matobo tanning
by zambezi tannersexpert craftsmanship
outstanding quality
masters of production
Unleash luxury
Unparalleled Elegance and Uniqueness
Exotic skins, such as Nile crocodile and Cape buffalo, offer a host of unique benefits. Nile crocodile leather is renowned for its distinctive scale pattern, durability, and luxurious texture, making it an exquisite choice for high-end products. Its strength and resistance to wear ensure longevity and enduring beauty. On the other hand, Cape buffalo leather exhibits a rugged charm with its natural grain and robust texture. It possesses exceptional strength and toughness, ideal for creating durable goods that withstand rugged environments. Both exotic skins exude a sense of exclusivity and sophistication, elevating fashion choices and making a bold statement.
nile crocodile
Experience Luxury and Durability with Nile Crocodile Leather. Its distinctive texture, exceptional strength, and natural sheen create exquisite accessories that stand the test of time, making a bold fashion statement.
Cape Buffalo
Experience the epitome of durability, strength, and resilience with Cape buffalo leather. Unmatched in quality, it exudes a rustic charm, ages beautifully, and provides exceptional comfort and longevity for your products.
Perfecting the leather
The Tanning Process
Step 1
The wetblue hides are placed in large vats filled with water to remove salt, dirt, and any remaining flesh. This soaking process rehydrates the hides, making them more pliable and ready for further processing. The soaked hides are transferred to a drum or pit where they undergo a liming process. Lime and other chemicals are added to adjust the pH level, loosen hair and epidermis, and remove any remaining flesh and fat. After deliming, bating agents are applied to further remove any remaining impurities and to soften the hides. The hides are then dyed to achieve the desired color. Various dyeing techniques and colorants are used to impart different shades and tones to the leather.
Step 2
The hides are mechanically split into multiple layers, with the topmost layer retaining the highest quality grain surface. The other layers, known as split leather, are used for different purposes such as suede or split-grain leather. The grain surface is shaved to remove any imperfections, scars, or unevenness. This process ensures a smooth and consistent surface across the leather.During this step, the leather undergoes a retanning process, where additional tanning agents are applied to improve the leather’s properties, such as its strength, flexibility, and resistance to moisture.The leather is then carefully dried, this step is crucial to prevent the leather from shrinking and to stabilize its structure.
Step 3
The dried leather is conditioned to restore its moisture content and suppleness. Conditioning agents are applied to enhance the leather’s softness and improve its overall feel and touch. The leather is mechanically staked and buffed to achieve the desired thickness, texture, and smoothness. This process further enhances the leather’s appearance and prepares it for the final finishing. The final step involves applying various finishing treatments to the leather. This may include adding protective coatings, dyes, pigments, oils, or waxes to enhance its colour, luster, and durability. The leather is then buffed, polished, or embossed to achieve the desired final appearance.