Wickett & Craig Russet Traditional Harness

Produced at Wickett & Craig's facility in Curwensville, Pennsylvania, russet Traditional Harness is available in weights ranging from 2-3 oz. to 13-15 oz., making it suitable for both traditional equestrian applications and lighter leather goods when split to appropriate weights. The leather is offered in three grade levels (Standard, Utility, and Special) to accommodate different quality requirements and budgets.

Russet Traditional Harness undergoes the standard Traditional Harness manufacturing process, beginning with vegetable tanning followed by hot stuffing with an exclusive blend of waxes, oils, and tallows. The jack glazing process beats the leather surface with a glass roll to bring conditioning oils to the surface, creating the characteristic glossy finish while preserving the natural grain. This glazing process distinguishes Traditional Harness from English Bridle, which features a more matte finish.

The russet color shows natural marbling with light and dark reddish-brown tones distributed across the hide, a result of the glazing process and the leather's grain structure. The back side is refinished in the russet color using gum paste, providing a waxy and smooth texture. The leather maintains firm temper characteristic of all Traditional Harness while preserving the natural grain pattern of the hide.

Russet Traditional Harness sides are available in specific weight ranges: 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), and 9-11 oz. (3.6-4.4mm). Average side dimensions measure 24-27 square feet, with backs averaging 18-20 square feet. These dimensions are consistent across all Traditional Harness colors.

The leather is offered in three grade levels: Standard (#1), Utility (#2), and Special. Standard and Utility grades represent the highest quality levels with minimal imperfections, while Special grade provides the highest quality available. Custom splitting services allow specification of exact thickness requirements beyond standard weight offerings.

Russet Traditional Harness serves the traditional equestrian applications for which the leather was originally developed, including bridles, saddles, and straps. The classic russet color and glossy finish make it well-suited for visible harness components where both durability and traditional aesthetic appeal are important. As one of the nine standard colors, russet represents the most traditional choice for heritage harness applications.

When split to lower weights, the leather is suitable for leather goods including wallets, bags, belts, and footwear. The russet color provides a classic appearance for traditional leather goods while maintaining the performance characteristics of vegetable-tanned, hot-stuffed, and jack-glazed leather. The glossy finish and firm temper make russet Traditional Harness suitable for high-end accessories requiring both structural integrity and refined appearance.