Have you ever thought what is going on underneath a full pelt fur coat ? Are all full pelt fur coats made with the same technique and if not which one should i choose ?
Well there are 2 major sawing techniques used by furriers to make a full pelt fur coat :

1. skin to skin
2. paper shredder ( this is actually my own term since i did not find an equivalent english term to the one fur makers use in Greece )

When making a fur coat only a part of the pelt is used and this is a rectangular piece of fur that is corresponds to the dorsal area of the pelt . This is the part with the highest consistency in hair quality , density and length .

SKIN TO SKIN
As the term describes these rectangular pelts are sawn together , one after another to form a fur cloth from which a ready to wear fur is going to be made


PAPER SHREDDER
The rectangular pelts go through a machine that does exactly what a paper shredder does to your documents . It shreds them in strips ,usually 1/2 inch wide . These stripes are not directly sawn together . A leather stripe 1/4 inch wide is sawn between them and this is repeated untill a fur cloth of a desired size is created .

PROS AND CONS OF SKIN TO SKIN 

pros

• higher density means higher insulation index
• no shedding since the technique is non invasive
• all pelts come from the same lot ( impossible to mix pelts from different lot because they will alter the aesthetic result
  
• less time and work to manufacture a coat
  

cons

• unable to adjust weight of coat ( if you live in a warmer climate you may want a lighter coat )
• less patterns available ( the hairline always looks in one direction )

PROS AND CONS OF PAPER SHREDDER

pros

• adjustable density and weight
• pattern versatility
  
• endurance when tension is applied ( imagine hundreds of tiny stripes sawn together )
• less volume may interpet as more ''chic ''
  

cons

• shedding for a while ( though it stops after 1-2 months of usage )
• not suitable for extremely cold conditions 
• in case of harsh treatment gaps of hairless areas are more likely to appear
  

How do i know which technique was used ?
You can tell very easily by seperating the hair with your fingers and look at the root of the hair . If you see hairless stripes then you know it was made with the paper shredder technique ( please note that you can only tell if you really try to seperate the hair , the gaps will never bee seen under every day wearing conditions ) .

Why do furriers use these techniques ?
Because it gives to the buyers more options . Not everyone lives near the arctic circle and peoples' perception about what looks better on them definitely varies . It is true that with paper shredder method less pelts are used . On the other hand so much more work is needed . This is why the retail prices are the same between and it  depends on your taste and on the way you are going to use it .

My opinion
If you live in a milder climate and weigh a few extra pounds ask for a' paper shredder ' made coat.
A skin to skin made coat will keep you warm even in more extrme weather  and will make more of a statement . 
Of course the final decision is yours and you should only use this information only to help you know a little more about fur coats . Nothing can replace your instinct and sense .
If it feels good , then it is good !!



If you need more information about furs feel free to visit my store SKANDINAVIK FURS and ask me anything , anytime