C.F. Stead Noix Buckingham Full Grain

The leather is manufactured using hand-selected full-weight steer butt hides primarily sourced from Argentina and New Zealand. The production process at C.F. Stead takes approximately 28 days and involves 15 distinct production stages. The resulting leather features a tight, air-dried shrunken grain profile with a medium-gloss finish and a subtle pull-up effect. The slightly milled grain aspect contributes to the leather's refined appearance while maintaining the durability expected from full-grain construction.

The pure aniline finish allows the natural characteristics of the hide to remain visible, showcasing the rich depth of color that gives the noix colorway its distinctive appearance. This finishing method ensures the leather remains flexible and breathable while developing character through use.

C.F. Stead, founded in 1904 by Charles Frederick Stead, operates from its Leeds facility in northern England where it employs 75 people. The tannery generated €14 million in revenue in 2023 while specializing in suede and specialty leathers. The Buckingham Full Grain line represents the tannery's expertise in producing full-grain leathers with refined finishes suitable for premium footwear applications.

The manufacturing process balances traditional tanning methods with modern quality control to yield leather designed to handle demanding conditions while maintaining a refined aesthetic. The air-dried shrunken grain technique contributes to the leather's tight surface structure and overall durability.

Noix Buckingham Full Grain has been used by bootmakers for premium footwear construction. Nicks Handmade Boots incorporates this leather in their Aldert Strider, a 4-inch low-top boot built with stitchdown construction. The Aldert Strider is designed as a lightweight work boot particularly suited for roofers and carpenters who require durable footwear with refined aesthetics.

The leather's combination of flexibility, durability, and medium-gloss finish makes it suitable for both work boot and casual footwear applications where a warm brown color is desired.

The walnut-brown color of noix Buckingham Full Grain provides a versatile tone that pairs well with various hardware and sole options. The subtle pull-up effect means the leather will show slight lightening in areas of flex and wear, contributing to the development of patina over time. The slightly milled grain provides texture without compromising the smooth surface characteristic of full-grain leathers.

The 2.0-2.4mm thickness range offers substantial structure for boot uppers while remaining flexible enough for comfortable break-in. The pure aniline finish enhances the leather's breathability and allows natural oils and waxes to penetrate for conditioning and maintenance.