Recently, we received a new batch of Niloticus crocodile leather, which is also the most commonly used crocodile leather for Hermès Birkin bags.

Within Hermès, the three main types of crocodile skins are:

Porosus (Saltwater Crocodile)

• Origin: Mainly Australia and Papua New Guinea.

• Features: Very fine scales, excellent shine, usually with a small diamond-shaped pore mark in the center of the belly.

• Considered Hermès’ highest grade of crocodile skin, mostly used for limited editions or special orders.

Niloticus (Nile Crocodile)

• Origin: Africa, mainly Zimbabwe and South Africa.

• Features: Scales are slightly larger than Porosus, commonly used for Birkin and Kelly classics.

• Hermès stamps a “∼” symbol on the leather to indicate Niloticus.

• Black Birkins are most often Niloticus, since the scales are uniform and the leather takes dye beautifully with a rich luster.

Alligator (American Alligator)

• Origin: The United States.

• Features: Rounder scales, but less commonly used for Birkins; more often seen in wallets and small leather goods.

At the Shebag workshop, we also use Niloticus, since Porosus is produced in very small quantities—even Hermès itself cannot source much of it.

Even among Niloticus skins, there are differences in quality. High-quality Niloticus has well-aligned scales and, once dyed, a deep and lustrous finish—this is what meets Hermès’ standards.

It is precisely because Hermès demands such strict quality in its leathers that its prices are higher than LV or Chanel. In the supply chain, the very best skins always flow to Hermès, and in Shebag’s supply chain, the very best crocodile skins are reserved for crafting Hermès-level handmade bags.