what is split leather?

Answer 1

Split leather made from the lower (inner or flesh side) layers of a hide that have been split away from the upper, or grain, layers. Split leather is more fragile than side leather or full-grain leather, and is typically used in the form of suede.

Answer 2

Split leather is leather that is made from the inner layers of a hide that have been scrapped away from the upper hairy layers of a hide. It is hence more fragile than side leather (which is made up of the tough outer skin) and is typically used in the form of suede. Split leather is scrapped from side leather during the tanning process and afterwards it is buffed to make the surface smooth and even.
Split leather is leather created from the fibrous part of the hide left once the top grain of the rawhide has been separated from the hide. During the splitting operation, the top grain and drop split are separated. The drop split can be further split into a middle split and a flesh split. In very thick hides, the middle split can be separated into multiple layers until the thickness prevents further splitting. Split leather then has an artificial layer applied to the surface of the split and is embossed with a leather grain. Splits are also used to create suede.