We only use the softest leather that can be found in these leashes. Our customers are excited about using them as they will not hurt their hands. The thin ones are easy to wad up in the hand to pull the dog to you. Collars are soft on the dogs neck, does not rub and remove hair. The colors range from dark to white, and we've found various shades for each color. You have a selection to choose from in each color you like. Brass is the metal of choice in our hardware and we even have it coated with chrome to make a nice silver. We tell you how to take care of your leather and hardware on each card we send out. We charge actual shipping costs, none of this handling fee stuff. We are all about the customer, if you don't like something and have not used it, return it and we'll make you what you do like and send it to you, if the prices are the same you only pay for minimal shipping costs.