English Bridle Leather?

[The Major]

OK, so I have always been curious as to what makes this stuff so special. I have not wanted to cough up the dough to actually see. so I ask the world wide whatthefu@k.

The only thing I am seeing is when the oils are added to the hide.

what are your thoughts and experiences?

Can you get a good return on something made from English Bridle Leather?

How does Wickett and Craigs English Bridle leather compare to say Sedgwick's.

Inquiring minds want to know.

[Randy Cornelius]

I use english bridle from Weaver to make most of my dog stuff. It is almost water profe as it has natural oils and tallows added back into the leather after tanning. I like to use it in place of harness leather which has wax which is "hot stuffed" or dipped in hot wax after tanning. I do not like to work with harness because of all the wax.

Randy

[Johanna]

Bridle leather doesn't stretch, and it doesn't absorb water. It breaks in nicely, and ages well. It doesn't crack or need much maintenance. The colors are usually rich and natural, and the weights are usually in the heavier ranges. It doesn't run or stain like cheap latigo. It's good for holsters, dog gear, protective pieces, etc. anything you would use 8/9 oz. or latigo otherwise. It is more expensive than latigo and regular veg tan.

Johanna

[gary]

I use a lot of bridle leather (mostly dog and horse items plus belts and some duty gear). I always used to use Sedgewicks but have been persuaded by a saddler friend to try John White's (he swears by it). I must say that from my, so far limited, experience of White's (a black side and an Australian nut butt) that it feels better, generally, than Sedgewicks and cuts very nicely.

Having said that, my experience with White's is limited and I may just have had a good week at sharpening my knives. Sedgewicks sometimes feels a bit dry but that may be down to how long it's been in stock at the suppliers and lots of other variables.

I have used Sedgewicks for years and have had no real complaints.

Abbey Saddlery and Crafts stock Sedgewicks, White's and their own brand of bridle leather. Sorry I don't know anywhere in the US that stocks it.

Gary

[pella]

Sedgwick is available at siegel of california, USA.

Wickett and craig and Segwick is NOT THE SAME AT ALL

WOW a HUGE difference. Any usa bridle leather is equivalent to "real" english leather. You have to try to see the difference, wickett & craig is much drier (but not bad, just different).

Gary: i never try this white but was curious to try, is so expensive to buy english leather from canada, i have to think twice. I always order sedgewick and from side to side quality vary, i even had a back one time HORRIBLE!!! But well, what can i do, i cannot re-ship them back to england! it will cost me as much as the refund...

But except this horrible "loose flesh" back, everything is nice, some hides are very nice, dense grain some are not as good, but all cow not created equal. When hides are drier, i add some sedgwick leather care before cutting.

[The Major]

Thanks for all the great info.