About
Seidel 1964 Black Smooth is a black color variant of Seidel 1964 Smooth leather, a chrome-tanned steerhide developed exclusively for Nicks Handmade Boots by Seidel Tanning Corp. The black finish provides a traditional work boot appearance while maintaining the same 7-8 ounce weight and hot-stuffed oil content that characterizes the 1964 Smooth line.
About
Seidel 1964 Black Smooth is a black color variant of Seidel 1964 Smooth leather, a chrome-tanned steerhide developed exclusively for Nicks Handmade Boots by Seidel Tanning Corp. The black finish provides a traditional work boot appearance while maintaining the same 7-8 ounce weight and hot-stuffed oil content that characterizes the 1964 Smooth line.
Color Development
Black was added to the 1964 Smooth lineup after the original brown color debuted in 2021. The black variant joined walnut, chocolate, and tan as part of the expanded color range offered by Nicks for the 1964 leather. The black finish uses the same chrome-tanned steerhide base and hot-stuffing process as other 1964 Smooth colors.
Specifications
Material Properties
The leather maintains the 7-8 ounce thickness standard across all 1964 Smooth colors. Chrome tanning using chromium salts provides the base structure, with chromium ions cross-linking the collagen fibers within 24-48 hours of treatment. This process results in high softness and flexibility compared to vegetable tanned leathers, along with superior water and stain resistance.
Surface Finish
The smooth grain finish presents the treated side of the hide outward, creating a consistent black surface. The chrome tanning process produces a fine-grained surface texture with heat resistance that prevents shrinking. The leather's heavy oil content from the hot-stuffing process contributes to its ability to develop patina as oils redistribute during wear, though black shows less distinct aging patterns than lighter colors.
References
"Work Leather Page". Nicks Handmade Boots. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
"Chrome Tanned Leather: A Comprehensive Guide". Vitano Handmade. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
"Nicks Handmade Boots Since 1964". Seattle Fashion Collective. December 20, 2021.
"Overlander Boot 1964". Nicks Handmade Boots. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
