the feel of shark skin?

[loveit]

I was going to buy a new watchband. I like the look of shark skin, but what does it feel like? It looks like it would be very stiff. Is it comfortable or should I stick with a nice, soft leather? Any suggestions for a soft material other than leather? I'm not a big zulu fan-- I want something that looks a little nicer than that.

[Deaths Head]

Shark skin if rough. It is a very durable material, I have a wallet with it, and it kinda feels like cardboard. Ostrich skin is a very soft material that is also very durable, but you want something other than leather.
How about a kevlar band here:
http://store1.yimg.com/I/westcoastime_1905_218593

[0dBm]

There are a few variations of sharkskin. The rougher versions feel like sandpaper. Others, like horsehide. Sharkskin is very durable; more so than horsehide. My belt is lined with cowhide on the side that meets the trouser likely so that it minimizes damage to the trouser material.

[loveit]

I'm looking at a watch strap lined with smooth leather, so it could feel ok. Is it stiff? I'd rather stay away from kevlar even though it seems interesting. The ostrich is an idea, but I don't like the grain all that much.

[Deaths Head]

Ostrich comes in different grains depending on which part of the animal the leather comes from. If you don't like the dimples that is created from the feathers, you can go with leather from the leg that does not have these dimples and looks a lot like calf leather.

[Peter Atwood]

I have a number of sharkskin straps from Don. They are by far my favorite straps. Yes, they are stiff but for some reason they are extremely comfortable and they wear like iron. They are lined with cowhide. I think the texure is really interesting and to me it serves to greatly enhance the look of a watch. I have had several watches with plain straps that just didn't look right. Popped a sharkskin strap on there and presto, instantly improved.

[jefff]

I have a shark skin band and love it.. I kept it put up because I was not sure how it would wear.. but now after reading about how durable they are I am going to put it back on.. It has a grainy texture that is almost sued like

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9213/saof0.jpg

[loveit]

Well, I ended up ordering the sharkskin band. It should arrive next week. I'll post pictures once I get it on my watch. I think I'll like it. Thanks for the insights on this thread!

[loveit]

Here is the shark on the Fortis. I like the texture!

[Malcontent]

Very nice watch band. Shark skin seems to last forever.

[Deaths Head]

Looks great! It matches the watch well.

[loveit]

Thanks for the positive comments!* I have small wrists, so it is hard to find bands in short.* I know that Fortis places a black band with white stitching, but I like the all black better. Don from TimeZone was able to get it for me-- a great guy to deal with and reasonable prices.

[jefff]

Cool watch and band.. THanks for sharing