We offer a limited selection of chrome-tanned, unborn, or prematurely born calf skins, often called either slink skins or slunk skins. The hide side is soft and supple. They can be used for the tops of Eskimo mukluk vamps, boot tops, small rugs, table coverings, and other furniture coverings.
| Size
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Category descriptions
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| Small
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Early stage fetus with very, very short hair (1/4" to 1/2" long, depending on the skin). We do not usually stock these as they are very small; only one or two square feet. We can get some on a custom-order basis, but please allow up to two months.
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| Medium
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Medium stage fetus with very short hair. These are usually in stock. The medium skins have very short hair (about 1/4") and almost appear to be sheared. The skin is very fine and soft. The vast majority are solid black, but we do get a limited number of black and white or brown and white skins. The skins average only 2-3.5 square feet.
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| Large
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Late stage unborn calves with longer hair, up to 3/4". The skins average about 5 to 6 square feet.
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There are no export controls from CITES or USFWS.
The skins are an accident of nature. The calves were not killed just for their skins.
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 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.