing daily changes

The joy of looking at the expression of leather is not just for large bags. Please choose a shape that is easy to use, depending on the baggage you want to carry and your everyday clothes.

Crazy horse leather crossbody bag_W

The crossbody bag W, which takes advantage of its vertical lines, measures approximately 22 x 15 x 41 cm. Equipped with adjustable length straps and an external zipper pocket, it is suitable for those who want to enjoy the leather area without being as large as a backpack. The back and straps will touch your clothes, so be careful about color transfer when pairing it with light-colored clothes.

See photos, storage, and specifications →

There are differences in the speed of change and color depending on individual differences and usage conditions.

Crazy horse leather waist back_M

If you want to get a closer look at the expression of small leather, Waistback_M is also a candidate. Product description: 11 x 5.5 x 17 cm, 250 g, with a loop for attaching to a belt and a front flap pocket. Check the dimensions of the accessories and belt you want to carry, and choose based on whether they match your everyday clothes, so you can increase the chances of using them.

See photos, storage, and specifications →

Please check the actual size of your item and the product page to see if it can be attached to a belt and how much it can hold.

Reference source/annotation

1. Japan Leather Industry Federation | Leather terminology dictionary “Pull-up finish”: Shading due to bending and pushing up
2. Tokyo Metropolitan Leather Technology Center | Q&A about leather and leather products: Cracks in the paint film in Q16, spews in Q18
3. Coronil | Precautions for use: Material suitability and trial use
4. cowmono | Precautions when using the product: Instructions for use and storage

Please judge the general properties of the leather and the condition of individual products separately. This text does not diagnose symptoms or guarantee the number of years of use or repair effectiveness.