What Is the Difference Between Essex, Dublin & Derby?
You can think of these leathers as siblings…
They’re from the same family, but each has unique characteristics.
Horween uses its Cordovan vegetable tanning formulas that are over 100 years old. The leather is enriched with a blend of fats, oils and greases giving it durability, softness and a rich round feel. Essex, Dublin, and Derby all have the same vegetable-tanned base; the difference is in how they’re finished.
ESSEX is the base tannage with no additional waxes or finishes.
DUBLIN is the Essex base tannage plus a rich blend of natural waxes and then ironed to create a smooth surface. Dublin has a strong and distinctive pull-up.
DERBY is tumbled Dublin. Tumbling the leather makes it softer, loosens the grain a bit, and is more distressed looking. The tumbling brings out the distinctive pull-up effect.
The photo shows these three items in the color English Tan. The Dublin and Derby are darker because of the wax. Also keep in mind that all vegetable tanned leather will change color over time when exposed to light and oils in your hands.
