Welcome back to the Siegel Leather Insights Blog – your resource for bookbinding leathers, specialty leathers, and the timeless knowledge behind leather craftsmanship. In this part of our Leather Knowledge Series, we focus on one of the most important foundational texts in our field: Leather for Libraries (1905).

If you’re a bookbinder, conservator, or historian, this publication is essential reading. It remains one of the most comprehensive studies on leather durability ever undertaken and continues to shape the production standards we uphold today at Siegel Leather – trusted bookbinding leather suppliers since 1932.

Leather for Libraries: A Must-Read for Anyone Working with Bookbinding Leather

We strongly encourage anyone interested in bookbinding leathers to read the first 30 pages of Leather for Libraries, available freely online. It’s concise, accessible, and surprisingly engaging especially for a century-old text.

The report was published in 1905 and represents the conclusions of the most extensive survey of leather-bound library books ever conducted. It remains a cornerstone reference for any supplier or craftsman committed to producing lasting materials.

Read or Download Leather for Libraries

What Makes It So Important?

The authors of Leather for Libraries were deeply passionate about the preservation of books and equally critical of poor tanning practices that led to the rapid degradation of bindings.

Key takeaways include:

• Avoid mechanical manipulation: The text emphatically warns against splitting hides or applying artificial grain, practices that weaken leather structure and shorten lifespan.
  
  
• Use traditional tanning methods: Vegetable tanning is favored, with specific guidance on the origin and handling of skins.
  
  
• Beware of poor chemical use: The study criticizes the overuse of synthetic additives in favor of natural, tested agents.
  
  
• High standards, strong language: On page 23, the authors even joke that leather producers who violate preservation standards should face jail time.

Their seriousness is matched by meticulous detail. This report laid the groundwork for standards adopted by His Majesty’s Stationery Office, which oversaw leather used in English libraries and still influences decisions made by premium leather suppliers today.

Why This Still Matters in 2025

At Siegel Leather, we believe in learning from the past to make better products today. Many modern tanneries cut corners, we don’t.

Our specialty leathers are carefully selected and naturally tanned to ensure long-term durability, in line with the Leather for Libraries standards.

If you’re passionate about all things bookbinding, whether for restoration or new design, this short read will give you a foundation that few others in the field have taken the time to study.

Let’s Talk Leather

Have questions about the book? Curious about how it connects to our current materials and tanning processes? We’re always happy to discuss.

Steven Siegel Leather

Email: s.siegel@siegelleather.com Or sales@siegelleather.com for product inquiries

Phone: +1 (336) 293-7624 7

1147 Huntingdon Road,
Winston-Salem, NC 27104

For Further Reading

• Report of the Committee on Leather for Bookbinding
• Leather for Libraries

 

Looking for Archival-Grade Bookbinding Leather?

Siegel Leather is a trusted name among bookbinding leather suppliers globally. Our materials are used by libraries, conservators, and master binders who value quality over compromise.

Explore our full range of bookbinding leathers and discover why tradition and craftsmanship still matter.

In this article, we clarify how today’s official standards differ from traditional definitions, and why Siegel Leather continues to uphold the original meaning of full grain leather for professional bookbinders, conservators, and specialty leather artisans.

At Siegel Leather, we’ve been supplying bookbinding leathers and specialty leathers to professionals for nearly a century. But in a marketplace where the term “full grain leather” is often stretched, it’s important to distinguish between the classical definition and the modern regulatory definition of what makes a leather full grain. 

This article explains what full grain leather truly means, why it matters for bookbinding, and how our leathers continue to meet the highest standards for durability, workability, and historical authenticity.

What Is Classical Full Grain Leather? (Definition & Qualities)

By classical definition, full grain means no buffing of the grain – period. It does not mean “minimal alteration” or “limited modification.” Any buffing or sanding disqualifies a hide from being full grain.

According to the Leather Naturally terminology guide, the term refers to leather that retains the natural grain layer, free of mechanical or surface modification.

The finest classical full grain leathers, typically only the top 5–10% of a tannery’s output have:

• Only the hair removed
• No buffing, sanding, or grain manipulation of any kind
• No embossing, plating, or heavy finishing
• A natural grain surface that remains fully visible and untouched

These hides are naturally beautiful and exceptionally rare. Altering them would be, as we often say, “like adding a mustache to the Mona Lisa.”

This is the benchmark Siegel Leather has used for more than 100 years, and it remains the gold standard for bookbinders and specialty leather suppliers worldwide.

