Split Cowhide
Debunking False Notions About Western Leather Furniture
There are several misconceptions about western leather furniture that might cause some people to shy away from using it. This article explores different aspects of western leather furniture and helps to set the record straight about false impressions such as: it is too expensive, it is too hard to maintain, it should not be used in homes with children and pets, as well as the mistaken notion that it only fits in with certain styles of home decorating.
Leather, especially tooled leather, can be used for decorative trim on cabinets and even on tables, but this article will focus on the type of western leather furniture that is used for seating, such as sofas and sectionals as well as all types of chairs and ottomans.
Leather is a natural material and it has all of the qualities that make it ideal for sofas and chairs; it is supple, flexible, and extremely durable. Plus, it has a unique appeal unmatched by other materials. In addition to being long-lasting, good quality leather can actually improve as it gracefully mellows with age and regular use. Leather can be used on all styles of furniture from classical to western and rustic to contemporary, and everything in between. It goes well with any decorating style in informal or formal settings.
Perhaps it would help to identify the main types of leather made from cowhides:
* Full-grain leather is only made from the best hides. The grain is left in its natural state, except for the removal of the hair, and this allows it to have the best strength and durability. Over time, full-grain leather develops a natural patina that adds to the beauty as well as the appeal. The most common finishes for full-grain leathers are aniline and semi-aniline. Aniline means the leather is colored by dipping it in a dye bath and semi-aniline is where a matching pigment layer is added to even out the existing color.
* Top-grain leather is where the top or outermost layers have been left intact. It is made from lesser-quality hides and is usually smooth on one side and fuzzy on the other side. The smooth side is where the hair used to be and the fuzzy side is where other layers were separated or split from the hide.
* Split leather is made from the inner layers of a hide. It has been split away from the top layers, also known as the grain layers. Most often used in the form of suede (see below).
* Suede is a type of leather that has had the grain removed or it is from an inner split of the hide. It is often used for clothing. Many pieces of suede can be split from a single thickness of hide. Something called reversed suede is grained leather that has been used on an item of clothing with the grain facing away from the visible surface and this is not a true form of suede.
There are some processes and techniques that can make suede appear to be full-grain leather. So, be careful and pay attention to the terminology. If you want 100-percent full-grain leather, be sure that is exactly what you are being offered.
The initial cost of full-grain or top-grain western leather furniture may be a little more than a sofa and chairs made of other materials, but it certainly provides the best overall value due to the natural beauty and remarkable durability. Plus, it is surprisingly easy to care for since it requires less maintenance than other materials. Another great thing about leather is that it “breathes” and will adapt to the environment. This means that the leather upholstery will not be hot and sticky in the summer nor will it be cold in the winter months. That certainly makes leather user-friendlier than materials like naugahyde or vinyl.
In most households, even ones with children and pets, regular cleaning of your leather furniture can be done by using the crevice tool of a vacuum in between and under the cushions and on the bottom. Dust the furniture with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Many people would be amazed at how difficult it is for a stain to be left on leather upholstery. However, it will stain if a spill is left sitting there for hours. A clean, damp cloth or sponge will take care of most water-based spills. More detailed care instructions should be provided at the place of purchase when you get your western leather furniture, or other preferred style. You will probably want to avoid using things like solvents, abrasive cleaners, detergent soaps, or ammonia water on the leather.
There are various saddle soaps and conditioners for different kinds of leather, but it is best to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer and/or distributor for your specific type of leather furniture. Also, you might want to consult a leather-cleaning specialist for tougher spots and spills, such as ink marks, grease, blood, urine, wax, or gum. Check your local yellow pages or business directory to find someone offering those services.
Leather furniture is durable and resists tears more than other materials. In normal situations, it is able to withstand things like the claws of your dog or cat. If anything sharp is pressed against the leather, the leather will stretch to a certain extent before the sharp object can poke through or rip the leather.
Even the best leather furniture tends to fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight, as will almost any material. Also, it is best to place western leather furniture, or any type, at least two feet away from a heat source such as a fireplace, radiator, or a heat vent to avoid possible damage from the heat or dry air. Actually the same is true for almost any piece of furniture, but you seldom hear such recommendations.
