What is a caiman belly?
Caimans have osteoderms or bones on the back and stomach areas causing the belly portion to appear blotchy and uneven. Since bones are not flexible, the belly portion of caiman leather has the propensity to bend in the small flexible leather area between the osteoderms.
What is Caimen skin?
Caiman skin is the entry-level crocodilian leather and is a fraction of the cost of similarly-sized and graded Nile crocodile or American alligator skin, because of its boniness. Although caiman skin is at the bottom of the crocodile skin hierarchy, it’s still high in quality and perfect for shoemaking.
Where does caiman leather come from?
Hailing from South America and Central America, the caiman crocodile’s skin is taken only from farms. While both skins are very desirable for high fashion, they are not the same. These two crocodilian species might be distant cousins, but they each have unique characteristics.
What is the difference between caiman and alligator boots?
Caiman skin can be a good starting point for exotic boot newbies. However, our cowboy boot experts will tell you that caiman skin is not in the same league as American Alligator hides. Caimans are small and so are their scales, which means their skin is less firm, less durable, and less appealing.
What is caiman Belly leather?
Caiman skin is the entry-level crocodilian leather and is a fraction of the cost of similarly-sized and graded Nile crocodile or American alligator skin, because of its boniness. Although caiman skin is at the bottom of the crocodile skin hierarchy, it’s still high in quality and perfect for shoemaking.
What is genuine caiman leather?
Caiman skins (crocodylus fuscus) are often labelled as being crocodile skin. The two are distinctly different; while is pliable and smooth, caiman skins are more brittle because of bony plates (known as ossifications) underneath the scales.
Is caiman leather soft?
Caiman skin can be a good starting point for exotic boot newbies. However, our cowboy boot experts will tell you that caiman skin is not in the same league as American Alligator hides. Caimans are small and so are their scales, which means their skin is less firm, less durable, and less appealing.
Where does caiman skin come from?
The caiman crocodilus fuscus is one of four types of commonly traded skins within the Caiman species. It can be found in Central America and in the northern areas of South America mostly from the country of Colombia
Is caiman skin expensive?
Due to their smaller size many times caiman skins must be stitched together to make them large enough to make a pair of boots. Caimans are the least expensive and smallest of the hides and make a good choice for budget conscious buyers, but they are the least desirable of the three commonly available hides.
Which skin is more expensive alligator or crocodile?
Alligator skin is more expensive than crocodile skin because there are so many more crocodiles legally available from Africa, southeast Asia, and Australia.
Is alligator skin called leather?
Alligators and crocodiles are considered classic leathers and are high quality and high price. Caiman is an inferior product, is much cheaper on a wholesale level, and is more abundant in the market.
Is caiman leather expensive?
It is one of the most popular luxury leathers for shoes, belts, handbags, wallets, and luggage as caiman skins are 200 -500 percent less expensive than similar size alligator or crocodile skins.
Is caiman leather durable?
The products made from caiman belly are most durable due to the unique qualities of this section. Pros: Caiman belly is soft and pliable and makes the finest cowboy boots. Caiman alligators are taken as the premier option when it comes to choosing exotic leathers.
Where does alligator leather come from?
The vast majority of alligator and crocodile skins today come from breeding farms. You can find them in Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Southern US. Some of these farms are directly owned by luxury brands.
How long will caiman boots last?
They are abundant and the quality and durability is less. (Although they will last for many years with proper care. I have a pair of caiman boots nearly 20 years old. The American alligator requires a specific climate to be able to grow healthy.
Is a caiman the same as an alligator?
caiman, also spelled cayman, any of several species of Central and South American reptiles that are related to alligators and are usually placed with them in the family Alligatoridae. Caimans, like all other members of the order Crocodylia (or Crocodilia), are amphibious carnivores.
How can I tell if my caiman boots are real?
Caiman belly is soft and pliable and makes the finest cowboy boots. Caiman alligators are taken as the premier option when it comes to choosing exotic leathers.
Is caiman good for boots?
Caiman skin is the entry-level crocodilian leather and is a fraction of the cost of similarly-sized and graded Nile crocodile or American alligator skin, because of its boniness. Although caiman skin is at the bottom of the crocodile skin hierarchy, it’s still high in quality and perfect for shoemaking
Is caiman good leather?
Caiman skin is the entry-level crocodilian leather and is a fraction of the cost of similarly-sized and graded Nile crocodile or American alligator skin, because of its boniness. Although caiman skin is at the bottom of the crocodile skin hierarchy, it’s still high in quality and perfect for shoemaking
Is caiman skin soft?
Crocodile. Caiman skins (crocodylus fuscus) are often labelled as being crocodile skin. The two are distinctly different; while is pliable and smooth, caiman skins are more brittle because of bony plates (known as ossifications) underneath the scales.
How tough is caiman leather?
DURABLE. Caiman is pliable, smooth, and its bony plates are not only eye-catching, they also add an undeniable durability that makes it ideal for men’s shoes. With proper care and conditioning, the threat of creasing and cracking are reduced significantly. The small scales of the caiman make it easier to work with.
Are caiman boots stiff?
Caiman hide is bony, rigid, and less flexible. Nile crocodile hide is a bit softer, but American alligator hide is the most supple and flexible material.
Where does alligator skin come from?
Colombia
Is caiman leather good?
Caiman skin is the entry-level crocodilian leather and is a fraction of the cost of similarly-sized and graded Nile crocodile or American alligator skin, because of its boniness. Although caiman skin is at the bottom of the crocodile skin hierarchy, it’s still high in quality and perfect for shoemaking
Which part of crocodile skin is most expensive?
To tell them apart, you have to look at the belly because the belly is the most desirable part of leather production for both crocodile and alligator.