About
Wickett & Craig Black Traditional Harness is a black color variant of Traditional Harness vegetable-tanned leather produced by Wickett & Craig in Curwensville, Pennsylvania. The leather features the same hot-stuffed oils and waxes as other Traditional Harness colors while offering a rich black finish through both its top grain surface and refinished back side.
About
Wickett & Craig Black Traditional Harness is a black color variant of Traditional Harness vegetable-tanned leather produced by Wickett & Craig in Curwensville, Pennsylvania. The leather features the same hot-stuffed oils and waxes as other Traditional Harness colors while offering a rich black finish through both its top grain surface and refinished back side.
Black Traditional Harness combines the glossy jack-glazed finish characteristic of the Traditional Harness line with a deep black color that maintains the leather's natural grain pattern. Available in weights ranging from 2.5-3 oz to 9-11 oz, the leather serves applications from fine leather goods to heavy equestrian gear.
Manufacturing and Finish
Black Traditional Harness undergoes the same manufacturing process as other Traditional Harness colors, with hot stuffing of an exclusive blend of waxes, oils, and tallows followed by traditional jack glazing. The jack glazing technique brings oils to the surface, creating the glossy finish that distinguishes Traditional Harness from the more matte English Bridle leather.
The black color is applied to both sides of the leather. The back side receives additional refinishing with black gum paste, providing a waxy, smooth texture consistent across the Traditional Harness line.
Specifications
The leather is available in five standard weight options with corresponding thickness measurements:
2.5-3 oz (1.0-1.2mm thickness)
3.5-4 oz (1.4-1.6mm thickness)
4.5-5 oz (1.8-2.0mm thickness)
5.5-6 oz (2.2-2.4mm thickness)
9-11 oz (3.6-4.4mm thickness)
Sides average 24-25 square feet in size. The leather is graded as Standard (#1) or Utility (#2 or Grade B), with Standard grade featuring the fewest imperfections. All Traditional Harness leather has firm temper and full grain surface.
Appearance and Aging
Black Traditional Harness displays the marbling characteristic of the Traditional Harness line, with light and dark tones visible across the hide even in the black color. The glossy top grain surface shows the natural grain pattern of the hide, and the leather readily accepts stamps and tooling.
Like other Traditional Harness colors, the black variant develops a rich patina with age as the hot-stuffed conditioning agents interact with natural use. The leather becomes more supple over time while maintaining its structural firmness.
Applications
At lighter weights (2.5-5.5 oz), black Traditional Harness is suitable for leather goods including belts, bags, wallets, and high-end accessories. The firm temper and rich finish make it appropriate for items requiring both durability and refined appearance.
Heavier weights (9-11 oz) serve traditional equestrian applications for which the Traditional Harness line was originally developed. The leather's combination of firm structure, glossy finish, and conditioning makes it suitable for bridles, saddles, and straps.
References
"Traditional Harness". Wickett-Craig. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
"Wickett & Craig Traditional Harness Leather, Side, Black". Buckleguy. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
"Wickett & Craig Traditional Harness 9-11oz". Maverick Leather Company. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
