Okay, so I’ve been messing around with different types of leather for a while now, mostly making small stuff like wallets and belts. I recently got my hands on some calfskin and I wanted to see how tough this stuff really is. I mean, everyone says it’s durable, but I like to see things for myself, you know?

Getting My Hands Dirty
First thing I did was just feel the leather. It’s way softer than the usual cowhide I work with, and thinner too. It felt really nice, but I was a bit worried it might be too delicate. I decided to make a simple wallet ’cause that’s something that gets used a lot and gets tossed around in pockets and bags.
Cutting and stitching the calfskin was a breeze. It’s so much easier to work with than thicker leathers. My needles just glided right through. I used a saddle stitch, which is pretty strong, just to make sure the wallet would hold up.
Putting It to the Test
Once the wallet was done, the real fun began. I started using it as my everyday wallet. I stuffed it with cards, cash, even some loose change. I wasn’t gentle with it either. I’d throw it in my back pocket, sit on it, drop it on the floor – basically, I treated it like I treat any other wallet.
- Scratch Test: I purposely scratched it with my keys a few times. I was surprised that the marks weren’t very noticeable. It’s not like it didn’t scratch at all, but the scratches kind of blended in.
- Water Test: I spilled some water on it, just to see what would happen. The water just beaded up and rolled off. I wiped it down, and there was no stain or anything.
- Stretch Test: I tried stretching the leather, pulling on the edges of the wallet. It didn’t seem to lose its shape or anything. It felt pretty strong, despite being thin.
The Verdict After Months of Abuse
I used that calfskin wallet for a good six months, and honestly, it held up really well. It definitely got a bit of a patina, which I actually like. It shows that it’s been used and loved. There were a few minor scratches, but nothing major. The stitching held up perfectly, and the leather didn’t stretch out or lose its shape.
So, is calfskin leather durable? Based on my little experiment, I’d say absolutely. It’s surprisingly tough for how soft and thin it is. It can definitely handle everyday wear and tear. I wouldn’t go using it for something that needs super heavy-duty leather, like maybe a motorcycle saddlebag or something. But for wallets, bags, and even shoes, I think it’s a great choice. It’s tough, it looks good, and it feels amazing. It did exactly what I wanted it to do, lasting long and looking good.

I think my success with this project had to do with both the material and my handcrafting skills. I’ve gotten pretty good at this, so that helps. I’m definitely going to be using more calfskin in the future. I’m thinking a nice messenger bag might be my next project.
Anyway, that’s my experience with calfskin. Hope this helps anyone out there who’s thinking about using it!