From a comfy leather sofa to a wood rocker with leather upholstery on the seat and seatback, no other material can offer all of the advantages of leather. It has proven to be the strongest and most durable material used for furniture upholstering. Just like the natural appeal, the value is unmatched. Leather furniture is available in a wide variety of styles and designs. In other words, there is something to fit right in with every decorating style as well as every kind of lifestyle.
About the Author
AnnaRae Mills loves informal home decor; especially the western, rustic, southwestern, country, and lodge styles. She has dozens of great decorating tips to share with you. Plus, see more than 375 pictures that show why casual home decor is more popular than ever. Go to http://www.Western-Home-Decor.net
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West Chester Economy Split Cowhide Palm Gloves- Large #71050/L $0.99 |
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Select Left Hand ONLY Gloves w/ Split Cowhide Leather Palm/Rubber Cuff, #500LHO $1.25 |
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TILLMAN 1505 WORK GLOVES LARGE Select Split Cowhide $2.19 |
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Black Stallion Large 5BEE Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Patched $2.38 |
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Black Stallion Large 7B Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Slip-On/Knit Wrist $2.49 |
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Black Stallion Small 7B Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Slip-On Knit Wrist $2.49 |
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TILLMAN 1515 SPLIT COWHIDE DOUBLE-PALM WORK GLOVES $2.57 |
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Black Stallion Large 3B Split Cowhide Leather Palm GlovesShort Cuff $2.69 |
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Heavy Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Large 500-A $2.75 |
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Black Stallion Large 4D Value Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves $2.80 |
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Black Stallion Large 5BE Value Split Cowhide Leather Palm GlovesShort Cuff $2.80 |
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West Chester Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves-Medium #71020/M $2.99 |
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West Chester Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves-X-Large #71020/XL $2.99 |
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West Chester Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves-Large #71020/L $2.99 |
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Radnor® X-Large Split Cowhide Unlined Drivers Gloves w/Straight Thumb $2.99 |
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Radnor® Large Split Cowhide Unlined Drivers Gloves w/Straight Thumb $2.99 |
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Radnor® Medium Split Cowhide Unlined Drivers Gloves w/Straight Thumb $2.99 |
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Black Stallion X-Large 5B Standard Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Short Cuff $3.24 |
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Black Stallion Medium 5B Standard Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Short Cuff $3.24 |
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Black Stallion Large 5B Standard Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Short Cuff $3.24 |
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Black Stallion Small 5B Standard Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Short Cuff $3.24 |
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Black Stallion Large 111SLH Split Cowhide Stick Welding Gloves Left Hand ONLY! $3.44 |
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Black Stallion Large 6B Standard Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves $3.44 |
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TILLMAN 1405M DRIVERS GLOVES Medium Split Cowhide $3.49 |
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TILLMAN 1405L DRIVERS GLOVES Large Split Cowhide $3.49 |
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Black Stallion Large 8B Standard Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves $3.67 |
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Black Stallion Large 5DP Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Patched w/Short Cuff $3.67 |
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TILLMAN 1524 WORK GLOVES LARGE Select Split Cowhide $3.69 |
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Black Stallion HBV Side Split Cowhide Welding Helmet Bib with Velcro $3.77 |
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Black Stallion HB Side Split Cowhide Welding Helmet Bib with Metal Clips $3.78 |
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West Chester Split Cowhide Driver Gloves-Medium #81040/M $3.99 |
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West Chester Split Cowhide Driving Gloves-XL #81040/XL $3.99 |
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West Chester Split Cowhide Driver Gloves-Large #81040/L $3.99 |
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Large Black Split cowhide Leather Beginners 8′ Bull Whip Adult mens student new $3.99 |
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Black Stallion Large 6DP Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Double Palm $4.31 |
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Gloves – Drivers – Standard Split Cowhide – Tan – Large – One Pair $4.40 |
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Black Stallion Small 5AB Quality Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Short Cuff $4.42 |
