Wickett & Craig Burgundy Oiled Latigo

The leather combines traditional vegetable tanning with heavy oil and wax treatment, resulting in a strong, pliable material valued for its weather resistance and distinctive pull-up effect. Burgundy Oiled Latigo is used in heritage boot construction, leather goods, and strap applications where durability and moisture resistance are essential.

Burgundy Oiled Latigo undergoes a specialized manufacturing process at Wickett & Craig's Curwensville, Pennsylvania facility. The leather is first vegetable tanned using natural tannins derived from tree bark, a process that takes approximately six weeks from start to finish. The hides spend 14 days in tanning liquor before moving to the dyeing stage where the burgundy color is applied.

Following the tanning and dyeing process, the leather is hot-dipped in a proprietary blend of oils, waxes, and tallows. This treatment fully conditions the leather and reinforces it to withstand the elements. The high concentration of oils and waxes gives the leather its characteristic water-repellent properties and distinctive pull-up effect, though this oil content may cause potential leaching in certain conditions.

Burgundy Oiled Latigo exhibits several distinctive characteristics that make it suitable for demanding applications. The leather is strong yet pliable, maintaining flexibility while providing substantial durability. Its full-grain surface develops a rich patina over time, with the burgundy color deepening and evolving through use and exposure.

The leather displays pronounced pull-up effect, where the surface lightens when bent or stretched, revealing tonal variations in the burgundy color. This characteristic is particularly evident in finished products and contributes to the leather's visual appeal. The high oil and wax content makes the leather naturally water-resistant, though it also contributes to the leather's slightly greasy texture and waxy feel.

Burgundy Oiled Latigo is available in both firmer and softer tempers to accommodate different applications. The leather is offered in weights ranging from 2-3 ounce to 12-14 ounce, with thickness typically between 3 and 12 ounces depending on the intended use.

Wickett & Craig sells the leather by side and back, with average sides measuring 24-27 square feet and average backs measuring 18-20 square feet. The leather is graded in three categories: Standard, Utility, and Special, with pricing varying by grade and weight. General latigo leather typically costs between $8-12 per square foot, with full hides averaging $180-250.

Burgundy Oiled Latigo is employed in various heritage footwear and leather goods applications. The leather's combination of durability, water resistance, and flexibility makes it particularly suitable for boot construction, where it is used for uppers, linings, and structural components. Its moisture-resistant properties also make it appropriate for outdoor and work boot applications.

Beyond footwear, the leather is used in strap goods, bags, cases, and equestrian applications including harnesses, laces, and saddle components. The leather's durability and resistance to the elements make it suitable for products subjected to regular use and exposure to moisture or varying weather conditions.