About
Leaf is one of six colors in the Unicorn Elk leather range produced by Charles F. Stead. The leather is made from selected hides of Scandinavian elk (moose) that feature a nubuck finish treated with a subtle wax coating. Leaf shares the same material foundation and technical characteristics as other Unicorn Elk colors, including Bronze, Gaucho, Polo Brown, Shingle, and Black.
About
Leaf is one of six colors in the Unicorn Elk leather range produced by Charles F. Stead. The leather is made from selected hides of Scandinavian elk (moose) that feature a nubuck finish treated with a subtle wax coating. Leaf shares the same material foundation and technical characteristics as other Unicorn Elk colors, including Bronze, Gaucho, Polo Brown, Shingle, and Black.
The Unicorn Elk leather line originated from full-grain Arctic Circle elk skins that were originally tanned to a crusted state in a now-closed Finnish tannery during the 1970s. These skins were later rediscovered in an old storeroom and subsequently dyed and oiled to produce a limited range of six colors, including Leaf.
Material characteristics
Leaf Unicorn Elk leather is produced using selected hides of Scandinavian elk (moose) sourced from the Arctic Circle region. The leather belongs to the Cervus genus of the deerskin family and features a dense yet soft texture. Each hide bears unique natural marks from the animal's life in Arctic wilderness, with natural defects and imperfections that ensure no two skins are identical.
The leather receives an aniline dye treatment, allowing the natural grain characteristics to show through the finish. The hides are subtly sanded to achieve a nubuck finish, revealing the distinctive grain patterns unique to wild elk. A subtle wax coating is applied during tanning, yielding a matte finish with pull-up qualities. The natural waxes retain and enhance the full natural character of the leather while providing durability.
Technical specifications
Leaf Unicorn Elk is produced with a thickness of 1.6 to 1.8 millimeters and uses chrome tannage. The average skin size ranges from 10 to 14 square feet per hide. The leather is supplied as side cuts (half hides) and features an oils and pull-up finish with a soft handle.
The leather exhibits aniline, distressed, and natural grain characteristics. The nubuck finish combined with the wax treatment creates a leather that is both supple from the first wear and durable for long-term use.
Applications
Leaf Unicorn Elk leather is suited to unlined boot construction, where the natural character of the leather can be fully appreciated. The leather's combination of comfort, suppleness, and durability makes it appropriate for heritage footwear applications.
Txture has used Leaf Unicorn Elk for the Warhorse Cadena boot model. The leather's natural markings mean that each boot constructed from Leaf Unicorn Elk displays unique characteristics, with no two pairs identical.
References
"Unicorn Elk Leather: Discover the Unique Collection by Charles F. Stead". TXTURE Boots. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
"Waxed Elk (Moose)". Charles F Stead and Co Ltd. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
"CFS Unicorn Wild Elk Leather". A & A Crack & Sons. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
"CFS UNICORN WILD ELK - POLO BROWN - 1.6/1.8mm". A & A Crack & Sons. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
"Txture Warhorse Cadena in C.F. Stead Leaf Unicorn Elk". Patina Project. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
