Shinki Cognac Latigo Horsehide

The leather undergoes natural air drying and aging stages that take up to four months, producing a unique texture and grain. While latigo leather traditionally exhibits low flexibility and is typically used for belts and straps due to its extra heavyweight characteristics, Shinki's processing creates a material suitable for boot construction.

Shinki Hikaku processes the horsehide using a vegetable tanning method combined with natural air drying and aging over a four-month period. The leather receives an aniline finish that creates a polished luster. The tanning process produces a dense grain that provides durability and resistance while maintaining the natural characteristics of the hide, including blemishes, veins, and scratches.

The cognac color achieves its distinctive appearance through the tanning and finishing process, resulting in a bright surface with varying tones. The color depth comes from the natural variation in how different areas of the hide absorb the dyes and finishing treatments.

Shinki cognac latigo horsehide measures approximately 3oz (1.2mm) in thickness and is classified as an extra heavyweight, full-grain leather. The material exhibits a soft and supple hand feel despite its substantial weight, with malleability and flexibility that distinguish it from traditional latigo leathers. The surface shows subtle but noticeable natural grain patterns characteristic of horsehide.

The leather demonstrates water resistance and resistance to tearing and cutting. Initial stiffness softens with use as the material breaks in. The dense grain structure contributes to durability while the aniline finish creates a polished appearance with less wax content compared to horsehide from other tanneries.

Full hides range from eight to 16 square feet, with sides typically measuring 14 to 16 square feet. The natural characteristics of horsehide, including surface variations and markings, remain visible in the finished leather.

The cognac latigo horsehide develops patina through wear and exposure. The leather displays creasing patterns and darkening in areas subject to regular use and sun exposure. The bright cognac color evolves over time as oils from handling and environmental factors interact with the aniline-finished surface.

The vegetable-tanned construction allows the leather to become more supple with continued use. The patina development varies based on wear patterns, with high-contact areas showing more pronounced darkening and character development.

Shinki cognac latigo horsehide requires cleaning with a soft cloth and mild saddle soap to remove surface debris and dirt. The heavily oiled nature of latigo leather means conditioning should occur sparingly, with applications every six to 12 months to maintain flexibility and prevent drying.

The leather's water-resistant properties reduce the need for additional waterproofing treatments. When the material becomes wet, air drying away from direct sunlight prevents damage. Storage in cool, dry conditions extends the leather's lifespan. The oil and wax content permeating the leather provides inherent moisture resistance without excessive treatment.

Shinki Hikaku's small-scale family operation and exclusive focus on horse leather create limited availability for their materials. Boot manufacturers report extended waiting periods to secure allotments of the cognac latigo horsehide, with procurement timelines extending up to a year due to production capacity constraints and the lengthy tanning process.