Does Horween Really Make the Best Shell Cordovan???

Who makes the best Shell cordovan? Are there multiple tanneries making Shell cordovan that’s worth considering?! Here’s my impromptu observations and experiences with 3 of the most popular, Horween, Shinki and Rocado.
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[@mickosullivan2962]

I had the pleasure to tour the Horween tannery just two weeks ago , in fact it was Skip Horween who guided us along . I listened intently to a man who deeply loves what he does , who explained his product and who will not cut corners . In today’s business world that is an anomaly . I own 6 pairs of shell and all are Horween , it is to me the absolute finest available of course that’s my opinion . Kinda like pizza everyone has an opinion about what they like and feel is the best ! Great presentation I appreciate the time and effort that you put into them ! Carry On !

[@SlavaT]

The most important difference you need to understand is that Shinki Cordovan are a well-finished horse butt . it is not a shell like the Horween. The front side of the shinki has hair follicles, the back side is well-processed pulp.

[@jatinsethi4622]

Thank you for this video David 👍🏻... Was searching for this topic on KZbin for a long time...

[@Shellvedge]

Glad to hear!

[@briteppr62]

David, getting into it . I’ve wanted to see this for a long time. Great breakdown. Wishing all a peaceful Memorial Day! ✌🏻

[@JohnHeroy]

Hey thanks for the video! What color is the Shinki shell - is that Bordo or Cognac?

[@michaelheart650]

Horween has an insane reputation around the world. I would love to give rocado a shot just because their prices are reasonable, Unlike the ridiculous prices of horween products.

[@Shellvedge]

@@michaelheart650 I’m curious what the insane reputation is, and why the prices are viewed as ridiculous. I’d love to hear more

[@michaelheart650]

@@Shellvedge well horween is well known and famous for their products such as Chromexcel, Shell codovan, and some other great leathers. Not to mention they've been around since 1905 so it's an ending point and well trusted

[@jtee5957]

My Maryam shell on some Yanko boots was polymer coated, totally ruining the effect one expects from shell and giving it a plastic sheen. I removed with acetone and dyed a different color. The underlying shell on Maryam had a nice feel and thickness. The plastic coating was the issue. To me it was like dipping a filet mignon in breadcrumbs and deep frying. A waste of a fine product.

[@Shellvedge]

Yeah it’s a tough situation. I’ve done the same and it’s improved it but not overwhelmingly

[@Bfettrules]

Does Horween make the best shell cordovan? Let me put it u this way. Yes.

[@AshlandLeather]

Good brain dump. The video helps but I think you really have to experience each of these in person to appreciate the differences.

[@jatinsethi4622]

Well Phil... actually I had expected this kinda content from you first... But I can understand, whether somethings better or no, bottom line is u cant switch or I should say even deviate from Horween... Brother your business is based on the line "I worked at Horween"...iam your subscriber too but u like it or not, even if u see something better, u cannot deviate friend...u deviate from Horween, Ashland is finished & u very well know that... So plz don't just say, proove it...atleast David is taking that step for his fans and subscribers...(Rocado & Shinki is readily available for everyone unlike Horween which I think is a strategy)...U can't do the same cos u very well know Nick is gonna put u in your place before the next full grain podcast hits live... Tc...

[@Shellvedge]

@@jatinsethi4622 thanks man! I have to note, Phil @ashlandleather did an hour long video a few years ago comparing a lot (I forget the number) of shells, Shinki, Rocado, horween and all the others and had an employee blind score them. Check it out!

[@Shellvedge]

Yeah Phil, it’s impossible to fully appreciate the nuances but many, including myself, don’t want to risk spending $400+ to experience it first hand if we’re only setting ourselves up for disappointment. That said, I do like the pairs I have in other shell, just not as horween.

[@AshlandLeather]

@@jatinsethi4622 I can't tell if I am reading hostility in your reply here or if text isn't translating well. I still think you need to see each of the leathers in person to appreciate the difference. I am deeply connected to Horween through my work experience there but also as a customer. I have purchased leathers from several tanneries. I like Horween the most especially for shell cordovan. It is all subjective of course.

[@AshlandLeather]

@@Shellvedge It seems my reply may have been misinterpreted. I enjoyed watching this video. Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate and explain your perspective. Love your channel.

[@milkshakeplease4696]

horween is the best no question

[@Shellvedge]

Yeah it’s like a popular but unspoken opinion. Horween is definitely the quintessential shell cordovan. The others are shell too, just not a pound for pound comparison