C.F. Stead Crimson Kudu

As a variant of Kudu Classic, Crimson Kudu retains the material's characteristic glossy finish, pronounced grain, and full-grain construction. The leather combines the distinctive natural markings of wild kudu hides with the refined aesthetic of the Classic finish, creating a formal appearance suitable for heritage footwear applications.

The Crimson colorway presents a rich reddish-brown tone with burgundy qualities. The deep crimson hue provides a distinctive alternative to conventional brown or black kudu options, offering visual warmth while maintaining the formal character of the Kudu Classic line. The color works in conjunction with the glossy finish to create a polished appearance.

The semi-aniline finish used on Kudu Classic allows the natural grain characteristics of the kudu hide to remain visible through the Crimson coloration. This finishing approach preserves the individual variations present in each hide, resulting in color depth that varies across different sections of the leather. The natural scars and scratches acquired during the antelope's life in the African savanna remain visible as authenticating features.

The glossy finish characteristic of Kudu Classic enhances the Crimson color presentation. The polished surface reflects light to emphasize the reddish tones while maintaining the subtle grain texture. This combination of color and finish creates visual depth that distinguishes Crimson Kudu from matte-finished kudu variants.

Crimson Kudu inherits the technical specifications and performance characteristics of the parent Kudu Classic leather. The material is produced from wild Greater Kudu antelope hides, which provide a combination of softness comparable to deerskin with increased thickness and durability. The full-grain construction maintains tighter leather fibers, contributing to structural stability and longevity.

The leather features a semi-aniline finish that preserves natural hide characteristics while providing protective surface treatment. Each hide displays unique markings including scars, scratches, and grain variations resulting from the antelope's life in thorny African bush environments. These natural features are intentionally preserved during tanning rather than concealed, creating individual character in each piece of leather.

The specifications align with standard Kudu Classic measurements. Hides average 13 to 15 square feet with thickness ranging from 1.6 to 2.2 millimeters. The leather readily burnishes with handling and wear, developing deeper color tones over time. The material maintains flexibility needed for footwear applications while providing adequate structure for boot construction.

Charles F. Stead produces Crimson Kudu using the same processes employed for all Kudu Classic variants. The hides arrive at the tannery pre-treated through either mineral chrome or plant-based processes before undergoing the company's specialized re-tannage procedures. The Crimson color is applied during finishing stages while maintaining the semi-aniline approach that allows natural grain visibility.

The manufacturing process preserves the natural markings characteristic of wild kudu hides. Scars and scratches from the antelope's environment are retained as distinctive features rather than defects. The glossy finish is applied to create the formal appearance that distinguishes Kudu Classic from casual waxed variants. The Crimson colorway is produced as an exclusive offering for Grant Stone.

Grant Stone utilizes Crimson Kudu across multiple boot styles within their product line. The leather appears in Garrison Boot constructions built on the Leo last, representing the company's interpretation of classic service boot styling. Additional applications include the Brass Boot, which features a hand-sewn moc toe design on the Floyd last, demonstrating the leather's versatility across different footwear constructions.

All Grant Stone boots featuring Crimson Kudu utilize Goodyear welt construction methods. This construction approach involves stitching a welt around the boot perimeter, creating a cavity filled with shank and cork material before sole attachment. The method provides long-term durability and facilitates future resoling and repairs.

The leather's combination of formal glossy appearance and natural character makes it suitable for heritage footwear applications. The full-grain construction provides adequate thickness for boot uppers while the natural flexibility of kudu leather allows for comfortable break-in. The distinctive crimson color creates visual interest while maintaining appropriate formality for traditional boot styles.