Recognizing authentic materials is crucial for anyone looking to invest in high-quality products, including when it comes to alligator skin. This guide will help you identify the key differences between real and fake alligator skin so that you can understand the true value of your exotic purchases.
The Overall Texture and Feel
When handling alligator skin, pay close attention to its texture. Genuine alligator leather feels soft and supple, offering a luxurious touch that’s hard to replicate. In contrast, fake alligator skins often feel stiff or overly plasticky. These imposters might contain synthetic materials or even lower-grade cowhide embossed to mimic alligator scales. If the material feels too hard or too soft, it’s most likely a fake.
The Scent and Appearance
Your senses can be powerful tools in identifying real alligator leather. Much like cowhide, authentic alligator skin carries either a natural scent or the smell of tanning chemicals. Additionally, while it might possess a subtle shine, it won’t appear unnaturally perfect.
Conversely, fake alligator leather tends to smell synthetic, often accompanied by an excessively glossy finish. Remember that a high-gloss shine is usually a sign you’re dealing with a counterfeit.
The Scale Pattern
One of the most telling signs of authenticity is the scale pattern. Real alligator skin exhibits an irregular, imperfect pattern with deep valleys between the scales, adding more texture to the material. This natural inconsistency is difficult to replicate.
Fakes, on the other hand, display a uniform pattern that lacks the depth and character of genuine alligator leather. Faux alligator skin is often printed or embossed to look like the real thing, which is why it has a repeating pattern and shallow valleys.
The Markings or Unique Characteristics
Real alligator leather often features distinctive markings that are absent in fakes. For instance, an umbilical scar is unique to alligators and won’t even be found on genuine crocodile skin, despite marketers sometimes promoting the two interchangeably.
Additionally, real alligator leather may have small sensory organ pores on each scale. These tiny holes, which held hairs for navigation, remain after tanning, providing another sign of authenticity.
The Price
Finally, consider the price tag. Real alligator skin is a very expensive exotic leather, reflecting its rarity and quality. If a pair of men’s exotic cowboy boots claim to be made from alligator leather but have a suspiciously low price, they’re likely fake.
Understanding the key differences between real and fake alligator skin is essential for making informed purchases. By focusing on these distinctions, you can confidently invest in high-quality items that reflect the true value of authentic materials.