In European countries farmers fatten their calves before selling them in order to get a higher price for the veal. The skin is not so valuable for leather as the skin from younger calves, and it is used for lower-value leathers.
Calfskin is not split. A heavier weight skin might be. It is shaved to a uniform thickness.
Calf leather is divided into the following classes, depending upon the finish of the leather:—
Boarded calf (made in both chrome and bark tannage).
Wax calf, finished on the flesh side with a waxy, hard surface.
Box calf is a proprietary name. It is boarded—rubbed with a board to raise the grain. It is known by minute, squarelike lines.
Mat calf is a dull-finished calfskin, used more in topping.
Suede calf is finished on flesh side. Most makes of suede calf are chromed, although there are some vegetable.
Storm calf is a heavy skin, finished for winter wear. Considerable oil is used in finishing.