Wickett & Craig Black English Bridle

The black color is achieved through drum dyeing following the initial vegetable tanning process. The leather exhibits the characteristic smooth, flexible texture of English Bridle while maintaining the firm structure and waxy finish created by the hot-stuffing process. This color option is among ten standard colors offered by Wickett & Craig for their English Bridle leather.

The black English Bridle undergoes Wickett & Craig's traditional vegetable tanning process using a special blend of tree barks including mimosa and quebracho. Hides soak for two weeks to ensure deep absorption of the natural tannins. Following the tanning phase, the leather is drum dyed to achieve the black coloration.

The leather then undergoes an additional hot-stuffing process where it is infused with predetermined amounts of waxes and tallows for enhanced color depth and durability. This hot-stuffing creates the characteristic waxy texture on both the grain and flesh sides of the leather. The flesh side receives a gum paste finish, providing a smooth, uniform surface that distinguishes it from other leather types. The complete manufacturing process requires approximately six weeks for each side.

The black variant features lightly hot-stuffed hides with a waxed grain surface. The top side displays rich black color with an even, flawless surface that readily accepts stamping and tooling. The back side is refinished in black with gum paste application, creating a smooth and waxy texture.

The leather exhibits a matte surface finish, distinguishing it from the glossier appearance of traditional harness leather. The material is smooth and flexible while maintaining durability and a firm hand. The hot-stuffing process saturates the leather with oils and waxes, resulting in a pre-conditioned material that arrives from the tannery ready for use.

Black English Bridle is offered in weight ranges from 2-3 oz. to 12-14 oz. Specific weight options include 2.5/3 oz (1.0-1.2mm), 3.5/4 oz (1.4-1.6mm), 4.5/5 oz (1.8-2.0mm), 5.5/6 oz (2.2-2.4mm), 8/10 oz (3.2-4.0mm), and 10/12 oz (4.0-4.8mm). The leather is sold in sides averaging 24-27 square feet, with backs averaging 18-20 square feet available at additional cost.

The leather is sourced from North American cattle and graded into standard, utility, and special selections based on quality characteristics. Each weight option maintains the same manufacturing standards and hot-stuffing treatment regardless of thickness.

The black English Bridle is used across multiple product categories in the leather goods industry. Traditional applications include equestrian gear such as bridles, saddles, and straps, reflecting the leather's original purpose. Modern uses extend to belts, bags, wallets, high-end leather accessories, and fine upholstery.

In footwear manufacturing, the leather is supplied to bootmakers including Nicks Handmade Boots, White's Boots, and Filson. Boots are commonly constructed using 6.5 oz English Bridle weight. The leather's combination of flexibility and durability makes it suitable for items requiring both structural integrity and comfort during use.

The traditional vegetable tanning method produces leather that develops a rich patina over time. The material is characterized by depth of color that becomes more pronounced with age and use. As a vegetable-tanned leather, the black English Bridle is not naturally water-resistant and requires proper care to maintain its luster and condition.

The leather may show marks, scuffs, or stains more readily than chrome-tanned alternatives, though regular conditioning mitigates these effects. The hot-stuffing process during manufacture pre-conditions the leather with oils and waxes, providing initial protection. Ongoing maintenance focuses on preserving the waxy finish and preventing excessive drying of the material.