Oil-tanning is a process of tanning leather using natural oils after the initial vegetable tan. Typically fish oil and cod oil to be more specific. Oil tan leather provides four key benefits, it is soft and pliable, it is highly water resistant, it can ward off scuff marks, and lastly, there is less maintenance with oil-tanned leather. While it needs upkeep from time to time, it requires far less than most leathers. The oil present in the hide stays healthy and clean without any necessary moisturizing over time.