Is Deerskin Leather Durable? What Its Fibers Do and Don't Resist

Yes. Deerskin is durable for its weight: its long, interwoven fibers resist tearing and it can be soaked and dried many times and still dry soft. It is not the most scrape-resistant hide, though. One glove maker rates deerskin's abrasion resistance below elkskin's and only "moderate to high" for its weight next to full-grain cowhide.

This answer is part of our guide to leather types, grades and quality.

Why deerskin holds up

A Massey University study of four raw skins found deer and cow skins the strongest of those tested. They get there differently. Cow skin has the thickest collagen fibrils, aligned in two main directions; deer skin has the thinnest, and they change direction often, like a crimped weave. The study looked at raw skin, not finished leather, so tanning and finishing still decide the final result.

That weave explains the feel. A well-cut deerskin glove stretches across the hand but very little along the fingers. Wikipedia describes deerskin as strong, elastic and very hard-wearing, with more visible grain than hairsheep.

Where deerskin wears faster than cowhide

Source: Fox Creek Leather's glove comparison, a maker's ratings rather than lab tests. The same maker uses full-grain cowhide for jacket panels and keeps deer and elk for gloves.

Sources also disagree on weight. Wikipedia calls deerskin "heavier in weight," while a work-glove maker calls it lightweight yet durable. Judge the item, not the label.

What makes one deerskin item outlast another

• The layer. Deerskin is sold as grain leather and as split. Glove makers use medium to heavy split deerskin for welding gloves and thin-cut deerskin for driving gloves. Splits come from the hide's under layer, which one maker says has lower tear strength. See leather grades explained for the layers.
• The thickness. Elkskin is thicker than deerskin, and one maker lists its elkskin at about 1.4-1.5 mm. Check the stated thickness against our leather weight chart.
• The name. "Buckskin" usually means deer, but some leather sold as buckskin is chrome-tanned sheepskin dyed to look like it.
• The tannage. Brain-tanned buckskin is known for its softness and washability; ask how a piece was tanned.

Deerskin in riding gear

For gloves, deerskin's grip and give make sense. For jacket panels that may meet the road, the same glove maker uses full-grain cowhide. Leather Collection does not list deerskin; its men's gloves are 0.8-0.9 mm lambskin and cowhide.

FAQ

What is the most durable animal leather?

One Australian whip maker names kangaroo the strongest commercially tanned leather for its thickness. For heavy wear, see the best types of leather for different uses.

Is deerskin better than cowhide?

For softness and dexterity, one maker rates deerskin higher; for abrasion, it rates full-grain cowhide higher.