There are several different types of leather, each with their own characteristics and uses. Here are some of the most common types:

Full-grain leather: This is the highest quality and most durable type of leather. It is made from the top layer of the hide, maintaining the natural grain and markings. Full-grain leather develops a patina over time and is typically used in high-end products like luxury bags and shoes. At O.R.I.S. Handmade, we only use full grain leathers sourced from the top European and American tanneries.
Top-grain leather: is also a high-quality leather that is made from the top layer of the animal hide. However, top grain leather has been sanded or buffed to remove some of the natural imperfections. This makes it more smooth and even, but it also makes it less durable than full grain leather. Top grain leather is often used for mid-range products such as belts, jackets, and furniture.
Split leather: Split leather is made from the lower layers of the hide and is less durable than full-grain or top-grain leather. It is often used to make suede or Nubuck leather products, which have a softer and more textured finish.
Bonded leather: This is a synthetic material made from shredded leather scraps mixed with a bonding agent. It is then backed with fabric or other materials. Bonded leather is less expensive than genuine leather and is often used in furniture upholstery and bookbinding.
Vegan leather: Also known as faux leather or synthetic leather, this is a man-made material designed to imitate the look and feel of real leather. Vegan leather can be made from various materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is frequently used in fashion accessories, upholstery, and footwear for those who prefer cruelty-free alternatives.
Patent leather: Patent leather has a glossy and shiny finish due to a plastic or lacquer coating. It is commonly used in high-fashion footwear, handbags, and accessories
Exotic leathers: These leathers come from animals like snakes, alligators, ostriches, or stingrays. They are known for their unique textures and patterns and are used in luxury fashion items and accessories. At O.R.I.S. Handmade, we carefully select exotic leathers from farmers, who use responsible, sustainable and ethical practices!

Each type of leather has its own advantages and is suited for different applications, depending on factors such as durability, aesthetics, and cost.

The time it takes to make a high quality leather bag depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the design, the type of leather used, and the the current lead time of the leather artist. However, in general, it can take anywhere from several hours to several days to make a high quality leather object.

PLEASE CHECK MY CURRENT LEAD TIME to get an idea of when to expect your item to arrive.
Here is a breakdown of the steps involved in making a high quality leather bag and the approximate time it takes for each step:

1. Design and pattern making: This step involves designing the bag and creating a pattern from the design. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the complexity of the design.
2. Cutting: This step involves cutting the leather to the required shapes and sizes. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and complexity of the leather bag.
3. Stitching: This step involves stitching the pieces of leather together to create the bag. At O.R.I.S. Handmade we use saddle stitching technique, which is labor intensive and can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
4. Finishing: This step involves finishing the bag by adding any necessary hardware, such as zippers, clasps, handles and finishing edges. It also involves polishing and conditioning the leather to protect it and give it a shine. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the complexity of the finishing.

In addition to these steps, there may be other steps involved in making a high quality leather bag, such as dyeing the leather, carving the leather, or adding embellishments. The amount of time it takes to complete these steps will vary depending on the specific bag being made.

Leather is a living material that evolves, changes colour, softens, and develops patina over time. It should be protected from humidity and prolonged exposure to light or extreme heat. It is not recommended to use inexpensive or common care products available on the market. The best way to maintain your O.R.I.S. Handmade Leather bag or wallet is to regularly clean it with damp cloth and apply a high quality leather care product such as SAPHIR. Please Contact me if you have any questions or see my Leather care blog post (link here).