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Black Stallion Medium 5AB Quality Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Short Cuff $4.42 |
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Black Stallion Large 5AB Quality Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Short Cuff $4.42 |
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Black Stallion X-Large 5AB Quality Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Short Cuff $4.42 |
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NEW Tillman 1000 Shoulder Split Cowhide Welding Gloves $4.50 |
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Split Cowhide Winter Leather Gloves Rust Sherpa Line XL $4.50 |
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TILLMAN 1000 WELDING GLOVES Standard Split Cowhide $4.55 |
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Black Stallion Large 5B-ORA Split Cowhide Hi-Vis Leather Palm Gloves Short Cuff $4.64 |
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COWHIDE SPLIT LEATHER/COTTON WORK GLOVES- LARGE- NEW! $4.79 |
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Black Stallion Small 10 Value Split Cowhide Driving Gloves $4.84 |
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Black Stallion Medium 10 Value Split Cowhide Driving Gloves $4.84 |
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Black Stallion Large 10 Value Split Cowhide Driving Gloves $4.84 |
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DEWALT DPG41 Premium Split Cowhide Leather Palm Glove $4.99 |
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West Chester Split Leather Cowhide Palm Gloves-XL #75630/XL $4.99 |
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West Chester Split Leather Cowhide Palm Gloves-Large #75630/L $4.99 |
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2 Black Split cowhide Leather Beginners 6′ Bull Whip student women child new $5.00 |
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Tillman Small 1404 Split Cowhide Fleece Lined Winter Gloves $5.06 |
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Black Stallion Large 5FB Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Full Back Short Cuff $5.07 |
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Black Stallion Large 113LH Value Split Cowhide Stick Welding Gloves Left ONLY! $5.29 |
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TILLMAN 1300L MIG GLOVES LARGE Cowhide Split Leather $5.34 |
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Black Stallion Large 6Y Quality Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves- Short Cuff $5.60 |
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Black Stallion Large 111Y Value Split Cowhide Stick Welding Gloves $5.60 |
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New Leather Split Cowhide Palm Work Gloves Large $5.95 |
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EcoWelder Select shoulder split cowhide, lined. Large $5.95 |
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EcoWelder Select shoulder split cowhide, lined. Extra Large $5.95 |
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EcoWelder Select shoulder split cowhide, lined. Medium $5.95 |
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UNUSED BLACK STALLION 320 L WELDING GLOVES SIDE SPLIT COWHIDE LEATHER WELDER LG $5.99 |
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MASTER GUARD SPLIT COWHIDE PALM WORK GLOVES LARGE NEW! $5.99 |
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Tillman Gloves Top Grain Split Cowhide $6.00 |
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GLOVES WELDING SPLIT COWHIDE LARGE BLUE HEAVY DUTY DURABLE SINGLE PAIR $6.00 |
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Black Stallion Small 5A Premium Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves $6.36 |
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Black Stallion Medium 5A Premium Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves $6.36 |
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Black Stallion Large 5A Premium Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves $6.36 |
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Black Stallion Large 111S Value Split Cowhide Stick Welding Gloves $6.36 |
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Black Stallion X-Large 5A Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves- Short Cuff $6.36 |
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4 oz. Black Suede split Moccasin Pouch Lining Cowhide leather 5 sq. ft. USA Made $6.50 |
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Black Stallion Large 8A Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Long Cuff $6.89 |
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Black Stallion X-Large 8A Premium Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves $6.89 |
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Tillman Large Washable Split Cowhide Duck Cuff Canvas Back New 1515XD $6.99 |
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Tillman Medium 1404 Split Cowhide Fleece Lined Winter Gloves $7.28 |
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Tillman X-Large 1404 Split Cowhide Fleece Lined Winter Gloves $7.28 |
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Tillman Large 1404 Split Cowhide Fleece Lined Winter Gloves $7.28 |
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TILLMAN 1414M DRIVERS GLOVES MEDIUM Split Cowhide $7.28 |
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TILLMAN 1414L DRIVERS GLOVES Large Split Cowhide $7.28 |
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Black Stallion Large 5F Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Full Back $7.44 |
