Steerhide and cowhide stand as two predominant leather options for crafting baseball mitts. While both exhibit remarkable durability and rigidity, significant distinctions warrant contemplation when deciding between them.
A primary contrast lies in the leather's thickness between steerhide and cowhide. Steerhide often boasts greater thickness and weight compared to cowhide, enhancing its resistance to wear and tear over time. Nonetheless, this thickness can render steerhide gloves more challenging to break in and less pliant than their cowhide counterparts.
Processing techniques diverge as well. Steerhide usually undergoes more intensive tanning procedures, imparting a firmer texture and darker hue. Conversely, cowhide frequently undergoes gentler tanning approaches, fostering a more supple and adaptable quality.
The player's position can sway the steerhide versus cowhide choice. Infielders may lean towards cowhide's greater flexibility, while outfielders might prioritize steerhide's heightened durability. Steerhide, the weightiest and most time-intensive to break in, contrasts with cowhide's softer nature, making it a preferable choice for junior or youth players.
For steerhide leather baseball gloves, the initial phase involves depilating the hide. Immerse the hide in a solution of water and salt, preserving its integrity and staving off decay. Subsequently, a drum equipped with a rotating blade scrapes the hide, eliminating residual hair. Following this, the hide is immersed in a mixture of water and soap.