Reference
Reading a skin
Three hides, what each one does well, and the one thing that will ruin each of them. Written by the people who click the patterns.
Crocodile, alligator and ostrich compared.
Crocodile
Belly cut only, never the back. The pores at the centre of each scale are the honest tell that a skin is real crocodile rather than embossed calf. On our pairs the belly's centre line runs dead down the toe, which costs an extra hide per order and is the most visible difference between a hand clicked shoe and a factory one.
Alligator
The more forgiving of the two crocodilians. The tiles are larger and rounder, so a hand patina pools differently across them and reads warmer. If you want a brown that shifts from cognac at the toe to near black at the heel, alligator carries it better.
Ostrich
Only the crown of the hide carries quills, and only part of that crown has them spaced tightly enough for a vamp. Everything else becomes belts and small goods. Ostrich takes a knock, softens fast, and never cracks across the vamp the way a stiff calf will.
What each hide needs
- Crocodile
- Watch for dry heat. A radiator will lift the scale edges permanently.
- Alligator
- Watch for salt marks. Wipe them the same day.
- Ostrich
- Watch for suede style scuffing on the smooth areas between the quills.
- Paperwork
- Every hide we buy is farmed and papered. If you are travelling with a pair across a border and need the documentation reissued in your name, write to the workshop.