About Ostrich Leather
The hide is the most valuable part of the bird and is often described as the best quality leather in the world. It is one of the softest yet strongest available and as a result of its incredibly high quality is more expensive then its traditional counter parts.  All our leather products are handcrafted to perfection and are a truly unique gift making a pleasant change from the typically mass produced goods available.
Patterns
Its distinctive pattern is created by the quill marks, which set it apart from all other leathers. The natural oils in the hide makes it supple and resistant to cracking, but despite its softness, is still one of the strongest and most durable leathers in the world.
The three distinctive patterns come from different areas of the bird:
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Ostrich leg leather |
 Ostrich quill pattern |
 Ostrich plain leather |
Grades
Just as with any animal, leather from different areas of the carcass varies in quality and is graded in the following way.
This is an example of an ostrich skin.  The quill areas are A (1-4) main diamond area, B Neck, C(1,2) Upper belly flap and C (3,4) lower belly flap.  In this way you can see a reason why it is such an expensive leather, not the whole leather has a quill pattern.  Only 40 % of the skin is covered with the quill in the center and 60 % of the skin is plain leather without quill, except from small quill areas on the flanks of the ostrich.   When you don't find any blemishes in the diamond (Crown quill)  area then the skin is first grade.  When you find blemishes in 1-4 quarters, the grade will be 2-5.  The Crown Quill is the most valuable part of the skin.  The plain leather of the ostrich is of the ostrich is not an inferior product, it just does not show the distinctive ostrich quill pattern.
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Maintenance
· Ostrich leather is coloured with transparent dyes.  This means that you are able to see the actual surface grain and marking.  The leather requires very little or no protective treatments but is often sprayed with a wax finish which gives short-term water repellence.
· To clean the leather : wipe with a soft damp cloth, free of detergent.
· As with all leathers, light (natural and artificial) may cause natural fading in the leather.  When not in use, store it in dark place.
· Avoid contact with ink and direct heat as this will permanently mark the leather.
· Oil stains should be sprinkled immediately with talcum powder.  Allow to stand, and brush off excess.
About the ostrich