This test method is designed to measure the load required to tear leather through two holes in the test specimen. Tanners and leather buyers have found that this test gives an indication of the resistance of leather to tearing. It is of particular value in estimating the durability of leather to withstand tearing stresses encountered in the manufacture of shoes, garments, and upholstered products. The thickness of the specimen and direction of tear relative to the backbone will affect the uniformity of the test results. This test method may not apply when the conditions of the test employed differ widely from those specified in the test method.