In the world of luxury accessories, ostrich leather holds a distinctive place, renowned for its unique look and incredible durability. Among these accessories, ostrich leather wallets are particularly sought after for their combination of style and functionality. However, with their popularity comes a less savory aspect – the proliferation of fakes and knock-offs. If you’re considering an investment in this exquisite accessory, it’s crucial to know how to identify a genuine ostrich leather wallet. Here are some essential pointers to guide you on this journey.
1. Know The Characteristics of Ostrich Leather
Ostrich leather has a very distinctive look. It is recognized for its pattern of bumps or quills, which are actually the follicles where the ostrich feathers were. Real ostrich leather will have a variety of follicle sizes because ostriches have different follicle sizes across their skin.
This pattern is not uniform and will typically have areas of smoother leather between the quill bumps. It is this non-uniform, natural appearance that makes ostrich leather so unique and hard to replicate convincingly. Counterfeit manufacturers often struggle to capture this diversity of texture and pattern, making their products look uniformly bumpy or artificially textured.
2. Quality and Durability
Genuine ostrich leather is one of the toughest, yet most pliable skins available. It is naturally resistant to dirt and oils, doesn’t crack or dry out, and can last for decades with proper care. If a wallet is flimsy, overly rigid, cracks easily, or deteriorates rapidly, it’s most likely not genuine ostrich leather.
3. Softness
Ostrich leather is known for its soft, check here supple feel. It should feel luxurious to the touch, and it’s often described as having a spongy feel. This unique texture is one of the main reasons ostrich leather is so prized, and it’s something counterfeit products struggle to emulate.
4. Price
Like most exotic leathers, ostrich leather comes with a hefty price tag. Genuine ostrich leather wallets are made from a luxury material and are often handcrafted, which drives up the cost. If you find a wallet that claims to be genuine ostrich leather but has a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Seller Reputation
Always consider the reputation of the seller. Reliable sellers or well-established leather goods manufacturers will often provide proof of the authenticity of their products, like certification or origin. Be skeptical of unknown online vendors offering low-cost ostrich leather wallets, as these could easily be counterfeits.
6. Scent
Genuine leather has a distinct smell that is not easily replicated by synthetic materials. While it can be hard to describe, the smell is often likened to a ‘rich’, ‘earthy’, or ‘organic’ scent. In contrast, synthetic materials or poor-quality leather might have a plastic or chemical odor.
7. Check For Labels
Genuine ostrich leather products often come with a label or tag indicating that they are made from real ostrich leather. However, this isn’t always a surefire indicator, as unscrupulous manufacturers can also attach these labels to fake products.
Knowing how to identify genuine ostrich leather wallets can save you from falling prey to fakes and ensure that your investment goes into a product that will last and age beautifully. Keep these pointers in mind, and you’ll be well equipped to find a genuine piece of this exquisite, exotic leather.
