Chamois leather

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Chamois leather is leather made from the skin of the Chamois, a kind of wild goat, although the term is also commonly used to refer to cloths made from the skin of other animals or a synthetic material version. Besides the softness and warmness of the leather, it has the useful property of bearing soap without damage. Its most common use is in automobile washing where it may be known as a "shammy" cloth. Its water absorbency makes it good for other uses such as in cycling shorts, although most modern cycling shorts use synthetic chamois leather. It was also used in purifying mercury, which was done by passing it through the pores of the skin, which are very close.^[1]

Chamois leather is popular today on professional film and video camera viewfinders, as they provide comfort and absorb sweat for camera operators who spend long times with their eye planted on the viewfinder. Chamois leather is also sometimes used as a fuel filter by auto detailers.

Being somewhat spongy, it easily retains oil, making it good for wiping fingerprints from polished metallic surfaces.

The true chamois leather is often counterfeited with common goat, kid, or sheep skin; the practice of which is a particular profession, called by the French chamoiser.^[1]