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Japanese Cordovan - Page 9

post #121 of 133
12/18/08 at 12:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fishball View Post
I visited Japan last week, and went to Warmthcraft Tokyo have a look.
Here are some pics, with few shoes made by Japanese Cordovan, not bad at all.

The whole sheet of horse butt:

Let me preface that I knew nothing about shell cordovan until I joined this forum, but I would think that each sheet of cordovan from the rumps of the horse can be joined by a continuous tissue that goes over the spine - like this picture implies. My only question is if the bridging portion that does pass over the spine is of lower quality or of a lessened thickness? Thus you can use the whole rump, like in this photo, for something long like a belt, but it wouldn't have the same consistency that's suitable for shoes?

Also, Fishball, thanks for sharing all of this and providing fodder for such educational discussion!
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post #122 of 133
2/12/09 at 1:30pm
Fishball, could you post some pics of the monks after some wearings?
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post #123 of 133
4/7/09 at 1:21pm
Thread Starter 
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post #124 of 133
4/22/09 at 2:12pm
I know this thread has slowed down, but I wanted to make a few comments...

First, thanks to everyone with keen eyes and an appreciation for quality products. I think how I feel about shell cordovan goes without saying. Specifically, RIDER, thanks for the praise! I wanted to correct your Italian source:
Quote:
Originally Posted by RIDER View Post
But, the main difference is the supply of raw material, not the process of the tanneries so much.
The second part is true, our processes are very similar, except in a few areas. However, we haven't secured any special hide or raw material contracts - that would be great for us! We purchase hides from the same sources that are available to anyone in the market for horsehide, and any hide for that matter. We do have the benefit of experience, and we take tremendous pride in what we do.

The "whole sheet of horse butt" photo is just two shells that have been left connected - or so it looks from the photo. We separate and trim the middle and upper parts of most of our shells, since the membrane that makes up the "shell" is fairly easy to detect, if you know what you're looking for. To get a belt made of a single strip of cordovan is possible - we get a handful hides that come from mules or donkeys, where the shell is continuous. They are generally more trapezoidal in shape, instead of the more common two ovals.

Nick Horween
Horween Leather Co.
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post #125 of 133
4/22/09 at 2:24pm
Welcome Nick! I enjoy my Alden shoes that were made with cordovan from your factories.
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post #126 of 133
4/22/09 at 2:40pm
Yes, welcome Nick, great to see you posting. Your factory is a true industry heavyweight and your knowledge is much appreciated. Rider creates wonderful stuff with your hides as others obviously do also. Quick question, do you have any favorites among the shoe brands that use your product?
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post #127 of 133
4/22/09 at 2:54pm
I loved reading thru this thread in the past and Im glad it got bumped.

Those shell monks look absolutely amazing.
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post #128 of 133
4/22/09 at 3:49pm
This is a great thread and I very much appreciate Nick Horween taking the time to post here and clear up some issues.
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post #129 of 133
4/22/09 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by edmorel View Post
Quick question, do you have any favorites among the shoe brands that use your product?

Don't make me choose! I love all the brands that use our leather...

I do have a couple of favorite pairs of shoes, for sure. I have a pair of black cordovan Bally Scribe wingtips from the late 80's that I got married in, and the new 1000 Mile Boot from Wolverine is going to be seeing regular rotation as soon as I can get a pair. Some everyday favorites are my Alden Indy Boots and Timberland Abington Desert Boots.

My all time favorites are a pair of Alden Saddle Oxfords in whiskey shell - they belonged to my late grandfather and are the most comfortable, and best looking, shoes that I own. They're from sometime in the 60's by my approximation. I'll have to pull the style number off and check for sure.

Nick Horween
Horween Leather Co.
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post #130 of 133
12/17/11 at 3:38pm
Bumping up this old thread because it is a much better read than the "working out is more important than clothes" thread. This thread had the type of info that made this forum interesting to me in the first place.
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post #131 of 133
3/6/12 at 5:17pm

Can anyone comment on Chausser natural shell boots, or post pics of worn ones?

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post #132 of 133
3/6/12 at 8:02pm
Japanese made > American made all the time.
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post #133 of 133
3/6/12 at 8:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chips View Post

I loved reading thru this thread in the past and Im glad it got bumped.


Those shell monks look absolutely amazing.

+1
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