Nexo Leather Bike Chain (Horween Horsehide Black)

Length: 22 in

Horse leather is a revered material celebrated for its distinctive qualities, unmatched character, and ethical origins. As a byproduct of the food industry in Italy, this leather not only embodies the artistry of Italian craftsmanship but also reflects a commitment to sustainability by repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste. This mindful approach ensures that every part of the hide is honored and utilized, adding depth to the story behind each piece.

Derived from the hind section of the hide, culatta (butt) is a specialized cut that includes the area just above the prized shell cordovan, along with parts of the belly and hind shanks. This unique combination creates a leather with a dense structure, tight grain, and a medium-to-firm temper, offering exceptional durability and versatility.

What sets culatta apart is its naturally irregular texture, which varies across the hide. On the reverse (flesh) side, subtle traces of shell cordovan bleed into the fibers, creating a chaotic yet captivating appearance. These grain irregularities give each piece made from culatta its own story, ensuring that no two items are ever the same. The natural beauty of this leather shines through its imperfections, showcasing a raw elegance that resonates deeply with aficionados of avant-garde fashion and timeless craftsmanship.

Thanks to its high oil content, culatta leather develops a rich patina over time, enhancing its natural luster and evolving with use. This transformation often results in a finish that appears almost metallic, making it a truly dynamic material.

We work hand-in-hand with tanneries in Italy and the USA to procure our leathers, sourcing only the finest quality materials the country has to offer.

Horween Leather Company has been tanning hides in Chicago since 1905, supplying some of the world’s most respected makers across footwear, leather goods, and heritage craft. Their leathers are known for depth, durability, and an unmistakable character that can’t be rushed or replicated.

The horsehide used for this product is tanned using traditional processes that emphasize natural oils, tight fiber structure, and surface integrity. Rather than being corrected or smoothed, the hide is allowed to retain its scars, grain shifts, and subtle irregularities—marks of the animal’s life and the tannery’s hand.

Over time, Horween leather doesn’t break down. It breaks in. Developing a soft sheen, darkened edges, and a patina unique to how it’s worn, carried, and handled.

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a vacuum-based coating process used in watchmaking, aerospace, and high-end tool manufacturing. Unlike paint or traditional plating, PVD bonds a microscopic layer of material directly to the surface of solid brass, creating a finish that is extremely resistant to chipping, peeling, and corrosion.

The result is a deep, darkened surface that won’t flake away with wear. Instead, it softens and polishes over time—developing subtle highlights and a lived-in sheen that mirrors the aging of the leather itself.

We use PVD-finished brass in black because it doesn’t pretend to be permanent. It’s designed to last, and to age honestly.

Unless otherwise stated in the description, each piece is meticulously handmade to order, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. Please allow 7-14 business days for production before your order is shipped.

Each piece is a testament to the beauty of natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship, so no two are ever exactly alike. The hand-dyed treatment, vegetable tanned process and natural grain of the leather mean variations in texture and tone are to be expected—and celebrated. These characteristics are part of what makes your item truly one of a kind.