Wickett & Craig Milled Traditional Harness

Milled Traditional Harness maintains the core characteristics of the company's Traditional Harness line while adding an additional milling process that enhances the surface texture. The leather is available in multiple weights ranging from 3.5/4 ounce to 5.5/6 ounce, with a semi-soft firmness that makes it suitable for both leather goods and equestrian applications.

The production of Milled Traditional Harness begins with hides sourced from North American cattle of European stock. The vegetable tanning process takes approximately six weeks, involving two weeks of soaking in 72 vats filled with a proprietary blend of natural tannins including bark from Mimosa and Quebracho trees. Following the tanning phase, the leather undergoes hot stuffing, where the exclusive blend of waxes, oils, and tallows is infused into the hide to enhance durability and bring out the natural beauty of the grain.

After the hot stuffing process, the top grain is embossed with a deer print pattern. The leather then enters the milling phase, where it is tumbled in large drums to accentuate the embossed pattern and create additional texture. Through jack glazing, oils are brought to the leather's surface to create a glossy finish that preserves the natural grain characteristics. The back side of the leather is refinished with gum paste, producing a waxy, smooth texture.

The hides are air dried for approximately three days in a climate-controlled, dehumidified space before undergoing staking to soften them. The entire manufacturing process, from raw hide to finished leather, maintains the traditional vegetable tanning methods for which Wickett & Craig is known.

Milled Traditional Harness is classified as semi-soft in firmness, providing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity. The leather is available in two standard weight ranges: 3.5/4 ounce (1.4-1.6mm thickness) and 5.5/6 ounce (2.2-2.4mm thickness). For full hides, average side dimensions measure 24 to 27 square feet, while average back sections measure 18 to 20 square feet. The leather is also offered in panel cuts with standardized sizes ranging from 0.5 square feet (6.5 inches by 11 inches) to 2.0 square feet (26 inches by 11 inches).

The surface features a deer-embossed grain pattern that has been enhanced through the milling process, creating a textured appearance distinct from the standard Traditional Harness line. The jack glazing finish produces a glossy top grain surface, while the gum paste treatment on the flesh side creates a smooth, waxy texture. The leather is graded as #1 and #2 quality, indicating minimal imperfections on the surface.

Milled Traditional Harness is produced in five standard colors including Russet, Black, Buck Brown, Burgundy, and Medium Brown. The hot stuffing process saturates the leather with oils and waxes throughout its thickness, contributing to the material's durability and depth of color.

While Traditional Harness leather was originally developed for equestrian gear including saddles, bridles, and straps, the Milled Traditional Harness variant has found widespread application in leather goods production. When used in heavier weights, the leather maintains its suitability for traditional equestrian applications due to its durability and weather resistance properties.

In lighter weight specifications, the leather is employed in the manufacture of belts, bags, and high-end accessories. The semi-soft firmness and textured surface make it particularly suitable for products requiring both structural integrity and visual appeal. The vegetable tanning process and hot stuffing treatment provide the leather with characteristics that allow it to develop patina over time while maintaining its functional properties.