We offer a nice selection of chrome-tanned hair-on calf skins. These skins average 4 to 7 square feet. They are about 2 to 3.5 feet long and 2 to 2.5 feet wide. The undersides are a light blue tint from chrome tanning. Some skins are patch-free and some have small patches. A few skins may have scrapes on the back side. We are particularly pleased with the quality of the tanning from the Peruvian tannery.
The hair length on these calf skins is about ½” to 1” long.
Measurements are derived in the following way:
- The length is measured down the middle of the hide, not including tails.
- The top width is the smallest part under the arms or front legs.
- The middle width is the smallest part across the center.
- The bottom width is from hind leg to hind leg.
The skin shown at the top is 25" long, 27" wide at the top, 25" long across and 25" wide at the bottom. It weighs 1.66 lbs.
Cows are not an endangered species. These skins are a by-product of the meat industry. The animals were not killed just for their hides.
To clean your calf skin, first use a brush in the direction of the hair (not against the knap) to remove loose dirt. Then wet the skin with a damp cloth. Apply a very small amount of shampoo or our special wool cleaner Eucalan and rub with the hair. Brush gently with the hair. Wipe with clean water until the soap suds are gone. When it dries, the skin will be hard. Rub and stretch the hide with your hands to soften it again.