Badalassi Carlo Loch Ness Vachetta Cowhide

Loch Ness Vegetable Tanned Leather comes from the Badalassi Carlo Tannery in Tuscany, Italy. They are well known for their traditional methods of vegetable tanning with tree barks that go back 100's of years. 

As the legend goes, made from the scales of the mystical serpentine monster, this Loch Ness article is as unique as it is elusive. This vacchetta leather is combined with a special shrunken process to create an ultra unique and rugged grain.

This veg tan leather is their top grade, it is full grain and has a nice supple feel with a small amount of firmness. Loch Ness is a vacchetta leather that is infused with a special blend of Italian fat wax giving it the famous hand and feel attributed with the vacchetta name. This leather has a beautiful smooth grain with a beautiful depth to the leather color. The veg tan will have an amazing patina as it ages. The leather is dyed completely through and has a nice soft flesh side. This leather has a great feel in the hand.

What is Vachetta Leather

Vachetta leather is a high-quality type of leather that has gained distinction in the leather industry. Originating from Italy, it is a full-grain leather made from calfskin. Vachetta leather is known for its natural preservation and minimal alterations. It is tanned using a vegetable-based method, which sets it apart from other types of leather.

The choice of young calf skin for Vachetta leather is due to its elasticity, smoothness, uniformity, and softness. This type of leather typically has a fine finish, about 1 to 2 millimeters thick, and is known for its solid, smooth texture that is pleasing to the touch. Vachetta leather is often a by-product of the meat industry, contributing to its sustainable use.

Vegetable tanning, the process used for Vachetta leather, employs pure plant extracts instead of harsh chemicals or chromium. This method, although time-consuming, is gentle on the hide and results in softer, lighter-toned leather that retains a color closer to the animal’s natural hue. Vachetta leather is distinctive for its minimal finishing, with almost no dyes or other modifications. This results in its trademark beige or off-white color, which can sometimes be lightly tinted.

Vachetta leather has been predominantly used in luxury products, like handbag straps and handles, notably by brands like Louis Vuitton. However, it is now becoming more accessible in other goods as well.

One of the most cherished characteristics of Vachetta leather is the way it develops a patina over time. This untreated, light-colored leather changes color with regular use and exposure to environmental elements, acquiring beautiful, deeper tones. This patina not only confirms the authenticity of the leather but also adds to its uniqueness, as no two pieces age exactly the same way.

What is Vachetta Leather made of

Vachetta leather is made from the hides of young calves, chosen for their unblemished and evenly toned skin. It is a full-grain leather, meaning its surface is left uncorrected to preserve its natural texture and markings. This type of leather is particularly noted for its supple, smooth, and almost silky essence, which is a result of both the quality of the hides used and the specific tanning process it undergoes.

The hides used for Vachetta leather are carefully sourced to ensure they are of high quality, exhibiting fewer marks and a more uniform tone. The distinct characteristics of Vachetta leather also stem from its high-fat content and minimal processing. This minimal treatment allows the leather to retain more of its natural fats, contributing to its unique texture and feel.

During the tanning process, fattening oils are infused into the leather, enhancing its natural qualities. Unlike other vegetable-tanned leathers, which can be quite tough, Vachetta leather is made softer and more pliable due to the addition of these fats, which may be derived from mineral or animal sources. This extra step in the tanning process is crucial in maintaining Vachetta leather's standard quality and sets it apart from other types of leather.

What Advantages Does Vachetta Leather Offer?

  • The natural leather's ageing process is one of its special advantages. The leather is not treated, so it ages naturally when used and exposed to the elements of daily life. Vachetta leather develops a darker color with time.

  • This is sometimes referred to as patina, and it's fantastic since each cover takes a different path. Because no two pieces of vachetta leather develop the same tan, they will never look the same. This patina enhances the high-end look that many are looking for.

 

  • When you have a Bible rebind made of vachetta leather, it will have flaws throughout. These provide a yet further indication of the leather's genuineness. Even if you can't see it, deep down, you know you're looking at high-quality leather. Furthermore, because vachetta leather is made from young animals, the hide has a consistent tone that reveals flaws.

How to clean Vachetta Leather

Cleaning and maintaining Vachetta leather, a high-quality and natural leather used in many luxury items, requires specific care to preserve its natural attributes and appearance. Here are some essential tips for the upkeep of Vachetta leather:

Regular Attention and Prevention: Daily care is key to maintaining Vachetta leather. Avoid handling the leather with dirty or greasy hands, as grease can darken and soil the leather. Keep the leather item away from dirty surfaces and store it properly when not in use - ideally in a dust bag, away from heat sources, and in a well-ventilated area to prevent drying or mold growth.

Cleaning Dust and Debris: Before any maintenance, clean the leather of dust, pollen, or hair using microfiber cloths or unscented wipes. Avoid scented products as they can damage the leather.

Dealing with Water Marks: Vachetta leather is porous and can absorb liquids easily. If frequently exposed to moisture, consider using a specific leather waterproofing product. However, be aware that waterproofing can reduce the leather’s breathability and shorten its lifespan. For water stains, gently dab the area with unscented wipes, and avoid rubbing. After cleaning, apply a colorless leather conditioner to nourish the leather and cover watermarks.

Managing Scratches: While some appreciate the added character scratches bring to Vachetta leather, others may prefer to minimize them. Use leather conditioner, skin butter, moisturizers, or petroleum jelly on scratched areas, applying with a dry cloth. Regular cleaning and moisturizing can reduce the likelihood of scratching and may help the leather repel dirt over time.

Addressing Dirt and Aging: Recognize that Vachetta leather naturally darkens and develops a patina over time. If the leather appears dirty, clean it gently, but understand that some changes in color are part of the natural aging process.


Proper care and regular maintenance of Vachetta leather ensure its longevity and preserve its luxurious appearance, making it a valuable investment in the long run.

Conclusion

Vachetta leather is a very expensive leather manufactured from calfskin with Italian origins. Its use by well-known companies, like Louis Vuitton, which launched it into high-end leather goods, is partly responsible for its renown. Vachetta leather, is smooth, supple, and soft. It is also highly durable and polished. It changes throughout time and is surprisingly durable, ensuring that it will look wonderful for many years.

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