Hancock & Moore, "Columbia Taupe"

[juliepooch]

Dear Duane,
In several posts you have stated that you like Columbia Taupe from H/M. This is a protected Class I leather. Why do you like this one over other class I leathers?
Thanks,
Julie

[drcollie]

Good question, Julie.

What you want in a leather is a tactile feel, and a 'look'. Most all leather wears equally as well as the next one within a given class (Finished, Aniline) so when you choose a hide its based on the 'hand' (softness, texture) and appearance (glossy or flat, deep colors or richness, and variations).

In H&M, Class 1 is the least expensive grade of 5 steps. All Class 1's are Finished leathers, and let's be honest - if they looked and felt fantastic then there would be no use for Classes 2, 3, 4 and 5. Some of the Class 1 hides are atrocious. Challenger for example - I don't even know why its in the handle. Its scratchy to the touch, rough-feeling, looks like cheap vinyl, has no color punch-up and I've never sold the first piece in it. Columbia on the other hand, has a fantastic hand, nice special effects to it (shading), is soft, rich in appearance and not too glossy. If I didn't tell you it was a Class 1, I could sell it as a Class 2 with no difficulty.

You can't tell by photos, but if you help a sample of Columbia in one hand and Challenger in the other, you would immediately see the difference. There are other Class 1's that are better, like FEDERAL, but mostly I think Columbia rules that entry level segment in the H&M line. I'd even prefer Columbia to any Document or Cavalier, both of which are Class 2 hides.

[seehere]

Duane, Are Columbia and Cavalier also sourced from China? I believe I saw an earlier post stating Document is. Thanks much!

[seehere]

Sorry - I just found the post that answered this question. Thanks Duane!

[juliepooch]

Thanks Duane. This information is very, very helpful.