The Best Affordable Bibles Made from SYNTHETIC Leather!

Many Bible publishers offer affordable options made with synthetic leather material, and in this video I'm showing you what these Bibles look like and comparing the synthetic leather materials of several major Bible publishers. ⬇️ Leave a comment below to let me know what you think or ask any questions!
📝 📝📝 VIDEO NOTES 📝 📝📝
❤️ BIBLES IN THIS VIDEO
NASB Single Column: • NASB 2020 Large Print ...
CSB Student Study Bible: • UNBOXING two MYSTERY B...
She Reads Truth: • She Reads Truth Bible ...
NLT Compact Bibles: • NLT Compact Bible with...
NKJV Maclaren: • Maclaren Series NKJV &...
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#Leather #Bibles #Comparison
Timecodes
0:00 Hello Friends!
0:29 Intro & Setup
4:09 TruTone
5:57 LeatherTex
7:13 LeatherTouch
8:39 LeatherLike
9:57 LeatherSoft
11:45 Comparison
13:54 Final Thoughts
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[@carmennooner2027]

With the exception of my Humble Lamb Lion, all of my Bibles are faux leather. For elderly eye issues, I had to purchase the large print versions of my Bible collection, so I had to be as financially conservative as possible. I don't care for hardcover, so the only resource I own in hardcover is a MacArthur Commentary. Also, all of my Bibles are not only large print but study Bibles too. Since that makes them extra heavy, I also get plenty of exercise! :)

[@timwildsmith]

Nice!

[@MrsinTN]

I unfortunately cannot read my Humble Lamb NKJV Bible because my eyes need a larger font. But I love the nice, floppy leather, and will keep it.

[@jerryberry2002]

What a surprise! I'm watching Bible reviews and one of my favorite posters from Ivan Kam's channel is here. I think Bible study with both a nice print Bible along with a study Bible open on my Samsung tablet works really well. Study Bibles are great but the print size on the study notes is an issue, at least at my age. I got the ESV and CSB digital versions of the study Bibles on my tablet - problem solved.

[@carmennooner2027]

@@jerryberry2002 :) !

[@fist406]

Great video, thanks for making it. I agree, the synthetic leather is much better than one might expect. I literally laughed at loud when you opened the Thomas Nelson expecting one text, only to find another. I don't know why, but your reaction was priceless to me lol.

[@timwildsmith]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@redeemed277]

I bought the CSB single column compact in leathertouch and was blown away by how nice it is. Great video as always!

[@timwildsmith]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing, Jason!

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Thank you, Brother Tim 🌹⭐🌹

[@davethinkingsystems]

Great video again. I have a NRSV personal leathersoft. I love it. I got it because I plan to batter it and didn't want to destroy an expensive bible. It is really holding up well and I love the feel. It has a great typeface in as well. Its not as nice to hold as my premium NTSV but for the price it really is good

[@timwilkins2008]

Honestly, this type of cover is my personal favorite for EDC. It can take abuse and I appreciate that it softens over time. Aesthetically and kinesthetically, very pleasing over all. We have come along way in terms of affordable. I like the Trutone feel best. I have all of these different covers though and enjoy them all.

[@timwildsmith]

Makes sense!

[@vickih5405]

So excited for this one!!

[@timwildsmith]

I had fun making it!

[@AnthonyAwaken]

Great collection of bibles here, Tim! Of all the synthetics, I love the "Leathersoft" material. The softness that it has is always so nice feeling (some of them almost feel like suede).

[@timwildsmith]

Well said!

[@mikehoward455]

Great comparison video Tim, and very informative. Thank you for sharing these

[@timwildsmith]

You’re welcome, Mike!

[@neilpare8938]

I have the same NKJV from Zondervan and it's my all time favorite foux leather bible, I love the way it lays flat and I just love the overall feel of it, it somehow triggers the Oooo button in my brain, my other is the compact McLaren in black foux leather.. it also touches the" I have to hold it button" in my brain as well, thanks for the great reviews. Keep em coming, I love them all!!!

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks!!

[@openlybookish]

I love the McClaren one with its pretty dark teal chapter color.

[@mickeyandthebible6931]

I gotta say, looks like Thomas Nelson/Zondervan has really upped the ante on both text blocks and covers in the last few years. I love the comfort prints. And the passagio setting is very intriguing.

[@timwildsmith]

For sure!

[@helenaholcomb3004]

my daily reader last year was a Holman HCSB leather touch reference bible and I loved it! It broke in fast and was super flexible and just felt good! I enjoyed reading it cover to cover.

