The classical “Belly Skin Cut” excludes the back and features the underside of the animal. It can be divided into three general areas: The throat, belly, and tail. Each section has a distinctive scale pattern and, depending on size, is useful for specific products.

The “belly” is the largest piece of leather derived from an alligator or crocodile skin, this, along with its scale pattern, contributes to this portion of the skin being thought of as the “premium cut” of alligator and crocodile leather. The center of the belly has larger, generally rectangular scales. The sides of the belly, featuring smaller rounded scales, are referred to as the “flanks”.

The throat or head of the alligator skin provides a beautiful piece of leather frequently used to make wallets, small leather goods, and boot vamps. The tail portion of the “belly cut skin” is characterized by relatively uniform rectangular scales. Belts made from this portion of the skin are very popular, but leather from the tail can be used in a wide variety of products