For our products, a regular CXL leather is used when we can use a thicker leather that doesn't need to be size-critical; CXL will stretch a bit with use to conform to whatever it's used for...so, we can't use a regular cowhide CXL leather for a custom length watchband but it works great for an adjustable watchband or a clutch. It will scuff easily, but a little friction with your thumb will remove all but the deepest gouges easily. 