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Meteor_pending]

I own Leathertouch, Leathersoft and Truetone, and for me Holman's Leathertouch takes the cake, the feel is just right for me. But yes, all are pretty good, you can't really go wrong with either and all beat out bonded and genuine leather tbh

[@bobgillis2196]

My wife got me an NET Thinline , in Teal leather soft. Every one who touched it thought it was expensive leather Bible. It has become my EDC for this year.

[@timwildsmith]

That's what I'm talking about... you can trick people into thinking it's super nice!

[@anthonym.7653]

Great video, thanks for doing this.

[@timwildsmith]

My pleasure!

[@WilliamDusing]

A video that speaks to my budget!

[@timwildsmith]

💸💸💸

[@josephwilson-doan4163]

Yep, this is a great idea for a video!

[@timwildsmith]

I had fun making this one!

[@terrysbookandbiblereviews]

Great video! that is a lot of options to choose from.

[@timwildsmith]

Definitely! Thanks for watching!

[@j.woodbury412]

I got a two toned Leathersoft Center Columm Reference KJV Bible for my birthday last month. I love it.

[@timwildsmith]

Nice!

[@reedebrown6006]

Another great informative review Tim. The quality of these bibles is improving, which is great if you can’t afford to go premium. I love the idea of rebinds but these are often more expensive than a premium bible but you do get the benefit of the look and feel that suits you. I have an ESV Devotional Psalter that is TruTone and a CSB ultra thin line which is leather touch. I have to say the leather touch looks and feels more natural. The trutone is firmer and quite shiny but both are good and should last a while. (As an aside, I have replace the ribbons in both of these. Robins must be the cheapest aspect of the Bible so why quality ribbons aren’t the standard I don’t know!).

[@timwildsmith]

MAKE RIBBONS GREAT AGAIN!!!

[@procop4063]

I enjoy seeing great bibles and printing. They are affordable.

[@timwildsmith]

Yes they are!

[@philr3381]

Awesome!! Lockman foundation really knocked it out of the park with their 2020 synthetic bibles.

[@timwildsmith]

They did!

[@gleasonparker1684]

LEATHERSOFT FROM NELSON/ZONDERVAN ARE MY FAVOURITE. ESPECIALLY IN PREACHING BIBLE.

[@timwildsmith]

They're GREAT!

[@TedMattos]

Thanks for this, Brother Tim! Not sure if you're open to ideas, but I'd love to see a video of you sitting down with one or more rebinders (folks who rebind books and Bibles in leather) and have a Q&A with them. Perhaps ask your viewers ahead of time some questions they may have and then pose those questions to the rebinder. Anyway - just an idea! :)

[@timwildsmith]

GREAT idea!!!

[@loveisall5520]

Synthetic coverings have come so very far from when I was a kid in the sixties. I bought the ESV Study Bible in a two-tone synthetic, kept it a month, and then replaced it with the buffalo leather. To be honest, the synthetic felt better! I have some dear friends from my parish who are treasuring that older one. My CSB Holy Land Bible is in synthetic--and again, it is great. What I've found is that they don't hold up as well as 'good' leather over many years of carrying around, using, packing in luggage. But then, it's time to treat them to a good rebind!

[@timwildsmith]

Love this... definitely some cool options out there!

[@gleasonparker1684]

I LIKE THESE. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM W THEM.

[@timwildsmith]

Good to know!

[@bagthecadran]

Mine is a NKJV UltraSlim Leathersoft from Thomas Nelson that I got from a resale store but seemingly new and in-sleeve. It was pretty cheap so I doubt it’d come up on a premium bible channel but sounds like I lucked out with the material.

[@PrimitiveFusion]

My favorite is a Nelson KJV in synthetic. Of all my bibles!

[@dnzswithwombats]

Grace to you!

[@timwildsmith]

👍🏼

[@upwardjourney2055]

In my experience though, carrying Bibles to and fro, synthetic covers (leathersoft, leathertouch, etc.) don't last longer than a year or two. They just start to crumble away at the hinges (including those Bibles which are just often on the shelf), and the spine starts to break down. Front and back covers become full of dents and nicks. And I'm extra careful than average, but seems to me that whether you use the Bible or not, the outermost layer at the hinges would just start to crack and fall away. In my country, premium Bibles are not readily available. It's difficult to buy a Bible as a gift (knowing its cover would start to crumble inside their bag anytime soon) or even recommend to my friends a cheaper option that would survive mission trips.

