The Leather We Use - And Why It Matters

Not all leather is created equal, and these days, not everything marketed with the word “leather” is actually leather at all. At Pate Ranch Creations, when we say leather, we mean real leather hides. We don't use faux leather, PU leather, vinyl, or synthetic leather substitutes in our leather products. For most of our pieces, we use ChahinLeather® bridle leather, a premium leather chosen for its durability, rich finish, and the way it gets even better with age.

What Is Bridle Leather?

Bridle leather was traditionally developed for horse tack, where strength, durability, and resistance to the elements weren't optional. That makes it a pretty natural fit for the products we make here at Pate Ranch.

ChahinLeather® bridle leather begins with a vegetable tanning process, one of the oldest methods of tanning leather. After tanning, the hides are hot stuffed with oils and tallows that penetrate deep into the leather. This gives it a smooth, slightly waxy feel, a beautiful sheen, and a rich cut edge. Those oils and waxes also help make the leather weather-resistant and able to stand up to everyday use. After the tanning process is complete, the leather is drum-dyed for consistent, uniform coloring throughout the hide.

Why We Choose Bridle Leather

We make products that are meant to be handled and used, not just looked at. They may sit on a desk, ride around in a truck, live at the ranch, or get used every single day. The leather needs to be able to keep up. Bridle leather gives us the combination we are looking for: durability, structure, rich color, and a premium feel. It also engraves and embosses beautifully, which is important when we are adding ranch brands, company logos, monograms, or custom artwork.

Real Leather Has Character

One of our favorite things about working with genuine leather is that it isn't perfectly uniform, and it shouldn't be. Leather is a natural hide, so you may occasionally see subtle variations in grain, texture, color, or markings. Those aren't defects. They're part of what tells you you're working with the real thing. Just like the grain in a piece of walnut or pecan, those natural variations give every finished piece a little character of its own.

Real Leather vs. Faux Leather

Synthetic leather can be inexpensive and consistent, but that isn't the material we want to build our products around. Faux and PU leather are generally made from plastic-based materials designed to imitate the appearance of a real hide. Quality leather behaves differently over time. It softens, develops character, and takes on a natural patina from use. Instead of simply getting old, good leather gets broken in. That is exactly what we want from the products we make.

Made From the Real Thing

We aren't interested in making something that only looks premium in a photograph. We want it to feel premium when you pick it up and continue looking good after you've actually used it.

That's why all of our leather products start with real leather hides, and why we choose materials such as ChahinLeather® bridle leather for so many of our pieces. Whether we're making coasters, valet trays, personalized gifts, corporate pieces, or adding leather details to one of our hardwood boot jacks, the material matters.

Beautiful materials make a difference. Good craftsmanship makes a difference. And when you're making something that is supposed to last, what you start with matters.