Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Leather Cases - Patina Proud Photos
- Thread starter JamiLynee
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Hey guys - just spent the last few days reading up on the last year or so of posts! I have turned to trying out a series of leather cases, after reading a lot of helpful discussion on here. I think I have landed on the Bullstrap for feel reasons. In fact, let me pitch out my reasons for leather, and Bullstrap (top grain) specifically, and see if I can get further guidance from the experts on here. Forgive the length, but I figured I would throw out all my thoughts and see what you think and what further advice you can give me.
I guess I am in the minority in that the patina appearance is not my primary consideration (although I agree leather looks beautiful especially when it patinas over time). My primary concern is FEEL and GRIP of the surface/texture of the case. In fact for years I have used TPU cases like the Tech 21 Evo Check, just because of its rubbery, "sticky" gel-like grip that just sticks to the skin, making drops far less likely (of course those cases also have great drop protection too).
Recently, though, I have decided to look into the top leather cases, for something more premium and natural, particularly for this feel and grip issue. So far, I have the Nomad, the Apple, the Andar, the Cretanbull, and the Bullstrap. I have read up on "Full Grain" vs "Top Grain" leather, etc. For me, out of these, the Bullstrap feels the best out of the box. Also, I have now been using a Bourbon Bullstrap non-stop for 3-4 days and the degree to which is has softened even further and gotten grippier already is very satisfying. I keep trying the others briefly, but they are all more slippery (I realize it is now an unfair comparison with a 4-day used Bullstrap vs other brand-new out-of-box cases....).
I have a theory that Bullstrap uses Top Grain, rather than Full grain, for this feel issue. It seems like Top grain, although seen as slightly inferior to Full Grain, is ACTUALLY softer and thereby "grippier" than Full Grain. So, better for my feel/grip reasons. A side product of this is that its softness makes it more susceptible to scratches and gouges (perhaps why Bullstrap decided to give a lifetime warranty and replacement cases when they get too dinged up).
I have also rubbed leather conditioner on the case a couple of times, with the thought that (in addition to darkening the leather), for ME it will have the benefit of making the leather moister and more "grippy." Am I right about this?
One last point I hardly ever see discussed. It took me a while to realize this, but OUR SKIN (or mine, at least), seems to change in moisture level/dryness throughout the day. There is a direct correlation between moisture in my skin and grippiness of my skin to the case. For most of the day, with a little bit of moisture on my skin, the case (any case) is grippy. However, when my skin gets REALLY dry (particularly, for me, in the late evenings at the end of the day), the case is very slippery to the touch (the Bullstrap, other leather cases, heck even my TPU Tech 21!!). I keep thinking that maybe with leather, and regular conditioning, the leather case itself will retain enough moisture to offset this occasional skin dryness, but not so sure. Seems like when the skin is ultra dry nothing matters -- case will be slippery no matter what.
I guess I am in the minority in that the patina appearance is not my primary consideration (although I agree leather looks beautiful especially when it patinas over time). My primary concern is FEEL and GRIP of the surface/texture of the case. In fact for years I have used TPU cases like the Tech 21 Evo Check, just because of its rubbery, "sticky" gel-like grip that just sticks to the skin, making drops far less likely (of course those cases also have great drop protection too).
Recently, though, I have decided to look into the top leather cases, for something more premium and natural, particularly for this feel and grip issue. So far, I have the Nomad, the Apple, the Andar, the Cretanbull, and the Bullstrap. I have read up on "Full Grain" vs "Top Grain" leather, etc. For me, out of these, the Bullstrap feels the best out of the box. Also, I have now been using a Bourbon Bullstrap non-stop for 3-4 days and the degree to which is has softened even further and gotten grippier already is very satisfying. I keep trying the others briefly, but they are all more slippery (I realize it is now an unfair comparison with a 4-day used Bullstrap vs other brand-new out-of-box cases....).
I have a theory that Bullstrap uses Top Grain, rather than Full grain, for this feel issue. It seems like Top grain, although seen as slightly inferior to Full Grain, is ACTUALLY softer and thereby "grippier" than Full Grain. So, better for my feel/grip reasons. A side product of this is that its softness makes it more susceptible to scratches and gouges (perhaps why Bullstrap decided to give a lifetime warranty and replacement cases when they get too dinged up).
I have also rubbed leather conditioner on the case a couple of times, with the thought that (in addition to darkening the leather), for ME it will have the benefit of making the leather moister and more "grippy." Am I right about this?
One last point I hardly ever see discussed. It took me a while to realize this, but OUR SKIN (or mine, at least), seems to change in moisture level/dryness throughout the day. There is a direct correlation between moisture in my skin and grippiness of my skin to the case. For most of the day, with a little bit of moisture on my skin, the case (any case) is grippy. However, when my skin gets REALLY dry (particularly, for me, in the late evenings at the end of the day), the case is very slippery to the touch (the Bullstrap, other leather cases, heck even my TPU Tech 21!!). I keep thinking that maybe with leather, and regular conditioning, the leather case itself will retain enough moisture to offset this occasional skin dryness, but not so sure. Seems like when the skin is ultra dry nothing matters -- case will be slippery no matter what.
Last edited:
I also have the brown Aspen. That one seems to have more of like a wax coating whereas the sand feels more leathery if that makes any sense. The brown one seems a little softer and more bendable whereas the sand is like a harder leather. Make sense? Thickness feels about the same.
Iphone 12 non-magsafe is $20, as is the 11 and older series. Tempted to pick up a few for gifts for family with older devices. I love my BS case.
So tempted. With a case, iWatch ultra band, and AirPod pro2 case it’s only $50 with shipping. I’m afraid it gets trashed very quickly in that colorway.
Just installed this very same skin on my 13 mini minus the camera cover. I like the contrast of the midnight camera module and the brown skin.
As you can see these Andar cases patina beautifully even with a sharp edge design. My brother has been using this case since January.
Of course the only down side is the camera ring chipping away
So here’s a weird thing that happened, I put a little chamberlain’s leather milk on my Andar Aspen case and it feels worse? It feels kind of gunky now and I feel like the finish of the case looks duller. I am admittedly not a leather expert so any advice for what I can do to get rid of the gunky feel? Definitely won’t be putting this on the case again.
For me the best way to patina and shine is just everyday use. A phone case should be getting more than enough oils from your hands and not need any extra added.
In your case it’s probably going to take a few days to feel normal again. I’ve made that mistake before and had similar results. Took a few days to start feeling normal again.
Just received my new leather Cotswolds Wears case, and it is perfect!
Has a rustic already patina’d finish, grippy but nice feeling in hand (not sticky).
Highly, highly recommend this case! And the best part is it’s only £30 from Amazon or direct from the supplier.
Has a rustic already patina’d finish, grippy but nice feeling in hand (not sticky).
Highly, highly recommend this case! And the best part is it’s only £30 from Amazon or direct from the supplier.