I'm just a consumer, not an expert, but the Luke Leather site indicates that the sofa is constructed using a web technique not 8-way hand tied. This is a less expensive construction technique, and some think an inferior technique. You can search this site and the web for many discussions about the web versus hand tied issue. I'm told that the Europeans think we Americans are nuts for being so obsessed on 8-way hand tied and that they do not believe it to be an indication of quality. That being said there is no doubt that many of the nicest, most expensive leather sofas (such as Hancock & Moore) use 8-way hand tied.

The Luke site also talks about the tilt of the seat. I suspect the seat cushion is wedge shaped with the more narrow side closest to the back. I believe this is a common Italian design feature. I've sat in a sofa constructed in such a manner and I have to say it was pretty soft and comfortable. I don't know if there are any long term problems associated with using wedge shaped cushions.

When I looked at a sofa constructed in the Italian technique (i.e. with a web support and wedge cushions) I noticed that the sofa frame flexed if you picked it up at the corner, the legs screwed into the frame (in other words the legs were not an extension of the frame), and the whole sofa felt light and a bit cheap. The lack of weight results, in large part, from the lack of heavy springs, but I also suspect it wasn't that solidly constructed. That does not mean the Luke sofa isn't made well, but how does one tell based on a web page? I would also say the purchaser needs to think about the cost and intended use. The site doesn't provide prices, but I think price is a key issue. If it looks nice and sits in a room that is seldom used, does it really matter how solid it is? On the other hand if it's going to get heavy use maybe strength of construction is an important issue. Also if the price is cheap enough one might rationalize that they will keep it for 5 - 7 years (or less) and then toss it for the latest design. For people that like to redecorate frequently this might be a wise choice.

Heh.

If it from Sam's Club, its not going to be good.

8-Way Hand-tied IS the best! And you have to make a knot at each tie position, not simply loop it like Classic Leather shows on their web site video. You knot each link at the spring (like Hancock and Moore), and then if a string breaks you don't have the spring coming up through the seat deck.

Duane

Thank you for your help. I had an idea what your replies would be, but didn't want to advise my neighbor as I've never had leather myself.