Ostrich grading is done at the tannery by the tanners according to NOPSA (National Ostrich Processors of South Africa) Minimum Grading Standard. The minimum standard has been established in order to normalize minimum standards for grading ostrich skins. All ostrich skins offered by Far Out Sports and Leather complies with the standard.

Keep in mind: Ostrich skin grades are not affected by coloring or tanning jobs. The quality and characteristics of the skin are also not taken into consideration, so be aware of that. When choosing an ostrich skin, you must choose the best cost efficiency for the job. Even our grade 6 skins should yield 2 pairs of boot vamps free of defects, or work well for belts and wallets. When contacting us, make sure you communicate the use for the skins, and we will match you with the right skin with the lowest cost for the job.

Here is a summary of how ostrich skins are graded:

Definitions:

1.      A defect can be a hole, a scratch, loose scab, a healed wound or bacterial damage.

2.      When grading an ostrich skin, only the “crown” area is considered. The crown is the area with quills except the neck and the smooth area of the hide.

3.      For grading purposes the crown is divided into 4 quarters.

Grade 1:

For a skin to be a grade 1, it must meet the following criteria:

1.      Up to one defect in one of the quarters as long as it is not larger than approximately 40mm x 40mm.

2.      At least 3 quarters must be free of defects.

3.      Defects of the cutting lines do not affect the grade.

4.      A few less visible scars are allowed as long as they are outside the crown area.

Grade 2:

1.      Defects affecting 2 quarters

2.      At least half the skin must be free of defects

3.      Visible defects outside the crown area are allowed and will not affect grading.

Grade 3:

1.      At least one quarter of the skin must be free of defects.

2.      Visible defects outside the quarter area are allowed.

Grade 4:

1.      Defects are allowed in all 4 quarters.

2.      Defects must not cover more than 25% of quill area.

Grade 5:

       50% of the skin must have a cutting value.

Grade 6:

         The skin as no official cutting value.