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2 Large Black Split cowhide Leather Beginners 8′ Bull Whips Adult mens students $7.50 |
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Vintage Amity Red Cowhide Split Credit Card Picture Wallet $7.50 |
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NEW Tillman 1010 Split Cowhide Welding Gloves – Large $7.50 |
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Tillman X-Large 1568 Split Cowhide ColdBlock Lined Winter Gloves $7.60 |
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Tillman Large 1573 Split Cowhide ColdBlock Lined Winter Gloves $7.60 |
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Black Stallion Large 8F Side Split Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves Full Back $7.76 |
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Black Stallion Large 112 Value Split Cowhide Stick Welding Gloves $7.87 |
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14″ Split Cowhide Welding Gloves Heavy Work Protection $7.99 |
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New Size 40 Gray Frontier Series USA Split Cowhide Belt $7.99 |
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New Size 42 Gray Frontier Series USA Split Cowhide Belt $7.99 |
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Wells Lamont 1018L Heavy Duty Cowhide Split Leather Work Gloves $7.99 |
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Wells Lamont 1018M Medium Heavy Duty Cowhide Split Leather Work Gloves $7.99 |
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Wells Lamont 1018XL Extra Large Heavy Duty Cowhide Split Leather Work Gloves $7.99 |
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14″ Split Cowhide Welding Gloves Heavy Work Protection $7.99 |
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Radnor ® Premium Side Split Cowhide Cotton Lined Welders Gloves – Large Blue 14 – 1100 $8.95 Radnor 14″ Premium Side Split Cowhide Cotton Lined Welders Gloves With Wing Thumb, Welted Fingers And Kevlar Stitching Radnor Wing Thumb Side Split Co… |
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9020/L Select Shoulder Split Cowhide Welding Gloves [PRICE is per DOZEN] $75.44 Shoulder split cowhide provides excellent protection in high heat welding conditions at an affordable price. 14″ length protects hands and arms from sparks and spatter…. |
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930 Standard Grey Split Cowhide Leather Welder Gloves [PRICE is per DOZEN] $38.16 Standard gray split cowhide leather welder gloves provide excellent heat protection. One piece palm has No exposed seams. Cotton sock lining absorbs perspiration. Heavy full leather gauntlet cuffs…. |
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Hobart 770548 Leather Welding Apron $20.91 The Hobart 770548 is a Leather Welding Apron. Features: Superior protection Heavy duty stitching Reinforced snaps 23″ wide on the bottom, 34-1/2″ long What's In the Box: Hobart 770548 Leather Welding Apron… |
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Hobart 770440 Premium Form Fitted Welding Gloves $21.59 These Hobart Premium Welding Gloves feature a form-fitted design that provides comfort and dexterity. Protective knuckle patches, padded palm and Kevlar stitching. Premium natural grain leather; branded pigskin cuff and backhand. Material Type: Premium Natural Grain Leather / Pigskin Cuff and Backhand… |
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Steiner 92165 Bib Apron, Weld-Rite Premium Brown Split Cowhide, 24-Inch x 36-Inch $21.59 Protective welding gear from Steiner Industries. Lightweight, durable heavy-duty protection against sparks and splatter. Material Type: Leather… |
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Ipad 2 Leather Zip-around Case- Black $29.98 Made of split-leather cowhide, this sleek, zip-around case is ideal for your iPad2. Its perfectly proportioned sleeve keeps your iPad securely in place and always ready-to-use. The pre-cut hole in front and back is positioned so your iPad camera works while in the case! On the left side, there are pocket sleeves for accessories such as a memo pad, literature, airline tickets, etc., and pockets for… |
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Bellino Slim Attache Color – Burgundy $102.99 The Slim Attache by Goodhope Bags is a stylish and compact case for everyday home and office use. Made from PU-coated split cowhide with a soft pigskin lining, this case has two file pockets, an open pocket, a calculator pocket, and a penholder to keep all of your documents and business items secure and tidy. A built-in combination lock keeps important papers safe. This case is available in two at… |
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Bellino Slim Attache Color – Black $102.99 The Slim Attache by Goodhope Bags is a stylish and compact case for everyday home and office use. Made from PU-coated split cowhide with a soft pigskin lining, this case has two file pockets, an open pocket, a calculator pocket, and a penholder to keep all of your documents and business items secure and tidy. A built-in combination lock keeps important papers safe. This case is available in two at… |
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Premium Select Shoulder Split Cowhide Leather Palm Work Glove With Gauntlet Cuff And Leather Knuckle Strap (Carded) $5.99 RAD64057978 Features: -Price Is For One Pair -Minimum Order Of 1.-RUBBERIZED GAUNTLET CUFF.-Split Cowhide Leather Glove Leather Knuckle Strap Gauntlet Cuff.-UNSPC CODE: 46181504.-Glove Size: Large.-Glove Type Full Hand.-Leather Palm Gloves Leather Palm Gloves palm glove clothing.-GLOVE LEATHER PALM SZ MENS. Construction: -Radnor Select shoulder leather palm work gloves are constructed of select s… |
