Strong Leather Guide: Leathers, Lines and Logo Imprints
Updated from Strong Leather's current product data.
Strong Leather sells the same kind of product, a portfolio or a card case, in several leathers at very different prices. This guide compares the lines from Strong Leather's current product data, explains what top grain, bonded and split grain leather mean, and how your logo is applied.
Minimums are pieces with your logo. Production time is in business days after proof approval; shipping from Gloucester, Massachusetts is added on top. An empty cell means Strong Leather's data does not say. "Some" in the Made in USA column means only part of that line is domestic; each product page says which. Prices for every quantity are on the product pages.
Top grain, full grain, split grain or bonded leather
Full grain leather keeps the whole outer surface of the hide; it is the most durable and develops a patina. Top grain leather has the surface lightly sanded and finished, which gives an even look and is what most of Strong Leather's made in USA line uses. Split grain cowhide comes from the lower layer of the hide and is softer and less expensive; the New Englander line uses it.
Bonded leather is made from leather fibers bonded to a backing and finished to look like leather. It costs much less, which is why the Exec-U-Line portfolios and binders suit large employee and event orders, but it does not wear like solid leather. Glove tanned leather, used on the Cape Ann pad folios, is chosen for a very soft hand.
Executive Suite or Top Grain Cowhide
Most of Strong Leather's made in USA products come in two leathers. Executive Suite comes in Ebony Black, Chianti Burgundy and British Tan. Top Grain Cowhide comes in Jet Black, Claret Burgundy and Brown, plus Forest Green, Navy Blue, Red and White. On product pages that offer both, the price table shows both columns, so you can compare them directly.
Deboss or foil stamp
Strong Leather decorates with a custom metal die heat-pressed into the leather. A blind deboss leaves the logo pressed in with no color, which looks the most refined and never wears off. A foil stamp adds gold or silver foil in the pressed area for contrast. Either way, one location is included in the price, and the die is a one-time charge for your logo.
Because the imprint is one color (or none), logos with gradients or many colors are simplified to a single outline. Our art team shows you the result on the proof.
Personalization and badge cases
Many items can carry an individual name or initials in addition to the logo, for an added charge per piece. For badge cases, the cutout is made for a specific badge, so the badge manufacturer and model number are needed with the order.
Frequently asked questions
Is bonded leather real leather?
It contains leather fibers, but it is not a solid hide. It is a lower-cost material that looks like leather; for a long-lasting gift choose top grain or full grain leather.
Which leather portfolio is best for a client gift?
For a client or executive gift, a made in USA top grain or Executive Suite portfolio, or a zippered top grain padfolio. For large staff or conference orders, an Exec-U-Line bonded leather portfolio keeps the cost per piece down.
What is the difference between deboss and emboss?
A deboss presses the logo into the leather; an emboss raises it. Strong Leather debosses, with or without gold or silver foil.
