Wickett & Craig Black Oiled Latigo

The leather is manufactured using traditional vegetable tanning methods that take approximately six weeks from raw hide to finished leather. The black coloring is achieved through drum-dyeing processes before the leather undergoes fat liquoring and hot stuffing, which impregnate the material with a potent mixture of oils, waxes, and tallows in specialized stuffing drums. This treatment produces leather with a deep, saturated color and supple hand that can withstand demanding applications while developing a natural patina over time.

Wickett & Craig sources raw hides exclusively from North American cattle for their black oiled latigo production. The transformation begins with traditional vegetable tanning methods, a process that distinguishes Wickett & Craig as one of only two remaining vegetable tanneries operating in the United States. The six-week production timeline allows for thorough tanning and conditioning of the leather.

The black coloring is applied through drum-dyeing, where hides are tumbled in rotating drums with dye solutions that penetrate throughout the material. This dye-through process ensures the black color extends beyond just the surface layer, providing consistency even when the leather is cut or worn. Following dyeing, the leather undergoes fat liquoring, which introduces oils and fats into the leather structure to maintain flexibility and prevent brittleness.

The final and most distinctive step is hot stuffing, where the dyed leather is hot-dipped in a special mixture of oils, waxes, and tallows. This treatment saturates the leather fibers with conditioning agents that provide water resistance, durability, and the characteristic pull-up effect associated with heavily oiled leathers. The process results in fully conditioned leather that is both strong and pliable.

Black oiled latigo from Wickett & Craig is available in thickness ranging from 3.2 to 4.0 millimeters, though custom splitting can accommodate specific weight requirements from 2-3 ounce to 12-14 ounce weights. The leather is sold by the side and by the back, with average side measurements of approximately 24 square feet and backs measuring 18 to 20 square feet. This sizing provides sufficient material for various projects while allowing craftspeople to select cuts appropriate to their needs.

The leather exhibits rigid malleable rigidity, meaning it maintains shape while remaining workable. The smooth grain surface receives a satin finish that enhances the black appearance without creating excessive shine. The dye-through treatment ensures consistent coloration from surface to flesh side, an important consideration for applications where edges or cut surfaces will be visible.

Wickett & Craig offers black oiled latigo in both firmer and softer tempers to accommodate different application requirements. Custom refinishing services are available for an additional cost, allowing for adjustments to the surface characteristics or finish quality. The high oil concentration in the leather means some oil leaching may occur, particularly in new leather or when exposed to heat, which is a normal characteristic of hot-stuffed leathers rather than a defect.

The oil treatment that defines black oiled latigo produces several distinctive performance characteristics. The leather can repel water due to the wax content in the stuffing mixture, making it suitable for applications exposed to moisture or outdoor conditions. The full-grain surface retains the natural grain pattern of the hide, with a distinctive pull-up effect where the leather lightens in color when bent or flexed as the oils redistribute within the fiber structure.

The vegetable tanning foundation provides the leather with excellent aging characteristics. Unlike chrome-tanned leathers, vegetable-tanned materials develop a rich patina over time as the surface wears and the natural oils migrate. The black color provides a versatile aesthetic that complements various styles while showing less visible wear patterns than lighter colors.

The reinforced nature of the oiled latigo treatment makes this leather capable of withstanding demanding use in outdoor and industrial applications. The combination of vegetable tanning and oil stuffing creates leather that resists tearing and maintains integrity under stress while retaining enough flexibility for comfortable wear and use.

Black oiled latigo serves diverse applications across multiple industries. In equestrian use, the leather appears in western saddlery, paddock halters, and high-end leg strapping where durability and weather resistance are essential. The black color provides a professional appearance suitable for show and competition use while maintaining the performance characteristics needed for daily riding.

For strap goods and belts, black oiled latigo offers the strength needed to support weight and resist stretching while developing character through use. The thickness options allow belt makers to select appropriate weights for dress belts or heavy-duty work belts. The natural oils in the leather reduce the need for frequent conditioning while providing some water resistance for items carried outdoors.

Bag and luggage applications benefit from the leather's combination of structure and flexibility. The rigid malleable nature allows bags to maintain shape while the oil treatment provides some protection against weather. The black color shows less soiling than lighter leathers while developing subtle variations in tone as the leather ages.

Hunting gear and pet products utilize black oiled latigo for items like leashes, collars, and equipment pouches where durability and weather resistance justify the material cost. The leather's ability to withstand moisture exposure and resist tearing makes it suitable for active outdoor use. Shoemakers incorporate the leather in boot and shoe construction, particularly for applications requiring substantial thickness and oil resistance.