Leather Types & Grades
Buffalo Hides: Characteristics and Common Uses
What a buffalo hide is (bison or water buffalo), how the leather feels, common uses from robes to bags, what hides cost then and now, and what to ask.
A buffalo hide is the skin of a buffalo, sold either hair-on, as a robe or rug, or tanned into leather for bags, belts and upholstery. In North America "buffalo" usually means the American bison, which is not a true buffalo. Leather sold as "buffalo" may come from water buffalo, whose hides make tough, useful leather.
This guide is part of our hub on leather types, grades and finishes.
Bison hide or water buffalo leather?
Many "buffalo leather" listings do not name the species. If it matters to you, ask the seller.
| Column 1 | American bison ("buffalo") | Water buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Animal | North American bison, not a true buffalo | Domesticated buffalo |
| Usually sold as | Hair-on robes, rugs and hides | Leather |
| Texture | Very distinct, grainy feel, says one supplier | Not described separately in our sources |
Characteristics of buffalo leather
- Thicker and more textured: A hide supplier says buffalo leather is typically thicker, stronger and more textured than cowhide, with a more pronounced grain.
- Firm feel: Leather Collection describes its buffalo leather as having a thick, firm feel and natural grain.
- Changes as it ages: The same store says small marks and color shifts are normal.
- Range of finishes: It is sold in aniline, semi-aniline and distressed finishes. See types of leather finishes.
The strength comparison with cowhide comes from a seller, and we found no independent test. For a full head-to-head, see buffalo leather vs cow leather and bison leather vs cow leather.
Characteristics of hair-on bison hides
- Season matters: According to the buffalo robe entry, only pelts taken in winter, November to March, have the prime fur for robes. Summer hides were traditionally dehaired and tanned.
- Bull vs cow: One seller says bull hides are longer and heavier furred with thicker leather. Cow hides are lighter.
- Size: Another seller lists winter robes at 40 to 45 sq ft, and one bull hide at 96 x 89 in.
For other hair-on leathers, see black hair-on-hide leather. For heavy cattle hides, see bull hides.
Common uses
| Use | Hide type | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rugs, robes, bedding | Hair-on bison | – |
| Coats, vests, hats, mitts | Lighter cow bison hides | – |
| Moccasins | Bull bison hides; historically, dehaired summer hides | – |
| Sofas, chairs, car interiors | Buffalo leather | – |
| Bags, wallets, belts, boots | Buffalo leather | – |
A short history: the robe trade
Bison numbered an estimated 60 million in the late 18th century. Commercial hunting, slaughter and cattle diseases cut them to 541 animals by 1889. Demand for robes from the 1840s to the 1870s is described as a major factor, though Wikipedia flags that line as needing a citation. Robes became carriage blankets and buffalo coats.
Can you still buy buffalo hides?
Yes. In 2010 there were an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 American bison, most of them in about 6,400 commercial herds. Bison are increasingly raised for meat, hide, wool and dairy. Specialist sellers list tanned robes and hides.
What a buffalo hide is worth
- Today: One seller lists robes, hides and rugs from $1,595 (checked October 2026). Seller prices change, so compare several.
- Historically: From 1880 to 1884, hunters were paid on average $3 for a cow hide and $2.50 for a bull hide. Getting a hide to market brought the cost to about $3.50. We found no reliable figure for 1870 itself.
Buying checklist
- Ask which animal. Is it bison or water buffalo?
- Ask the season for hair-on hides. Winter hair is prime.
- Ask the size in feet or square feet.
- For leather goods, ask the finish and thickness. A product page should state them. To compare buffalo with other hides for your item, see the best types of leather for different uses.
Buffalo leather bags
The Leather Collection men's leather handbags range is mostly cowhide, with some buffalo leather. Its buffalo duffle uses 0.8-0.9 mm buffalo leather with a retro finish, hand-stitched to order. The store does not name the species or the grain grade.
Related guides
- Bison grain is one of the grainier natural leather textures.
FAQ
What is a buffalo hide?
The skin of a buffalo or American bison. It is sold hair-on as a robe or rug, or tanned as leather.
Can you still buy buffalo hides?
Yes, from sellers supplied by commercial bison herds.
How much is a buffalo hide worth today?
One seller's robes start at $1,595. Prices vary by seller, so compare several.
How much was a buffalo hide worth in 1870?
We found averages for 1880 to 1884, not 1870. In those years hunters got about $3 for a cow hide and $2.50 for a bull hide.
LeatherGuide Editorial Team
LeatherGuide articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.