Horween Russet Horsehide Strips

The russet horsehide strips are particularly valued by artisans and heritage footwear makers for their superior abrasion resistance and tight fiber structure compared to cowhide alternatives. Despite their challenging workability—described as more rigid than even shell cordovan—the strips develop a distinctive patina over time and are considered among the finest examples of vegetable-tanned leather available.

Horween Horsehide Strips are produced using a traditional vegetable tanning process that takes 45 days to complete. The strips are tanned alongside Horween's shell cordovan using the same slow and gentle vegetable tan and hot stuffed process, which creates the characteristic dense leather structure.

The manufacturing begins with selection of the thicker back portion of horse hides, which provides the optimal density and strength required for the final product. The extended tanning period allows for complete penetration of the vegetable tannins, resulting in leather that maintains its integrity under stress while developing the desired firmness for molding applications.

The russet horsehide strips display distinctive physical properties that set them apart from other leather types. Individual strips measure approximately 8-11 inches wide at their widest point, with lengths typically ranging from 40-48 inches. The width varies along the length, measuring 4-6 inches at the narrowest sections and 6-8 inches in the center sections.

The color is characterized as having almost no color at all beyond a light tan shade, representing vegetable tanned leather at its finest. The dense, tight fiber structure characteristic of equine leather provides greater abrasion resistance than comparable cowhide products. However, this density also makes the material extremely difficult to work with, as it will not bend, flex, or stretch like conventional leathers.

The strips develop a spectacular patina over time, evolving from their initial light russet appearance to richer tones through use and exposure. This aging characteristic is highly prized by craftspeople and end users seeking leather goods that improve aesthetically with time.

Horween offers russet horsehide strips in three distinct processing variants, each providing different working characteristics for specific applications.

Hard Rolled Strips undergo a moisture treatment before rolling, where water is applied to make the vegetable tanned leather firmer during the drying process. This creates strips that are exceptionally stiff and difficult to bend, suitable for applications requiring maximum rigidity.

Soft Rolled Strips receive no moisture treatment prior to rolling. Instead, the mechanical action of the rolling process naturally softens the strips, making them more pliable and bendable while retaining the core characteristics of the horsehide.

Tumbled Strips are processed through gentle tumbling in a dry mill, achieving an optimal balance between flexibility and durability. This processing method softens the leather while maintaining its strength, making it more suitable for applications where extended break-in periods would be problematic.

Despite their challenging working properties, russet horsehide strips find extensive use in premium leather goods and heritage footwear applications. The dense structure and superior abrasion resistance make them ideal for products requiring exceptional durability and longevity.

Traditional applications include sheaths, holsters, bag straps, razor strops, and belt construction when sufficient length is available. The strips are particularly valued for welting applications in high-end footwear construction, where their density and resistance to compression provide structural advantages.

In heritage footwear manufacturing, the strips present unique challenges due to their rigidity, but skilled craftspeople utilize them to create boots and shoes that develop exceptional character over time. The leather's resistance to conventional forming methods requires specialized techniques, but the resulting footwear is often considered heirloom quality that can last multiple generations.