Why Horse Nume Leather Enhances Guitar Strap Durability: A Craftsman on Material Selection

Have you ever felt like the "ends" of your strap are wearing out?

Have you ever had the experience where, after using a guitar strap for a long time, the "ends that touch the guitar" start to fray, bend, or in the worst cases, look like they are about to snap—even before the middle section shows any wear? That is not an uncommon experience.

In fact, this is an unavoidable weak point for many straps. The ends, which are repeatedly attached and removed from the strap pins, are subjected to the weight of the instrument and the strain of constant handling. If this part is weak, no matter how sturdy the main body of the strap is, the overall lifespan of the product is determined by the durability of those ends.

How does 708works address this issue? In this article, I will explain the specifics of our durability, focusing on the material we use: "horse vegetable-tanned leather."

Why is only the end section made of "horse vegetable-tanned leather"?

For the first prototype of our "Triad" braided strap, we actually used the same cowhide for the ends as we did for the braid itself. I used it for my own band's live performances and grew to love it, but as I continued to use it, I began to see some challenges.

It became clear that for the end sections, which undergo constant attachment and removal, horse vegetable-tanned leather was much better suited than cowhide. So, I changed the design to produce separate horse leather parts and attach them to both ends. Although this increased our costs due to the additional materials and processes, the improvement in durability and usability was significant. I am now convinced that this modification was the right decision.

It is not about which is superior, cowhide or horse leather

I am often asked, "Which is better, cowhide or horse leather?" but this cannot be answered by simple superiority. The characteristics of leather change significantly not only based on the material itself, but also on the part used, the tanning process, and the surface finish. That is why the 708works policy is to discern the specific properties of each type and use them where they are best suited.

The horse leather used on both ends of the Triad is a firm, pigment-finished leather. Through repeated prototyping and testing, we found it to be resistant to bending and less likely to fray even after repeated attachment and removal from the guitar. It is truly the perfect material for the end sections that go onto the strap pins.

The perspective of using leather based on "aging"

On the other hand, because pigment finishing involves applying paint to the surface of the leather, it is characterized by relatively little change in color or texture as it ages.

For that reason, in our regular models like the "folklore" scale pattern strap, where we want customers to enjoy the aging process itself, we rarely use horse vegetable-tanned leather over the entire surface. We do not judge leather as "good or bad"; rather, we select materials based on the intended use and performance requirements after fully understanding the individuality of each leather type. This is an essential philosophy for ensuring durability.

A simple, sophisticated braided look, with ends reinforced by sturdy horse vegetable-tanned leather. The Triad｜Braided guitar strap with just the right amount of presence brings both of these elements together. I believe those who perform live and frequently attach and remove their straps will really feel the difference.

Durability is determined not just by materials, but also by "preparation"

It is not just material selection that supports our durability. At 708works, we ensure that every product undergoes a process to smooth the nap on the back side (flesh side) of the leather used.

Specifically, we apply a specialized chemical with a texture like hand cream to the entire back of the leather, and when it is semi-dry, we carefully rub it down with a glass or wooden rod. This smooths down the frayed fibers, creating a beautiful, polished texture on the underside.

Neglecting this process would compromise not only the texture when handled but the actual durability of the product. It is not difficult work, but since getting the chemical on the surface of the leather would ruin its texture, we proceed with caution, paying close attention to each individual piece.

Using only the materials I believe in, exactly where they belong

I have made countless mistakes in choosing materials in the past. Leather with insufficient tensile strength, leather that bleeds color, hardware that didn't feel right when assembled—that is why, whenever we adopt a new material, we always conduct product tests to check its durability and comfort. And finally, I trust my intuition when I pick up the finished product. If I don't like the material, I won't use it. This is a stance we consistently maintain at 708works.

If you are struggling with a "strap that wears out at the ends," simply choosing a model that uses strong, durable leather for the high-contact areas should make a significant difference. If you are looking for a strap to use for a long time, please consider the Triad. I would be honored if it became your partner on stage for many performances to come.