Hermès Fjord leather
The leather owners took out in storms.
Fjord is a matte, velvety leather with a large, flat grain and vertical veins. Hermès does not publish when it was introduced; the oldest dated example we found is a black Fjord Kelly 32 from 1990, sold at auction in 2022. It is rarely made today, often said to be because of its weight. It appears mostly on large bags: Birkin 40 and 45, Haut à Courroies 50.
A few things worth knowing
- Hermès publishes neither its introduction nor its withdrawal date.
- Hermès called it cowhide in its 2011 annual report; guides still disagree, from calf to adult cowhide.
- It is the leather owners cite most for rain and snow.
Fjord at a glance
- Family
- Calf and cowhide leathers
- Since
- Not published (bags from 1990)
- Grain
- Large, flat, matte grain
- Boutique price versus Togo
- Not published
- Resale versus Togo
- Too few comparable listings
- Share of listings
- under 1%
Our ratings
- Scratch resistance
- 8/10
- Holds its shape
- 8/10
- Lightness
- 4/10
- Rain and water
- 9/10
- Easy care
- 8/10
- Color depth
- 7/10
- Patina
- 4/10
- Visible natural grain: yes
- Embossed grain: no
- Structured look: yes
- Made for daily use: yes
- CITES paperwork to travel: no
Our take. These ratings are MyQuotaBag's editorial view, built from the sources listed below and from collectors' experience. They are not measurements. Resale versus Togo and share of listings are measured from public listings.
On this page
Origin and history
Fjord built its reputation on large travel and men's bags. It became scarce in the 2000s and 2010s; resellers describe it as rarely used today. No official explanation exists.
Look and feel
Matte and dry to the touch, with variable veining. Owners say its black looks blacker than Togo's.
How it wears
Scratches. Strong. Light marks rub away; corners scuff only after hard knocks.
Water. The leather owners cite most for rain: downpours and snowstorms without a trace. Calling it completely waterproof, as one reseller does, goes too far.
Shape. It stands up even when empty, for years.
Weight. The heaviest leather weighed by owners on a forum: a Birkin 35 at 1,252 g. Some owners nevertheless find recent Fjord much lighter.
Care
Treat it like other finished leathers: a dry cloth and no heavy oils or waxes.
Who it suits
Rainy climates, heavy use and large bags. Mostly found on the resale market today.
Where the sources disagree
- Animal. Cowhide for Hermès, which showed a Roulis bag in Fjord cowhide in 2011; calf, male calf or female calf in some guides.
- Weight. Weighed heaviest, yet called light by some owners; hides may have become thinner over time.
- Durability. Some owners rank it above Togo for the long run; others do not.
Fjord resale prices
Median asking prices, October 19, 2026. US dollars, from public resale listings, not confirmed sale prices.
There are not yet enough comparable listings to compare Fjord with Togo on the same bag, size and condition.
| Bag | Condition | Median asking | Same bag in Togo | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birkin 35 | Pre-owned | US$19,500 | US$18,500 | fewer than 20 |
Think of these figures as a snapshot of the market rather than a valuation of any particular bag. Explore resale prices by bag, size and year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fjord leather still made?
It is rarely seen today. Hermès has not published a withdrawal date.
Is Fjord waterproof?
No leather is, but owners consider Fjord the most rain-tolerant of all.
References
- PurseForum, owner discussions on Fjord, rain and bag weights.
- 1stdibs, "The Definitive Guide to Hermès Birkin Bag Leathers".
- Collectors' and resellers' leather guides.
- Hermès International, 2011 annual report.
- Kerry Taylor Auctions, Passion for Fashion sale catalog, December 2022.
About this guide
MyQuotaBag brings together what is known about each Hermès leather, from brand material, tanneries, regulators, the press and collectors. It also says where the sources disagree. Ratings are our own view. Resale figures are public asking prices, not confirmed sales or valuations.
MyQuotaBag is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hermès.
How to cite: MyQuotaBag, « Hermès Fjord leather », Hermès Leathers, resale snapshot of 2026-10-19. https://myquotabag.com/leathers/fjord/