There is no single standard for grading leather, with much variation between producers. However, there are some shared characteristics.
Material selection: cowhide
In general, cowhide ranges from 6 to 10 mm in thickness. This is too thick to be used for most applications. so it is split by cutting parallel to the skin surface into 2 or more thinner layers.
Levels
Term
Subtype
Quality
outermost (hair surface)
top grain
full grain
best with excellent durability
top grain
corrected grain
high
inner (layers)
split grain
NA
moderate
split grain
"genuine" leather
low
scraps, fragments and slurries
bonded
NA
lowest
Subtype
Amount of Processing
Plastic and Other Additives
full grain
least
none to minimal
corrected grain
low, corrects visible defects
minimal to mild
split grain
low to moderate
moderate
"genuine" leather
high
high
bonded
highest
highest (majority)
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