EU Definition of Full Grain Leather Explained

The European Union also prohibits buffing of the grain in its definition of full grain leather – a principle supported by ISO 15115 leather terminology standards.

However, the EU standard allows a much broader range of surface treatments, including:

• Full pigmentation or semi-aniline finishing
• Embossing, plating, glazing, or grain-printing
• Processes that can cover or disguise the natural grain appearance

The issue is not buffing, since both classical and EU definitions forbid it, but rather that the EU allows heavy surface treatments that can mask the character of the hide.

Our concern is simple:
If the natural grain is completely disguised under finishes and embossing, is it still meaningful to call it full grain?

Why Classical Full Grain Leather Matters in Bookbinding

For professional bookbinders, conservators, and collectors, classical vegetable-tanned full grain leather remains unmatched.

It is:

• Highly receptive to gold tooling, blind tooling, and albumen work
• Ideal for paring and shaping
• Naturally durable and long-lasting
• Authentic in look and feel, prized by artisans and historians alike

It’s important to note that while vegetable tanning is preferred for bookbinding leathers, it is not the standard for shoes, handbags, garments, or other categories where different tanning methods perform better.

For artisans seeking authentic bookbinding leather suppliers, classical full grain remains the enduring choice.

Full Grain Bookbinding Leathers That Meet Classical Standards

Our selection of vegetable-tanned bookbinding leathers includes only hides that meet the true, classical definition of full grain.
Some of our top offerings include:

• SF Calf
• UK Calf
• Natural Sheepskin
• Natural Goat
• .5mm Veg Goat
• Smooth Historical Goat
• Capra Granulosa
• Sokoto™ Morocco
• Sokoto™ Traditional
• Genuine Levant

These materials are lab-tested, time-honored, and trusted by the world’s most discerning binders and institutions.

To explore more, visit our collection of bookbinding leathers and vegetable-tanned leathers like the NTND Traditional Red crafted to meet both traditional and modern specifications.

A Tradition Built on Integrity

At Siegel Leather, we remain one of the few suppliers in the world that still uphold the classical definition of full grain leather.
By honoring this long-standing tradition, we ensure that bookbinders, conservators, and fine edition publishers can continue to rely on us for authentic materials of the highest quality.

We also support global quality and sustainability standards, such as those upheld by the Leather Working Group.

Have questions about grain quality, tanning methods, or leather standards?
We’re here to help. When sourcing for library rebinding, fine editions, or restoration projects, Siegel Leather is your partner in excellence.

 sales@siegelleather.com

About the Author

Siegel Leather has been a trusted supplier of premium-quality bookbinding and specialty leathers to artisans and craftspeople for over a century.
We specialize in traditional full grain and vegetable-tanned leather materials, maintaining the highest industry standards while preserving time-honored leather crafting traditions.
For authentic materials that meet both traditional and modern quality specifications, professionals worldwide rely on Siegel Leather’s expertise and commitment to excellence.

At Siegel Leather, our commitment to tradition includes not just the leather we supply, but also the stories and heritage behind it. Among our most celebrated materials is Sokoto™ goatskin, a uniquely durable, finely grained leather sourced from northern Nigeria and cherished by generations of master bookbinders.

This article explores the historical significance of Sokoto™ goats, as documented in two rare publications we proudly feature on our homepage:

• Hides and Skins Markets of the World by Freudenberg (1959)
• Report of the Committee of the Society of Arts on Leather for Bookbinding (1905)

A Rare Book with Deep Industry Insight

One of our prized possessions at Siegel is an original copy of Freudenberg’s 1959 Hides and Skins Markets of the World, privately published and given directly to our firm upon release. We’ve since acquired additional copies as they surface among collectors, a testament to the enduring value of this work.

Freudenberg provides rare insight into traditional tanning methods in regions like northern Nigeria. He was among the first to document the use of bagaruwa (African acacia pods) and other native botanicals in the production of Sokoto™ Goatskin, a process passed down through generations.

Goatskin vs. Goat Hide: A Matter of Accuracy

A common misconception in the leather world is referring to goatskin as “goat hide.” This is a technical inaccuracy. In proper nomenclature:

• Hides come from large animals (cowhide, buffalo hide)
• Skins refer to smaller animals (goatskin, calfskin, sheepskin)

So while “goat hide” may sound familiar, the correct and professional term especially in fine bookbinding circles is goatskin.