[@rdub907]

I think my favorite synthetic leather is the brown Zondervan NASB SCR. It really is a premium quality text block wrapped in a nice synthetic leather cover.. best bang for your buck imo at under $50! The crossway trutone creeds and confessions Bible is a really close 2nd place!

[@TomPlantagenet]

I have that one as well-it is a really nice non-premium Bible!

[@timwildsmith]

I've heard that NASB is great!

[@DanS-kh4tc]

Thank you, thank you

[@timwildsmith]

You are very welcome!

[@rebeccamartin3744]

I got saved in 2010 and bought a Leathertex NASB Thinline reference that has a copyright of 1998 😁 trust me when i say it's falling apart. The ink will literally stain your fingers, and it flakes off soooo badly. It's just time to retire it. I bought a CSB Everyday Study Bible and i really like the feel of it, so i may just get a CSB Thinline reference.

[@mariagutierrez4721]

Bueatiful Collection Bibles ❤️

[@timwildsmith]

Thank you!

[@mchaywood83]

I just wish they would ditch paper liners for vinyl so the binding would hold up

[@PrentissYeates]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a review like this- so often I pick a leatherett ( so.) cover and it’s about price over quality. But , yeah- I definitely will go with the nkjv Macleran in the the mahogany and brown.

[@timwildsmith]

Nice!

[@RhenishHelm]

My favourites are, first, the Black imitation leather from Thomas Nelson, which I have on my NET Bible w/ Full Notes and NKJV Open Bible, and, second, the Olive Green synthetic cover for Crossway's ESV Study Bible. I also love the two-tone black imitation leather on my NLT Pitt Minion, but unfortunately Cambridge has proved really hit or miss: I bought a Cameo and Personal Concord last month and had to send both back due to shoddy quality-control issues (frayed perimeter stitching, misaligned spine imprinting, glue stripping from the paste-down liner, &c.). After sending them back, I opted for a Brown Calfskin Cameo and haven't had any problems with it.

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bluejchou4404]

I appreciate all your bible review videos. I used to spend hours browsing the different bibles at our local christian book stores but sadly they are all gone, even before the pandemic they shut down. : ( I always bought from them rather than online but now it seems the only option unless I drive a great distance which isn't practical for me right now. Given that most bibles online have no pictures of the inside makes it so difficult to make a purchase. Do you know why publishers usually do not include picture for the distributors to place on their websites? In any event, thank you for your great videos. Keep it up!

[@timwildsmith]

Some of the publishers are starting to create more content like this so that you can see the Bible more clearly... I often find it on their websites.

[@Cliff_Dixon_42]

In line with sticking to a budget, many of my Bibles have been synthetic-cover (only one actual leather Bible, so far). At this time, I've only handled TruTone and LeatherLike; the Tyndale had a somewhat complex design in front, but I think I liked the feel of Crossway's better (one with just a "mosaic" cross design on the front, the other plain). For me, at least, the synthetic-cover editions hold more of an interest for me than hardcover (or XXXXXX-on-board) Bibles. Next up for me might be a LeatherTouch or LeatherSoft.

[@timwildsmith]

let me know what you think when you get them!

[@sandersdca]

There are a few people out there who have a personal or philosophical aversion to the luxury use of animal skins. Thankfully these offer them some very nice alternatives.

[@timwildsmith]

Good point!

[@j.woodbury412]

That's one thing I like about synthetic leather Bibles. No animal has to die in order to make one.

[@Rueuhy]

I felt a disturbance in the perfect balance of all things and realized I missed this video. Good news, balance has been restored.

[@timwildsmith]

Hahaha!! YES!!

[@stephencollins5688]

Wish I could find that Blue/Navy Holman Study Bible! ... Any resource to buy from, would be appreciated.

[@RevJacobDavis]

It seems like these covers really have come a long way in recent years. My main hesitation with them has always been their life and durability. I have a couple of older TruTone ESVs that served me well in my college years (well over a decade ago), but are in pretty decrepit shape now, and the same is becoming true of a Life With God NRSV from HarperCollins, which I desperately need rebound at this point. But I have a Leathersoft NRSV from Zondervan from last year, and it seems to be surprisingly durable, and the cover feels both softer and sturdier than previous synthetic-cover bibles. If it holds up as well as it has over the last year, this is a logical, much more affordable way to go.

[@timwildsmith]

Yes, I think the latest LeatherSoft editions are very good quality.

