Why Ostrich Leather?

Ostrich leather is prized for its natural softness, flexibility, and long-term durability. Unlike many exotics, ostrich is immediately comfortable and continues to improve with wear, making it a favourite for daily-use pieces.

Key Characteristics

  • Extremely soft and flexible
  • Naturally durable and tear-resistant
  • Comfortable from day one
  • Develops a rich patina over time
  • Suitable for both casual and refined builds

Ostrich is one of the most practical exotic leathers available.

Full Quill vs. Smooth Ostrich

Ostrich leather is offered in two primary finishes, each with its own visual personality.

  • Full Quill Ostrich

    Full Quill Ostrich is the most iconic form of ostrich leather, instantly recognizable by the raised quill follicles across the surface. These quills create a bold, three-dimensional texture that adds depth and unmistakable character to any build. Full quill ostrich offers a strong visual presence while remaining soft and comfortable in the hand.

    This option is ideal for clients who want their exotic leather to be seen and felt.

  • Smooth (No-Quill) Ostrich

    Smooth ostrich leather comes from areas of the hide without quill follicles, resulting in a clean, flat surface with a subtle grain. While visually more understated, smooth ostrich retains the same softness, durability, and comfort as full quill—making it an excellent choice for refined, low-profile designs.

    This option is perfect for those who prefer a quieter, exotic look with premium performance.

Current In-House Colours

Ostrich leather colours that are currently in stock in-house are available for custom builds while inventory lasts. These hides are ready to be worked with and offer the most efficient turnaround times.

Because ostrich leather is a natural material, slight variations in tone and shading may occur from hide to hide—even within the same colour family. In full quill ostrich, colour naturally settles around the quill follicles, creating gentle contrast and depth. In smooth ostrich, colour is presented more evenly with a clean, refined appearance. Finish choice can further influence the final look, with glossier finishes deepening colour and matte finishes offering a more natural feel.

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Special Order Colours

In addition to our in-house selection, specific ostrich leather colours may be special-ordered upon request. This option allows for greater customization and is ideal for clients looking to match a specific colour palette or create a more distinctive build.

Special order colours are subject to tannery availability and hide quality at the time of order. Because these hides are sourced specifically for your project, special order colours may carry additional cost and extended lead times. Pricing is influenced by colour rarity, dye process, finish, and the size of hide required.

All special order colors, pricing, and timelines are confirmed and approved with you before any leather is ordered or cut, ensuring full transparency before moving forward.

Color Pricing, Hide Size & Hide Grade

The final cost of an ostrich leather build is influenced by several factors beyond colour alone. While select colours may be kept in-house, pricing can vary based on colour availability, hide size, and hide grade.

Certain colours—especially deeper or less commonly produced tones—may require more intensive dye and finishing processes, which can increase cost. Special order colours typically fall into this category.

Hide size also plays a key role in pricing. Larger projects, or builds requiring consistent quill layout in full quill ostrich or uninterrupted sections in smooth ostrich, may require more select portions of a hide, impacting overall cost.

Hide grade reflects the overall quality and consistency of the leather, including quill distribution, grain uniformity, and structural integrity. Higher-grade hides offer a cleaner, more balanced appearance and come at a premium.

Before any leather is ordered or cut, we confirm colour availability, hide size requirements, hide grade, and any applicable price adjustments, ensuring full transparency throughout the process.

Ostrich leather is considered one of the most responsibly sourced exotic leathers available.

  • Farm-raised under regulated agricultural systems
  • Generally not CITES-restricted
  • Minimal export restrictions compared to reptile leathers
  • Documentation is rarely required for international shipping

This makes ostrich an excellent option for international customers.

🇨🇦 Canadian Regulations & Export Limitations

(Applies to This Exotic Leather)

As a Canadian business, Bucking 90 Leather Co. operates under some of the strictest wildlife protection and export regulations in the world. While all exotic leathers we use are legally and ethically sourced, export eligibility is not guaranteed.

Important considerations include:

  • Exotic leather products may require government-issued export permits
  • Regulations vary by species, destination country, and product type
  • Improper export can result in seizure, fines, or permanent loss of the item

For this reason:

⚠️ Custom exotic leather products made by Bucking 90 Leather Co. are NOT permitted to leave Canada unless explicitly approved and properly documented.

Most exotic leather items we produce are intended for domestic (Canada-only) use.

Customers are solely responsible for understanding and respecting all applicable import and export laws. Bucking 90 Leather Co. is not liable for items seized or refused entry due to regulatory non-compliance.

We strongly encourage clients to inquire about export eligibility before commissioning an exotic leather piece.