There is nothing more exciting than wearing custom footwear from your own hunt. Maida’s does require the patterns to be cut in the same direction used on our footwear. When cut our way, the results are a perfectly matched pair of boots that will not break at the ball joints. This ensures many years of wear, so you can tell the story a thousand times of how they ended up becoming your comfortable footwear.
CUSTOMER SKIN INFORMATION
Please provide the following information attached to your skin:
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- The year the skin was tanned. (It will be marked on the “cites” tag).
- The grade and size. All skins are marked with grading and size by the tannery. This info is marked on the reverse side of the skin. Grading is determined by the tannery using many factors including scars, holes, irregular tile patterns and skin defects. Size is measured either in centimeters across the widest part of the belly or in square feet. This info determines the outcome of the quality and quantity needed to make the footwear. Your skin will also be examined by a Maida’s representative at your scheduled appointment.
- NOTE: All customer skins must have a “cites” tag. Plastic tag inserted through the skin.
CITES (TAG) – (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an agreement between 175 countries to adhere to guidelines concerning international trade of certain wild animals and plants so as to not threaten their survival. Maida’s will only accept skins from customers with the CITES tags intact.
ALLIGATOR SKIN
Maida’s uses the belly only, known in the industry as “belly cut”. The direction of the cut is critical in obtaining symmetrical pattern and provides maximum life expectancy of the skin. Alligator is the highest priced skin the market and the yield is low due to the limited space to get matching cuts.
Below is a guide describing the amount of skin needed to make a pair of cowboy boots and belts. Men’s shoes use slightly less.
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- One 8′-9′ American Alligator (52-54 cm for up to size 9 and 55-58 cm for sizes 10-12) produces one pair of boot bottoms, collar trim, initials and one belt.
- Two 4′-5′ American Alligators (29-35 cm) produces one pair of boot bottoms, collar trim, initials and one belt.
- Three 8′-9′ American Alligators (52-54 cm) produces one pair of full boots (tops and bottoms).
- Maida’s will pay the market price of your skin according to grade and size, then deduct it from the price of the footwear.
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OPTION #1: The above skin is from a 8′-9′ Alligator (52-58cm skin). The cut shown is the premium “body cut”. It will yield a matching pair of foot and heel components and the collar trim at the top (see adjacent photo). The tail portion can be used for belt straps (see picture scroll down).
Showing Option #1 placement of Alligator skin components.
OPTION #2: The above skin is from a 8′-9′ Alligator (52-58 cm skin). The cut shown is the premium “body cut”. It will yield a matching pair of foot and heel components and a perfectly matching pattern sequence for a belt. The collars can be cut from the tail portion (see picture scroll down).
Showing Option #2 placement of Alligator skin components.
OPTION #3: The above skin is from a 5′-6′ (29-35 cm)adolescent Alligator. Two skins in this size range are needed to produce a pair of boots. The tails can be used for collar component and one belt.
OPTION #4: The above Full Alligator boot is the most prestigious and costly to make due to the cut of the skins. Our objective is to make a perfectly symmetrical pair and to do so it requires three (54-58 cm) bellies. No arm pits or tails are used.
Alligator Belts come in various styles and widths. To see our custom belt styles, go to accessories and click on belts.
Size and Grading (issued by tanneries)
Size will be identified in centimeters on a sticker or hand written with a grease pencil on the reverse side of the skin at the tip of the tail.
Grading is always grade 3 on customer culled skins. You may see a 11/111 which will be regarded as grade 3.
Belting Strips
Collar Components
WARRANTY, GRADING AND STORAGE DISCLAIMER
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- We do not warrant products made from your skin against cracking, separation or discoloration.
- All grading and sizing is calculated by the tanneries, not by the goods manufacturers. The grade and size are marked on the reverse side of the skin (see diagram) by the tannery that did the tanning. All Alligator skins culled from the wild by hunters, are graded between #3 and #5.
- Maida’s is not responsible for skins and/or remnants left after 6 months. Skins and/or remnants left after 6 months are disposed of.
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CONSULTATION
Maida’s requires an initial phone consultation prior to visiting our showroom. If you are ready to begin your custom experience, please give us a call or schedule an appointment.