[@patriciapification]

❤️

[@timwildsmith]

❤️

[@macinius4564]

Just picked up a NRSV catholic in leathersoft for 15 bucks !! Its sewn binding..how can you go wrong!!

[@PaDutchRunner]

I think what makes me reluctant sometimes to consider these leather alternatives is a concern that the paper is of lesser quality compared to the same version and publisher with the premium cover. It would be extremely helpful to know exactly how the paper in these economy editions compares to their premium siblings (and maybe some publishers use exactly the same paper across their entire line for certain editions- which would be incredibly useful to know!!)

[@timwildsmith]

The paper is often one of the downsides, although most of these have pretty nice paper.

[@abigailhortencia5901]

👌

[@timwildsmith]

👍🏼

[@hmc0915]

Would love a follow up review for how well the Bibles have kept up! I had a leathertex Bible for awhile and loved it... Until it the cover started to flake off everytime I used it 🙁 super sad bc I had lots of notes and knew where to turn from memory. What is the typical lifespan for these synthetic Bibles?

[@upwardjourney2055]

Almost all of my synthetic Bibles have flaked after about a year or two. There's one I bought just a few months ago and gave it as a gift. I felt somewhat embarrassed that the Bible I gave him started to flake. Heartbreaking, to be honest.

[@twiceborn_by_grace]

My bonded leather TCR actually has a hole wearing in where my thumb lays. Kinda cool to see that wear and tear, but I know that it’ll completely wear down one day.

[@timwildsmith]

Yep, I have a few like that.

[@OneStepToday]

If they can make them in any texture/colour, why dont they do that in the replica of Badalassi Carlo Waxy with full yappy ??

[@BMB125]

I love the brown LeatherSoft Maclaren, but I wish they had a happy medium between the bigger one and the compact size.

[@timwildsmith]

Give it time… I think that will happen.

[@BMB125]

@@timwildsmith I hope so! Maybe you could put in a word with some friends or something…😂

[@MrGameo20]

Is the Zondervan LeatherSoft better than 'Bonded Leather'? Here in Australia both styles usually retail for the same price.

[@timwildsmith]

I like the LeatherSoft better. I have not seen a new bonded leather from them in awhile.

[@Tax_Buster]

Does that mean that Zondervan already scrapped the "Italian Duo-Tone" synthetic covers that thay used to have?

[@timwildsmith]

I’m not familiar with those. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@patriciapification]

What's your favorite Bible according to format? Wide margin Double column Single column Vbv Paragraph Journal Compact or personal size Study Visuals or pictures Etc...

[@timwildsmith]

Ooof… I like different formats for different uses, but I’m very drawn to single-column, paragraph format in a midsize. Think Schuyler Caxton and that’s a really lovely Bible for me.

[@patriciapification]

@@timwildsmith thank you much appreciated ... This would also make a good video as well, if you selected a Bible in each category

[@cynthiajones9540]

I have one from Christian Art Publishers and it’s a KJV and the cover is LuxLeather.

[@timwildsmith]

Nice!

[@cynthiajones9540]

@@timwildsmith , just wanted to tell ya another “leather” version that you didn’t mention.

[@favianee]

I’m moving away from synthetic leather, especially Trutone which I find starts to disintegrate after one or two years. Maybe it’s the climate in Singapore, which is warm and humid. Hope they can look into that cos the durability is really poor.

[@upwardjourney2055]

Same here. Some don't even last a year, which I don't get the point. Bibles are supposed to last a lifetime. My Zondervan large print bonded leather is still working like a tank, while almost all of my Bibles w/ synthetic covers have now flaked.

[@joelmendes355]

You triggered my alexa and then told her to be quiet ... thanks? I guess 😅😅😅😂

[@timwildsmith]

Hahahaha!!! Amazing!

[@TomPlantagenet]

I actually prefer synthetic covers to leather. I believe that they will last if you carry them around in a Bible cover.

[@timwildsmith]

I like them, too!

[@biblecornerreviews]

Premium bibles are nice, but definitely not for everyone. That’s okay because imitation is so great too!

[@timwildsmith]

YES!!!

[@jayman1338]

I just learned something here. I’ve always called them all TruTone. 🥴 I own a Cambridge KJV in what I call TruTone but do you happen to know what they call theirs?

[@timwildsmith]

I'm sure Cambridge uses one of these materials or a something similar.

