Why is Cabra Bonded Leather Better?

Eric Hampton of Intercover Ltd. got in touch recently to share some information about Cambridge's "Cabra bonded leather." If you've read my review of the Pocket Cross-Reference NIV, you know that this is the only bonded leather I've ever praised. I knew there was something different about Cabra, but I didn't know what it was. Now, thanks to Eric, I do. He explains:

We are the UK agents for Salamander Bonded Leather, who manufacture Cabra used by Cambridge University Press here in the UK. You may be interested to know that Cabra is the only bonded leather manufactured using only natural ingredients. The 'resin' described in the CUP description of Cabra is in fact natural latex, not a man-made plastic resin. In fact, it is one of a number of products like paper that can be described as being manufactured from recycled materials and is wholly biodegradable. This does not apply to any other bonded leather product except Cabra.

Thanks for the information, Eric. Perhaps the natural latex accounts for the increased suppleness found in Cabra bonded leather. Whatever it is, the difference is quite pronounced in comparison to the plastic-like feel of other bonded Bibles.

Comments

[Matthew]

Latex????

Any possibility of an alergic reaction to those prone to it?

Matt

[threegirldad]

Yes, that is definitely a concern, even more so since we're talking about something that we hold in our hands for long periods of time. Unless there's something very unusual about the composition of this material (and there may be -- I obviously don't know), you're going to have latex molecules sloughing of and absorbing through the skin. For someone with *any* level of latex allergy, that's a serious problem, because the acuteness of the allergy increases with each exposure. Not good...

[Scott]

I am an RN and I would caution anyone considering purchasing Cabra leather to make sure you are NOT allergic to latex or bananas (they share the same chemical composition). If you are, and don't know it, the results can be life-threatening. Love your site Mark. I visit it frequently as I, too, am a Bible "freak."

Scott

[Fr. Bill Klock]

Hmm. I have a copy of The Valley of Vision printed by Banner of Truth. It's bonded leather and the packaging had a big blurb about the glories of Cabra Bonded Leather. Maybe they have different grades? I'd certainly never call what I've seen in this book "supple." It's only slightly less rigid than a steel plate. I was thinking that maybe this is what they made Oddjob's hat from in Goldfinger.

[buy cialis]

Hi, I am looking for suppliers/manufacturers/slaughter houses that I
can contact to obtain raw-hide. When I say Raw-hide I am meaning the
material that has NOT been tanned or treated yet.

[Chris Bloom]

Is it just me, or are the spambots getting more absurdly funny?

[bill]

Thanks Chris. Without looking at the "posted by" warning, I was almost ready to make some leather vendor recommendations. But now all I can think of is the Blues Brothers singing Rawhide with Elwood cracking the whip. Heaven help us all.

[Devon @ Leather Book Covers]

When I was growing up I loved my father's leather bound Bible, and I have been trying to find out just like the one that he still has, though now it is falling apart :^)
Thanks for the post great info for my search for new leather bound bible.