Every hide tells a story, and every story translates into a different experience in your hand. The animal it comes from, the way it’s tanned, and the way it’s crafted all shape how leather feels — soft, supple, heavy, stingy, or thuddy. By exploring the origins of leather, you can start imagining how each variety might change the way you play, create, or connect.
Cow
Cowhide is the most widely used leather in the world — durable, flexible, and available in countless finishes. Because it covers such a wide spectrum of thicknesses and textures, cowhide can be crafted into toys that feel light and snappy or heavy and thuddy. It’s the everyday workhorse of leather, which means the possibilities are endless.
Bull
Bullhide is cowhide’s bigger, bolder cousin. Dense, rugged, and full of character, it delivers a heavier presence with every strike. Finished one way, it gives a deep, satisfying thud; finished another, it carries a sharp sting. Its wrinkles and texture make each piece unique, adding personality to toys that are built to last.
Deer
Deerskin is the definition of supple. Soft, stretchy, and comfortable against the skin, it molds easily yet hides surprising strength. In toys, deer translates to thuddy sensations with very little sting — perfect for warm-ups or long sessions where comfort and flow matter. Natural scars and marks in the hide add authenticity and story to every piece.
Bison
Bison keeps its natural pebble grain and unmatched strength. Depending on how it’s finished, bison can be soft and heavy or rigid and stingy. This dual nature makes it one of the most intriguing hides to work with. A bison piece isn’t just durable — it’s commanding, with an impact you’ll remember.
Elk
Elkskin balances softness with substance. Similar to deer but heavier, it offers a smooth, suede-like feel with more weight behind it. Elk toys land with presence — a soft thud that still carries depth — making them a favorite for those who like a blend of gentleness and strength.
Kangaroo
Kangaroo is prized for its unmatched tensile strength — up to ten times stronger than cowhide of the same thickness. Thin, flexible, and sleek, it’s the leather of choice for high-performance whips. In toys, roo provides fast, precise strikes with a light to medium sting. If control and finesse excite you, kangaroo offers exactly that.
Moose
Moose leather feels almost cushion-like, with a soft, spongy texture that makes toys heavy and thuddy. Its range of weights makes it versatile, but its true character is in immersive, deep sensations that envelop rather than sting. Moose is about richness and weight — the kind of impact you feel in your core.
Lamb & Sheep
Lambskin and sheepskin are the lightest and softest leathers commonly used. Lambskin (without wool) is delicate and flexible, often used where sensuality matters more than force. Sheepskin (with wool) is commonly used for linings. These leathers shine in accent pieces, cuffs, and collars — places where softness and intimacy are key.
Choosing Your Hide
Every hide carries its own voice: deer whispers, bull rumbles, kangaroo snaps. When choosing leather, think not only about how it looks or lasts but also about the sensations it promises. From hide to feel, the right leather can transform an experience into something unforgettable.