Clarifying the “Niger” Misnomer

Many veteran bookbinders who trained on Nigerian goatskin decades ago colloquially referred to these leathers as “Nigers.” While this term was widely used in the trade, it is technically incorrect:

The skins were not from Niger. As of 1959, Niger had never exported hides or leather.

The proper origin is Sokoxto, Nigeria, and the correct reference is Sokoto™ goatskin, a name we proudly trademarked to preserve authenticity and correct historical inaccuracy.

Cockerell’s Endorsement: A Testament to Quality

The renowned British bookbinder Douglas Cockerell, a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, often worked with Sokoto™ goatskin. Known for his attention to durability, tooling performance, and aesthetic refinement, Cockerell found Sokoto™ skins to be uniquely suited for high-end bookbinding.

His surviving works, many of which are displayed in museum and university collections feature Sokoto™ goatskin covers praised for their fine grain, deep dye absorption, and lasting beauty.

Why Sokoto™ Remains a Specialty Leather for the Ages

Today, Siegel Leather continues to offer Sokoto™ Traditional and Sokoto™ Morocco, true descendants of the same artisanal tradition described by Freudenberg and used by Cockerell.

These leathers are:

• Vegetable-tanned using indigenous botanicals
• Naturally grained – no embossing or mechanical finishing
• Ideal for gold tooling, blind tooling, and archival rebinding
• Trusted by conservators, master binders, and specialty libraries globally
  

Want to Learn More?

We’re proud to share these stories as part of our mission to keep the art of bookbinding leather alive and respected. Have questions or insights about Sokoto™ goatskin or historic tanning techniques?

Contact us at sales@siegelleather.com Or call us at +1 (336) 293-7624

At Siegel Leather, we’re committed to helping our customers preserve and care for the fine specialty leathers we supply – including our signature Sokoto™ goatskin. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, mistakes happen. And when they do, we’re here to offer guidance.

We’ve received an email from a concerned customer who had been advised – incorrectly – to use mink oil to clean excess gold foil off of Sokoto™ leather. The result? A deep, dark oil stain that nearly ruined the project.

What Went Wrong: Why Mink Oil Should Never Be Used on Sokoto™

Mink oil and other heavy, penetrating oils are not suitable for cleaning bookbinding leathers, especially premium vegetable-tanned varieties like Sokoto™ Traditional or Sokoto™ Morocco.

These oils are:

• Highly absorbent and difficult to remove
• Known to darken leather permanently
• Often incompatible with archival materials
• Likely to damage the grain-corium structure of fine goatskin

In this case, the leather absorbed the oil unevenly, leaving a large blackened stain across the cover, a heartbreaking sight for any binder.

The Solution: How We Helped Remove the Stain

We advised the customer to attempt cleaning using a polar organic solvent in this case, butane, which is commonly found in small amounts in standard lighter fluid.

Important: This process should be done with great care and in a well-ventilated area. Here’s the method we recommended:

Leather Oil Stain Removal – Safe DIY Method

1. Apply a small amount of lighter fluid (butane-based) to a clean white cloth or paper towel
2. Gently blot the stained area — do not rub, as friction may damage the grain
3. Use short, repeated dabs, allowing time between applications
4. As the solvent evaporates, it may draw oil up and out of the leather
5. Continue blotting with fresh clean cloths until no more oil transfers

Before & After: A Successful Recovery

Thankfully, this method worked. The stain lightened significantly, and the customer was able to salvage the project — to everyone’s relief.

Leather Care Advice from Siegel Leather

Our leathers are produced for archival-quality performance, but their natural, unaltered grain also makes them more sensitive to improper care methods.

Here are a few best practices:

• Never apply oils, waxes, or conditioners not tested on archival goatskin
• Avoid heavy rubbing, solvents, or water-based cleaning
• Test any cleaning method on a scrap or hidden area first
• Contact us directly before attempting repairs or restoration
  

We’re Here to Help

If you’re unsure how to care for your leather or encounter a mishap, we’re just a message away.

• Email: sales@siegelleather.com
• Phone: +1 (336) 293-7624
• Or use our contact form
  

Siegel Leather: Bookbinding Leather Suppliers Who Care

We don’t just sell bookbinding leathers, we also support the community that uses them. Are you a first-time customer or a seasoned binder working with specialty leathers? You will find invaluable resources on our website and should you have questions or concerns, we are always available to guide you through best practices and help solve problems when they arise.