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History
The word Chamois (pronounced "Shammy") refers to the European Antelope, whose skin was used in the Eighteenth Century by the glove making industry in South West France. They found that by tanning the skin in cod oil (from nearby Biarritz), they produced the very special qualities of water absorption for the soft white gloves. These gloves had practical advantages for the carriage footmen, responsible for cleaning and polishing the carriages, which transferred to the chauffeurs of the horseless carriages of the early Twentieth Century. With the arrival of mass produced glass, world demand for domestic 'chamois leather' blossomed.
The Modern Process
Chamois leather is a mass-market natural product, now produced from the 'flesher' (the inner split of a sheepskin, primarily from New Zealand) and tanned in cod oil (initially from Newfoundland). The modern 'chamois' emulates the traditional glove making process, although the skins are no longer sun bleached after tanning, which added to the whiteness of the original antelope skin.
The name 'Chamois' today, relates to the original process, rather than the actual product. No harmful chemicals are used in the tanning process, resulting in an eco-friendly product relying on its very special properties for man's usage. These properties, of water absorption (many times its own weight) and a "smear free" drying finish of surfaces, have seen its proliferation of uses in many industries and the home, but notably for the automotive aftermarket.
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| | | | The Kent Car Care Chamois
For over 25 years, the KENT brand name has become known in both UK and overseas markets for its quality chamois in a range of sizes to suit almost every need. As the price is mainly determined by size, then the KENT range extends to match any budget. Alternatively, the best quality of smaller pieces can be "patchworked", to produce a budget priced chamois (Product Code E).
All sizes are Imperial (inches). The popular sizes (in square feet) are: 1.5, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 square feet areas.
All KENT Chamois Leathers meet the British Standard BS6715.
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Online Catalogue | Online Store | Chamois Leather | A bit about Chamois Leather |