[@jayman1338]

@@timwildsmith Thanks for responded bro. I found out Cambridge calls it Faux Leather . I looked at my liner. Duh right? 😂

[@jayman1338]

@@timwildsmith also I wanted to tell you that I did some more research in Faux-leather and turns out that’s a more popular name for this synthetic leather. It’s used a lot as faux leather for clothing lines, women’s paints & jackets, and such. You can also buy rolls of faux-leather on line, at Amazon, etc…So maybe the world would know it better as Faux Leather within conversation. I guess in all it doesn’t surprise me that Cambridge would name theirs as Faux Leather considering who they are. A more professionally distinctive name for it I feel.

[@timwildsmith]

@@jayman1338 Thanks for sharing!

[@antoinettefarrior6128]

They used to call their faux leather “Cabra.”

[@stewart967]

So how do they wear with use? Every bible you showed looked practically brand new and unused. I suspect that is indicative of their actual condition as none of them had notes, highlighting, etc. that would be found in a well read well used bible. Not at all questioning your review or bible practices. Really just asking if you could include some informatoin regarding actual longevity and endurance of these products. Thanks.

[@timwildsmith]

I have put a couple of these Bibles through their paces, but most of them are fairly new. I don't think I have any heavily used Bibles made with these materials, and that wasn't the goal of this video... but maybe one day I can do a video along those lines!

[@upwardjourney2055]

@@timwildsmith Yes, please do. Can't imagine a young Christian getting excited to buy a Bible with synthetic cover only to have it flake within a month of use in school. I believe people deserve to know. I personally warn my friends about this to save them from the repeated heartbreaks I've had with synthetic covers.

[@DanS-kh4tc]

I have a bonded leather from the 70’s and it’s really stiff now.

[@timwildsmith]

That will happen for sure.

[@ahbeng888]

Leathersoft/TruTone/etc all feel good but I refuse to purchase them anymore as they just don’t last. Finding affordable rebinders of books here in Australia is very difficult, so I’d much rather spend my money on leather or hardback Bible editions over synthetic leather editions anyday. Then again, given that I’m Catholic, finding good quality leather or hard back editions of Bibles is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

[@timwildsmith]

I’m really impressed with these. I think the newest ones are built to last.

[@ahbeng888]

@@timwildsmith I am hoping that the Catholic Bible Press NRSV-CE and NAB synthetic leather editions I have will last longer than 5 years, which is how long the Trutone cover of my old ESV Study Bible (from my Protestant days) lasted before the top layer began disintegrating all over my bookshelf (and this is with no mistreatment of it on my part by leaving it exposed to extremes of heat, moisture or humidity). Y’all in the USA are extremely blessed with decent binderies who will be able to rebind Bibles at a relatively affordable price with good quality materials.

[@upwardjourney2055]

Same here in Asia. The unavailability of durable Bibles is a horror. So many faux leather ones, and I'm so embarrassed now that I've gifted our friends such coz their covers are flaking now.

[@loveisall5520]

PS--three things--1) I was vegetarian for over 25 years, still eat little meat. Had many, many vegan Christian friends who wouldn't wear any leather and avoided all products made from God's animals and their flesh. These covers were and are a great alternative for those who, for religious, political or health reasons, avoid animal products. 2) Don't overlook excellent fabric-based or synthetic 'leather' Bible covers; for Scriptures that are in daily use and travel, one doesn't need goatskin or elephant hide or whatever. Some of the 25 or so Bibles that I own absolutely live in covers, always. I don't go in for the trite little sayings that some love there, and fortunately, there are all colors and all sizes and styles. Other great part with these is that there's room for pens and other storage. 3) For me, criterion on purchasing a new Bible ain't whether it's got nice leather like my Schuyler and a couple of my Cambridges. No, I want to see the binding first and foremost. Kay Arthur's Precept Study Bible is a great example of an instructional-type Bible that's let down by an awful binding that wouldn't be suitable on a $5 Bible. Of course, Tim, this is why we depend on men and women on YT like you since we are no longer able to just stomp into a brick-and-morter and shop around with these. Great video as always!

[@timwildsmith]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@JH324]

Alot more affordable than that unicorn hide.

[@timwildsmith]

Hahaha!

[@reedebrown6006]

That should be ribbons not robins!🤪

[@timwildsmith]

Ha! I do that a lot!

[@catwoods5499]

Genuine leather is pigskin

[@timwildsmith]

Yes, it’s true that pigskin is often called “genuine leather,” but not everything labeled “genuine leather” is pigskin.