Deerskin is the leather of a deer.
What kind of image do you have of deerskin?
We have mentioned before that most of the leather available in the world is cowhide, but surprisingly, in Japan it has been used for weapons and clothing since ancient times.

Today I'd like to introduce you to deerskin!

Characteristics of deerskin

Deerskin is light, durable, and breathable, and has a very fine texture.
On the other hand, there is a disadvantage in that the grain (surface) of the leather is easily peeled off.
However, even after peeling it off, many people still see it as the "flavor of deerskin," so I guess it depends on the person.
I would not recommend this to people who have a strong desire to keep their item looking beautiful forever.

In recent years, it has also come to be used as a "stain-removing razor" to wipe off oily stains from lenses, precious metals, and jewelry.

What is Deerskin?

Deerskin is leather made from female deer.
It absorbs moisture and has a breathability that other leathers lack.
It has the ability to prevent sweating and odors, and its smooth texture, strength, and flexibility make it popular for use in gloves, clothing, pouches, and other items.

Many shamans' medicine bags are also made of deerskin.

The downside of deerskin is that, being made from deerskin, it scratches easily.
Whether this is seen as a disadvantage or an advantage is probably up to the user.

Another feature is that some of the products can be washed.

What is buckskin?

Buckskin is sometimes mistaken for velour or suede, but it actually refers to the leather of male deer.
Like deerskin, it is a breathable, lightweight, and water-resistant material.

When making deerskin, wild deer are generally captured, but because male deer have many scars that are unique to the wild, the silver side (top) of the deerskin is buffed to make it nap like suede for many products.
This may be one of the reasons why "buckskin" is often confused with "suede."

Deer leather has been used in Japan for a long time.

In Japan, deerskin has been used longer than cowhide, and its use for military equipment is said to have begun in the Yayoi period.
It seems that deerskin is also commonly used for tabi socks and other items.

There are deerskin items stored in the Shosoin Repository of Todaiji Temple, and some of these items are said to have retained their flexibility and fresh colors despite being stored there for over 1,000 years.

Even today, deerskin is used in kendo armor.

Summary: When buying deerskin products, be careful of scratches! Or maybe it's a matter of awareness

Deerskin is a leather that scratches quite easily. Therefore, it can be said that it is a leather that is not for everyone.
If you are going to buy a deerskin product, it would be better to be someone who understands that "scratches are inevitable" and that "scratches are part of the charm."

Even so, I have heard that in Japan it was said to be a messenger of the gods, but it seems that it has also been used as a weapon part since ancient times.
It may have also been considered lucky.
Apparently deerskin wallets are good for feng shui too.