Finding the perfect leather cigar case can be difficult given the large choice of leather cigar cases on the market today. The market is saturated with cheap fake leathers, low-quality craftsmanship, and zippers that break down after a season or two. To help separate the great-made from the overpriced low-quality leather cigar cases, we spoke with our expert leather craftsman to share some insight into how our Leather Cigar Cases Made in Britain are built.
Real Vs. Fake Leather
If there is any question as to whether a cigar case is made from real leather or fake leather, don’t purchase it. Quality leather is a natural product, and nothing manmade will ever have the same level of quality or endurance.
Look for “full grain” leather whenever possible; leather that has not had its surface altered (or “coated”) to mask the natural markings on the hide (literally, the scars of the animal).
Determining Leather Quality
Two factors ultimately determine the quality (and price) of a piece of leather: the hide selection and the tanning process.
Leathers are typically graded (and priced) based on the cleanliness of the hide, and the overall health conditions of the animal’s skin.
Tanning is the process of treating the skins of animals to produce leather, making it more durable and less susceptible to decomposition. Traditionally, tanning used “tannin”, an acidic chemical compound derived from the bark of oak or fir trees. Tanning can be performed with either vegetable or mineral methods.
Ultimately, quality leather should have a soft, supple touch that is naturally appealing and inviting. It should not resemble vinyl or any synthetic material. Avoid anything plastic or rubbery, these “leathers” will not have the same strength or aging benefits.
Our Leather – Tuscan Vegetable Tanned Leather
MADE IN TUSCANY the genuine Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium is based in Tuscany, along the banks of Arno river, between Florence and Pisa. The associated tanneries operate in symbiosis with the environment thanks to a production district that is cutting-edge, both in terms of technology and organization.
METAL FREE the production process of our associated tanneries is metal-free, and it always has been, thanks to the raw materials linked to the centuries-old history of vegetable tanning. Traditional and natural products are used in a production process that respects the precepts of sustainability and circularity.
NO ANIMAL IS KILLED FOR ITS SKIN the raw hides used by our associated tanneries derive from the slaughter of cattle destined, from the outset to the food sector and they come from European farms which comply with EU legislation on animal welfare. The associated tanneries create value from the by-products of the food industry, addressing the problem of waste disposal.
NATURAL RAW MATERIALS the leather is tanned using natural plant-based tannins. As opposed to synthetic products, tannins come from renewable sources and are valued for their antioxidant, antibiotic, and antibacterial properties.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION the Tuscan Tanning District is the only district in Italy certified by EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), a tool promoted by the EU to encourage the implementation of responsible environmental strategies.
Our Zippers – RIRI Is The Choice Of Many High-end Designers
Zippers are a very important component of a cigar case and should never be compromised. Once a zipper fails, a bag might become useless. Brass is generally the choice for a quality zipper, with platings in nickel or copper. The highest quality zippers have teeth that are not sharp and a zip-slider that is also made from brass (not an inferior metal). Most zippers break when the cloth along the edges of the teeth has worn through, so you want to look for a very sturdy zipper-tape fabric. It’s also important that zippers be set into the bag properly and operate smoothly, so give it a few tests runs to make sure it glides smoothly and there is no unnecessary friction.
RIRI is the choice of many high-end designers. It makes a very durable product, while still having a sleek aesthetic, this is why we chose it for our Sierra Maestra Collection.
Maintenance
Unscented and alcohol-free wipes will remove any marks or dirt.
The Trademark Guarantee Certificate
The Guarantee Label
The Guarantee certifies the traceability of the origin, the correct execution of the tanning process, and the natural characteristics of the vegetable-tanned leather produced by the tanneries associated with the consortium.
Each trademarked certificate is printed with anti-counterfeiting techniques and bears a progressive serial number that allows the consortium to identify, at any time and anywhere in the world, both the tannery supplying the leather and the manufacturer of the product.
On the back of the card, there is a QR code through which it is possible to enter into the Consortium reality by watching a video.
Serial Number Look-up
By simply typing the Serial Number in the search bar, you will immediately be able to verify the authenticity of your cigar case.
Check the authenticity of your cigar case here.
How It Is Made
Looks
Here are some looks from our Sierra Maestra Collection.
Thank you for reading and as always, I hope you have a lovely day and stay curious.
More articles:
Cigar Case Made From Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather
Sustainability
Luxury Cigar Cases – The Cigar Holder
6 Things To Consider Before Buying A Leather Cigar Case
How to Choose a Cigar Case
