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Like other exotic leathers, crocodile has always been popular in fashion. Crocodile is more durable than many exotic leathers and there are vintage crocodile handbags from the nineteen twenties and thirties that are available online or in vintage clothing shops. There are two basic finishes for croc bags, the classic and the safari.

The natural finish is a more leather like look. To achieve the finish, wax or oil is infused into the skin under moderate pressure. This gives the skin a semi gloss look. This finish is actually more durable than high the high gloss classic finish. It tends to achieve more luster with use and it's more resistant to scratches and abrasions than the shinier finish.

The classic finish is achieved by polishing a natural protein like albumen or egg whites into the skin under high pressure. This finish is often preferred by manufacturers since it tends to stretch the skin, netting more usable skin from a single animal. The disadvantage of the classic finish is that the skin is thinner than with the natural finish. It is also more subject to damage from scratches and abrasions. Flex points will develop wrinkles and the skin can dry out and crack.

Proper care of your crocodile handbag will help keep it looking new longer, no matter which finish you choose. Products for cleaning and conditioning exotic leathers are usually available from dealers who sell Western style boots. Check with an expert on exotic leather for advice on conditioning and cleaning of your croc bag.

The natural color of crocodiles is dark green to brown. Crocodile handbags can be died to almost any color to match your wardrobe. There are variations in the quality of crocodile skin. Caimans or South American crocodiles are smaller than many of their cousins and the tanning processes used in South America are less sophisticated than European or North American tanning. Generally, South American crocodile is held to be of lower quality than Nile crocodile or Australian crocodile, but this is due in part to the tanning process.

Hornback is used to make some crocodile handbags. Hornback refers the the skin found on the crocodile's back, which is rougher and has a more interesting texture than the belly skin that is often used to make croc bags. Hornback is typically more expensive than other types of crocodile skin.

Genuine crocodile handbags are expensive. To insure that you are receiving the value you are paying for, try to determine where the skin used to make the croc bags was imported from. If you are paying top dollar for your crocodile handbag you want to make sure you are getting top quality crocodile skin.South American crocodile is usually less expensive than African croc.

Always buy high dollar items like croc bags from established, reputable retailers who guarantee their quality and take pride in the products they sell. Inexpensive bags are always made from synthetic imitation crocodile and will not wear well or have the same appearance as real crocodile.