Ostrich Leg Leather: Something Different

While less widely known than its quilled counterpart, ostrich leg leather is no less luxurious. With its bold, scale-like texture and natural sheen, it offers a unique look and feel that holds its own among exotic leathers.

In this article, we take a closer look at what makes ostrich leg leather a standout choice for your next accessory, from its distinct appearance to its durability and craftsmanship.

Small vs. Large Scales: What’s the Difference?

When looking at ostrich leather, one of the first things you’ll notice is the pattern of the scales. This pattern can be small or large, depending on which part of the leg is used.

Small Scales are found on the sides and back of the leg, the small grain pattern being easily mistaken for lizard leather. The small scales offer a vintage look and feel similar to lizard straps.

Large Scales are found on the front of the leg, often mixed in with small scales on leather goods as there is only a small amount of large scales. This mixed scale pattern gives ostrich leather their signature look. 

Ostrich Leg Skin from Deco Cuir

Characteristics of Ostrich Leg Leather

Ostrich leg leather is durable yet flexible, making it a popular choice for leather goods that require bending such as boots, gloves, watch straps, wallets, and more. The scale pattern is also unique to ostrich leg leather, differentiating yourself from the crowd.

Ostrich Leg Boots from Vaquero Boots

Species Used for Ostrich Leather

While there are two species of ostrich, the species used for leather is the common ostrich (struthio camelus) as it is more widely farmed and readily available. The other species is the Somali ostrich (struthio molybdophanes), native to the Horn of Africa.

Common Ostrich - picture taken from Wikipedia

Where can you get quality Ostrich leather goods in Singapore?

Nomad Watch Works

Once again, we're first on the list! This is our own blod after all. We have a wide variety of ostrich leg leather colours to choose from, so be sure to drop by to have a look.

Ostrich Leg Strap in Olive by us

Heritage by Hides & Thread

Heritage Leather Goods (HRTG) was created by the artisans at Hides & Thread to deliver high quality, handmade leather goods. They also have leather crafting workshops where you can learn to make various small leather goods such as watch straps, passport sleeves, and more.

Ostrich Leg straps by HRTG

AL Leather Supply

AL Leather Supply is a Singapore-based leather specialist sourcing premium hides from renowned tanneries across the globe. Whether you're after quality materials or a bespoke piece crafted to your vision, they bring craftsmanship and character to every project.

Ostrich Leather from AL Leather Supply

Final Thoughts

Ostrich leather might not be as common as other exotic leathers, but that’s part of what makes it special. Its unique texture, comfort, and durability give it a timeless appeal, whether you’re after something classic or looking to stand out in a subtle way. If you’re looking to add a bit of character and craftsmanship to your collection, ostrich leather is definitely worth considering.