Cowhide Versus Buffalo Hide For Leather Jackets And What Are The Differences
There have been many misunderstandings about which type of leather is stronger for a jacket, a buffalo hide or a cowhide. Now the buffalo hide they use in leather jackets comes from the water buffalo, not the American bison. In its natural state, a buffalo hide is thicker than cowhide.
However, they don’t use the full thickness of a skin when making leather jackets. With both cowhide and buffalo skin, they divided the skin into several layers. The layer that the hair had is called the top grain, the other layers are called the split grain. Most motorcycle leather jackets use leather between 1.5mm and 2.0mm thick.
When they process each type of skin, they divide them roughly to the same thickness. So they are both the same thickness! Therefore, it is not true that a buffalo leather jacket is thicker than a cowhide jacket. You can find both types in different jackets that are of different thicknesses depending on the quality of the brand and whether it is top grain or split grain. But two comparable leather jackets made of buffalo hide and cowhide are the same thickness.
Is a buffalo hide stronger than a cowhide motorcycle jacket? That is the next question. After the hides are processed into leather, a buffalo hide is actually slightly softer than cowhide. A buffalo hide and cowhide are practically the same in terms of toughness and ability to resist cuts and punctures. In its natural state in a buffalo, the skin is thicker, so it can withstand more abuse.
But as I already explained, once they split the skin and transform it into leather, they are the same thickness. Therefore, both buffalo hide and cowhide are equal in strength and durability. I know a lot of people don’t think so, but that’s the truth. If you’re shopping for a motorcycle leather jacket and want the toughest skin type, they will both provide the same protection.
In fact, pigskin is also a very tough and tough skin that is almost as durable as the other two. Some even prefer pigskin as it appears to be a bit softer and more flexible than others.
What is more important is to get a top full grain leather jacket rather than a split grain one. A top grain cowhide leather jacket will be thicker than a buffalo hide split grain leather jacket, and the reverse is also true. So if you get your hands on a full grain buffalo leather or premium cowhide biker jacket, you’ve chosen the best leather jacket you can find. They are both strong and can withstand many punishments.
