RUSSET SIDES – REGULAR GRADE

Chahin’s natural russet strap leather is vegetable tanned in the same process as their skirting leather. This leather takes tooling, carving, stamping and embossing well, and absorbs oils and dyes uniformly. Over time, it will develop a beautiful patina. Good for belts, dog collars, tack, holsters, sheaths, arborist products, journal covers, pouches, bags, briefcases.

Hide Size: 20-25 sqft

Important Information

When it comes to versatility, durability, and tradition, Russet Sides – Regular Grade leather has long been a cornerstone of saddlery, tooling, upholstery, and leathercraft. Known for its smooth surface, natural light colour, and excellent carving qualities, Russet leather provides a blank canvas for artisans, upholsterers, and furniture makers to bring their designs to life.

The Regular Grade Russet Sides offer affordability without compromising strength, making them ideal for both beginners in leathercraft and professionals in New Zealand’s saddlery and upholstery industries. From furniture restoration to belts, wallets, saddles, and accessories, this leather type has countless applications.

Key Features of Russet Sides – Regular Grade

• Vegetable-Tanned Leather – traditional tanning that delivers strength and flexibility.
  
• Natural Light Colour – perfect for dyeing, staining, and custom finishes.
  
• Smooth Grain & Even Texture – provides a clean base for tooling and carving.
  
• Durable & Strong – ideal for heavy-duty use in saddlery and furniture.
  
• Tooling & Carving Friendly – takes embossing, stamping, and decorative work beautifully.
  
• Cost-Effective Regular Grade – accessible option for learners and professionals alike.
  
• Wide Range of Applications – from upholstery to saddlery and general leathercraft.
  

Benefits of Russet Sides – Regular Grade

1. Ideal for Tooling and Decoration

The light, smooth surface of Russet leather makes it the perfect canvas for leatherworking. Whether you’re carving, stamping, or embossing, this leather responds beautifully to tools, producing crisp and detailed impressions.

2. Adaptable to Custom Finishes

Because of its natural tone, Russet Sides take dyes and stains exceptionally well. This flexibility allows New Zealand craftspeople and upholsterers to achieve the exact colour and finish required for their projects.

3. Affordable Without Losing Strength

The Regular Grade provides a balance of quality and cost-effectiveness. It retains the durability and performance of premium Russet leather while offering an economical solution for larger projects or beginner-friendly work.

4. Strong and Long-Lasting

Vegetable-tanned Russet leather is known for its toughness. It can handle heavy use, making it reliable for saddlery, belts, straps, and upholstery that needs to withstand daily wear.

5. Versatility for Multiple Industries

From furniture upholstery to handmade crafts and saddlery, Russet Sides adapt to a variety of uses, making them one of the most versatile leather types available in New Zealand.

Why Choose Russet Sides – Regular Grade?

For New Zealand leatherworkers, upholsterers, and equestrian communities, Russet Sides are a trusted go-to. Choosing the Regular Grade version allows for a cost-effective entry point without compromising on tradition, workability, or durability.

You should choose this leather because it offers:

• A True Blank Canvas – ideal for creative customisation.
  
• Proven Durability – used in saddlery and upholstery for decades.
  
• Accessible Quality – reliable leather at a practical price point.
  
• Endless Applications – suitable for both professionals and DIY crafts.
  

Applications of Russet Sides in NZ

• Saddlery & Harnesses – trusted for strength in equestrian gear.
  
• Furniture Upholstery – adds character and durability to seating and restoration projects.
  
• Belts & Straps – strong, reliable, and customisable.
  
• Leathercraft Projects – from wallets to bags and accessories.
  
• Decorative Carving – excellent surface for creative leather tooling.
  
• Footwear & Repairs – strong material for shoes, boots, and custom footwear.
  

Conclusion

The Russet Sides – Regular Grade leather is the perfect combination of affordability, versatility, and durability. With its natural light colour, smooth surface, and adaptability for tooling, staining, and carving, it’s a favourite among New Zealand upholsterers, saddlers, and artisan leatherworkers.

Whether you’re creating a saddle, upholstering a chair, or crafting belts and accessories, Russet Sides provide a reliable and beautiful foundation. Its affordability makes it perfect for learners, while its durability ensures it meets the needs of seasoned professionals.

Choose Russet Sides – Regular Grade and enjoy a leather that grows with your craft, your furniture, and your designs.