Grain leather and split leather in a work glove
Grain leather comes from the outer hide layer and has a smoother surface. Split leather comes from a lower layer and usually has a rough surface. The difference goes beyond feel: thickness, leather quality and reinforcements also influence the finished glove’s wear resistance. Abrasion resistance is therefore relevant when moving rough materials. The unlined PSP 32-209 has level 2: in the abrasion test, the material withstands at least 500 cycles. The PSP 34-220, with a grain leather palm and split leather back, has level 3, with a threshold of at least 2,000 cycles. The 34-220 therefore offers greater abrasion resistance, for example when you often grip against rough materials. The supple 32-209 instead focuses on fine manual work and fingertip sensitivity.
Supple leather for controlled handling
The PSP 32-209 Corium Driver Nappa is an unlined Driver made from supple 0.8 mm nappa leather. This combination is an example for work where you want to move your fingers easily and feel what you are holding. The PSP 34-200 Corium Driver Grain uses 1.0 mm cow grain leather and is also unlined. Both allow your fingers to move freely without an additional lining between your hand and the leather.
Extra material in the palm for demanding work
Carrying and shifting materials places particular demands on the palm. The PSP 36-150 Corium split pistoolverst. 10 features cow split leather, an extra palm patch reinforcement and a brushed cotton lining. The PSP 34-101 Corium Canadian Grain combines 1.1 to 1.2 mm cow grain leather with a lined, reinforced palm. This lets you weigh up leather, lining and reinforcement together rather than choosing by leather type alone.
Driver or Canadian?
A Driver has a leather design that fits around the hand and is available as an unlined model. A Canadian combines leather with a fabric back and a wider cuff. Lining and reinforcements vary by design. To compare thin coated models alongside leather, explore our PSP all-round work gloves.
Buying leather work gloves for cold conditions or welding
Leather alone does not make a glove suitable for every condition. An unlined Driver is not a replacement for insulating PSP winter work gloves. PSP welding gloves are intended for heat and weld spatter: they are assessed for welding hazards. When buying PSP leather work gloves for regular tasks, focus on feel, lining and the demands placed on the palm.
Frequently asked questions about PSP leather work gloves
What is the practical difference between grain leather and split leather?
Grain leather has a smoother surface, while split leather usually has a rougher surface. Thickness, lining and reinforcement also matter for material handling. The supple nappa leather 32-209 suits fine manual work and has abrasion resistance level 2, with a test threshold of 500 cycles. The 34-220 combines a grain leather palm with a split leather back and has level 3, with a test threshold of 2,000 cycles. If you often handle rough materials, the 34-220 therefore offers greater abrasion resistance.
Can I use ordinary PSP leather work gloves for welding?
No, not simply because they are made of leather. An ordinary leather work glove may have been tested for mechanical hazards without the required protection against welding heat and spatter. For a welding glove, seams, lining, cuff and welding certification to EN 12477 also matter. Choose a PSP welding glove intended for the welding process.
Are PSP leather work gloves warm and waterproof?
Not automatically. The unlined 32-209 and 34-200 do not have an insulating winter lining. A brushed cotton lining changes the feel, but does not by itself establish a cold-protection class. Leather and a lining do not guarantee waterproofness either. Cold or wet tasks require a design with supporting performance data.
What does Corium mean in PSP work gloves?
Corium is the name of PSP’s leather glove range. It includes designs for material handling and welding. Leather, lining and reinforcements vary by model. Choose according to the work and the properties of the specific glove.