Shinki Oiled Horsebutt

Horse butt leather consists of extremely dense fibrous tissue with full-grain surface integrity. The grain structure is tighter and more regular than cowhide, creating smaller, more uniform grain patterns. Despite the density, the material maintains flexibility and slight suppleness while retaining firmness.

The leather's thickness typically measures approximately 3 ounces (1.2mm) but can be split to various ranges including 3-2.5 ounces and 2.5-2 ounces depending on intended application.

Oiled horsebutt displays characteristic honeycomb wrinkle patterns in the hides, creating visual texture distinct from other leather types. The grain is less waxy in appearance compared to similar leathers from other tanneries, with a polished luster finish.

Shinki Hikaku imports raw horse hides from European sources where animal welfare regulations are strictly enforced. The hides come from horses slaughtered for the food industry, with hides exported to Japan for leather production.

The production process uses mimosa bark tannage, with bark and water imported from Australia. Each hide undergoes initial cutting to separate the butt section from the fronts, followed by washing, dehairing, and fat removal.

After preparation, hides are placed in tanning solution with agitators for an extended bath lasting months. The vegetable tanning process produces durable leather while allowing the natural characteristics of the horse hide to remain visible.

Following the tanning bath, hides are sorted, dried, and stored for additional months to cure properly. The extended curing period results in approximately 30% volume loss as the leather shrinks and stabilizes. This material reduction contributes to the premium pricing of finished Shinki leather products.

The complete production cycle takes up to four months from raw hide to finished leather, significantly longer than accelerated tanning methods.

After tanning and curing, the leather undergoes oil infusion finishing. The oil content exceeds 15% of the leather's weight, reinforcing the fibers and making them resistant to cracking, splitting, or hardening over time.

The finishing process includes milling or tumbling to soften the material and develop grain texture, followed by dying and application of oils and finishing solutions. The oil treatment makes the leather soft and slightly worn-in from initial use.

Shinki applies an aniline finish that showcases the natural grain structure rather than concealing it with heavy surface coatings. This finish allows visible blemishes, veins, bites, and scratches that are characteristic of minimally-finished leather. The aniline treatment permits the leather to develop patina as it ages.

Oiled horsebutt demonstrates strength and resistance to wear, withstanding significant use without structural damage. The dense fiber structure combined with oil reinforcement creates a material resistant to perspiration, water exposure, and staining.

While horsehide is thinner than comparable cowhide, the grain side maintains greater sturdiness due to the dense fiber arrangement. The leather remains highly flexible, allowing it to be shaped and molded during construction.

The high oil content provides inherent water and moisture resistance. The oil-infused fibers shed water while maintaining breathability. This characteristic makes oiled horsebutt suitable for outdoor applications and footwear exposed to varied weather conditions.