Leather

Leather is one of the most versatile materials in existence. From clothes to bags to saddles to book covers, a lot of things can be made out of leather. The material is made by tanning animal hides to make them strong and durable. Once tanned, leather can be moulded and tooled, painted and dyed, cut and stitched.

The hides of different animals produce different leathers, each used for different purposes. Cowhide leather can be particularly thick and durable and is therefore perfect for heavy-duty usage. Goatskin leather on the other hand is soft and thin and is sometimes used in book binding. Leather from other animals like sheep, horses or pigs is also used.

Leather can be used to make a lot of things. Furniture can be upholstered with it, saddles are almost always covered in leather, and bags, belts and straps for any purpose are usually made out of it. Fine leathers are used to make shoes, gloves, hats and other items of clothing. These things are usually rather expensive, but a good pair of leather boots is owned by almost everyone.

Due to its sturdy yet mouldable nature, many things are covered in leather. Scabbards and hilts of swords are commonly wrapped with leather, and sometimes even furniture. Armour pieces are also sometimes lined with leather, both to make them more comfortable to move in and to insulate them against the weather.

While some types of leather are quite common and affordable for most people, others are expensive and hard to come by and are therefore mostly available to wealthy upper class folk.

The ability to afford luxury items that were crafted from fine leathers or intricately designed with stamps and tools is considered a sign of wealth and status.

Leather-bound books are also a sought-after luxury as they are more durable and, usually, more beautiful than books bound in fabric or paper, which are also common materials to be used for this purpose.