how does one tell genuine upholstery leather from "bonded" leather

[plinkercases]

1 hour ago, tomsmith85717 said:

Lets not forget about reconstituted leather where industrial scraps are pulped, glued, embossed and coated with a thin vinyl. Legally its leather and a big part of the low end leather couch industry.

I believe that is the material that is neither suede or cloth on the back side but looks almost foam like or like pressed sawdust...

[tomsmith85717]

I mean it is just the Spam version of leather.

[NVLeatherWorx]

10 hours ago, tomsmith85717 said:

Lets not forget about reconstituted leather where industrial scraps are pulped, glued, embossed and coated with a thin vinyl. Legally its leather and a big part of the low end leather couch industry.

Absolutely correct but I don't care whether it meets the legal definition of leather or not, it just ain't leather.  This type of fake product use is what has hit our industry and trade (the leather worker) and gives that consumer the information to question whether or not what we do is worth what we charge.  All I ever do is let them know that they can buy that fake thing pretty reasonably priced and keep doing so every once in awhile or they can have it made for them out of real leather and have it for life.  I even sat with a customer and calculated out how much they have spent (and will spend) on a cheapo wallet and when they found out that after 10 years they will have bought one of mine twice over they decided that it was worth it to have me make one for them because they would have it much longer and for much, much less overall.  Lightbulb moment.

[James K]

Thanks so much for alll your answers. I always learn so much from this forum.

[tomsmith85717]

12 hours ago, NVLeatherWorx said:

Absolutely correct but I don't care whether it meets the legal definition of leather or not, it just ain't leather. 

I will toast to that! The problem with industrialization is you get fake (because its cheaper) versions of everything that doesn't need to be faked. Get the real one it will be better and last longer, unless the fake is better, I am looking at you synthetic engine oil (granted it is more expensive than the non fake stuff).