Russian Leather

[MrPetrone325]

Does anyone know anything about an old fragrance called Russian Leather? I saw some in an antique shop the other day, but I was not able to take a look. Looks like the same type of bottle as Hai Karate. Maybe they are made by the same manufacturer?

 

[Craig_From_Cincy]

Hi MrPetrone,

Russian Leather is a cologne type which is sadly becoming extinct. Also called Cuir de Russie, examples were/are made by Chanel, Knize, Creed, LT Pivar, Crown Perfumery, and others. The scent is very masculine and classy, redolent with scents of birch tar and leather. In fact rectified birch tar is a key ingredient in Russian Leather, the name Russian was attached to this scent because Russian officers once waterproofed their leather boots with birch tar. Sadly, the EU 'scent police' are cracking down on the use of rectified birch tar (as they've done with oak moss, coumarin and other key perfume ingredients) so most producers have stopped producing this scent. Creed hasn't produced their Russian Leather for years now (its still available as a bespoke scent at an ungodly price). Chanel fundamentally changed Cuir de Russie with their Les Exclusifs release and removed most of the birch tar (one knowledgeable chap I know aptly compared it to drinking Canadian Club as opposed to Laphroaig). LT Pivar changed their Cuir de Russie into "Cuir" which is now a sweet, fruity affair. The one true Russian Leather that's still available is Knize Ten, and even it is hard to find.

Cheers,

Craig

 

[The Chandos]

Well said, Craig. There are a few fairly unknown brands that Craig didn't mention - that I don't recall, either - that are popping up lately. Some of them have been tempting but my restraint has kept up well. I think the big question is whether it says Russian Leather or Cuir de Russie on the label. Here are a couple that may resemble Hai Karate:

This one by L'Argene looks vintage - I've never heard of it but I've seen this logo before.

And this one is just called Russian Leather I think (available in S. Africa) is not vintage:

 

[Craig_From_Cincy]

Chandos, I've seen the L'Argene on Ebay several times, nd I've always been curious about it. I might have to pull the trigger on it if I see it again.

 

[john parker]

Elsha, here http://www.basenotes.net/ID26121749.html, is one I look at from time to time. Maybe since it is stocked in a small town in Nebraksa just a hour or so from me. Perhaps one day I will drive over and sniff it!

 

[The Chandos]

Elsha, here http://www.basenotes.net/ID26121749.html, is one I look at from time to time. Maybe since it is stocked in a small town in Nebraksa just a hour or so from me. Perhaps one day I will drive over and sniff it!

Elsha is definitely a contender but I don't think the bottle looks like Hai Karate.

Looking at images of Elsha, however, I came across this one, which is similar in some ways, but I've never tried it. I think it's a modern fragrance that is being marketed with a vintage look but I'm jumping to conclusions.

Then, this reminded me of the products listed as Russisch Leder instead of Russian Leather, such as Farina's:

and this one from Von Calderara & Bankmann, another one I've never heard of :

 

[The Chandos]

I feel a need to wear Russisch Leder by Farina now.

 

[john parker]

I apologize for misunderstanding the thread! Thought perhaps we were also looking for Russian leather candidates, as well as the one the OP discovered.

 

[tehtimmeh]

I feel a need to wear Russisch Leder by Farina now.

Is it anything like Kolnisch Juchten?

And don't get me started on the Cuir de Russie topic. The Chanel and Creed which possess this title are both outstanding.

 

[The Nid Hog]

I think that this is a drugstore staple from the Hai Karate era. It's been a while, but I investigated it a couple of years ago. If I recall correctly, it was made in Jersey somewhere, along with a bunch of other vague brands.

 

[The Chandos]

I apologize for misunderstanding the thread! Thought perhaps we were also looking for Russian leather candidates, as well as the one the OP discovered.

Well, I took advantage of it and certainly used it that way. Besides trying to determine the "Russian Leather" spied in the shop, it's fun to pull out all these more obscure russian leather frags. I've been tempted by all of them at one point or another - some of them very (ie, VERY) recently.

 

[LoveThatBurn]

Where can one get the Russich Leder by Farina?

 

[Craig_From_Cincy]

Where can one get the Russich Leder by Farina?

http://farina1709.de/contents/de/d1.html

and

http://surrendertochance.com/farina-gegenuber-vintage-kolnisch-juchten-cologne/

 

[Craig_From_Cincy]

Chandos, I'm ordering the Elsha 1776, thanks for the heads up!

 

[The Chandos]

Is it anything like Kolnisch Juchten?

Kolnisch Juchten is more robust - it has more birch tar; while Russisch Leder is softer - has more floral notes in the opening and some musk in the drydown. They are both russian leathers but two different species. I hate to open a can of worms but I find KJ kind of a spanish leather.

Chandos, I'm ordering the Elsha 1776, thanks for the heads up!

You know the rules! Report back and let us know what you think about it!

 

[LoveThatBurn]

http://farina1709.de/contents/de/d1.html

and

http://surrendertochance.com/farina-gegenuber-vintage-kolnisch-juchten-cologne/

Does the first link ship to the US? Seems much cheaper.
Forget that, 104 to ship, or so it seemed.

 

[Mr. Styptic]

I like my Elsha 1776, both cologne and aftershave, but I love birch tar. Is Kolnisch Juchten available anywhere?

 

[xillion]

Kolnisch Juchten by Parfums Regence is available at Jacqueline Perfumery in San Fransico. I believe they offer mail order, you just have to call.

 

[john parker]

For Kolnisch Juchten quick check b/s/t!!!

 

[Rudy Vey]

For Kolnisch Juchten quick check b/s/t!!!

...too late...........