Badalassi Carlo Minerva Liscio

Minerva Liscio features full-grain calfskin-like ultra-fine grain and is infused with a proprietary blend of Italian fat waxes during production, giving it the buttery hand characteristic of traditional vacchetta leather.[1][2] The leather is produced by Badalassi Carlo at their facility in San Miniato, Tuscany, and is certified by the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata Al Vegetale (Italian Vegetable-Tanned Leather Consortium).[2][3] Heritage footwear makers including Oak Street Bootmakers use Minerva Liscio for boots and shoes.[1]

Minerva Liscio is a full-grain leather featuring a smooth, semi-gloss finish with matte characteristics typical of vegetable-tanned leather.[1][2] The leather exhibits calfskin-like ultra-fine grain with a firm hand typical of the vacchetta leathers found in fine dress shoes.[1][2] It is dyed completely through from grain to flesh side using aniline (transparent) colorings.[1][2]

The leather is available in thicknesses ranging from 1mm to 2mm, commonly sold in 4-5oz weight (approximately 1.8-2mm).[2][3] Standard panel sizes include 9×16 inches (1 sqft), 12×12 inches (1 sqft), and 12×24 inches (2 sqft).[2]

Badalassi Carlo produces Minerva Liscio at their facility located at Via Martin Luther King 45/47/49, Ponte a Egola, San Miniato, Tuscany.[3] The tannery has specialized in vegetable-tanned leather production for over 40 years.[3][4]

The tannery is a certified member of the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata Al Vegetale, the Italian Vegetable-Tanned Leather Consortium established in 1994.[2][3][4] The consortium includes 19 member tanneries, all ensuring traditional vegetable tanning standards.[4]

Minerva Liscio undergoes traditional vegetable tanning using natural tannins extracted from tree bark.[1][2][3] The tanning process takes months, with hides immersed in tannin baths allowing fuller absorption.[4] After tanning with bark extracts, the leather is liquored with animal fats inside wooden barrels.[1][2]

The leather is then infused with a proprietary blend of Italian fat waxes (fatliquor) achieving its characteristic buttery hand.[1][2] Following the fatliquoring process, the leather is dyed with aniline (transparent) colorings, air dried, and polished.[1][2] This traditional vegetable tanning method dates back centuries in the Tuscan region.[2]

Minerva Liscio develops a burnished patina where subjected to frequent or heavy use.[1][2] When rubbed with a dry cloth, the surface becomes brighter and darker in color through burnishing.[2] The dark tones that emerge are due to surface polishing by wear, not stretching or bruising.[1]

The leather is quick to scratch, which adds depth and texture as it ages.[1] This patina development is enhanced by the oil content from the tanning process.[1][2] The smooth grain surface highlights the deep, transparent colors that age beautifully with use.[2]

Minerva Liscio is suitable for footwear, bags, briefcases, wallets, belts, harness, saddlery, shoes, binding, and leather goods.[1][2][3] Heritage footwear makers including Oak Street Bootmakers use the leather for boots and shoes.[1] The soft temper makes it suitable for tooling, carving, and other leatherworking techniques.[1][2]

The leather is used for footwear production by Badalassi Carlo, with applications ranging from pumps to boots, both elegant and sporty styles.[2][3] The material is resistant to bending and atmospheric agents.[2]

Minerva Liscio can be treated with natural creams and waxes.[2] Regular buffing with a dry cloth burnishes the surface and enhances the patina.[2] The leather is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear due to the vegetable tanning process.[2] The leather already contains oils and waxes from the tanning process, making it relatively self-sufficient in terms of care requirements.[2]