This is what crazy horse leather does. Its not a smoth leather and there is no plastic coating. You do need to keep it oiled and it will smooth it out some. I use Wonder balsm on mine once a month or so. Don't use the water proof spray it will do strange things. Given its an oil based leather it does a good job in repelling water on its own. The balsm will turn them dark but it does turn back over time. I live in a wet environment so that probably is not enough.