JamesR Report post Posted January 24, 2016 I want to try some russet colored harness leather for a briefcase. Would this be a good choice or should I stick with bridle leather? How do they differ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
George3 Report post Posted January 24, 2016 My choice would be bridle, unless you want to make a case that's extremely water proof Wickett and Craig has a chestnut as does Weaver that is gorgeous. W&C some times takes up to 4 weeks to send an order. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesR Report post Posted January 25, 2016 George3, I like W&C bridle too. It is what I have been using. I was wondering how different their harness would be. When you say water proof do you mean the harness leather has more oil or wax? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gmace99 Report post Posted January 25, 2016 Harness is thicker and stronger. Harness is dipped in hot grease towards the end of the finish to give it strength and keep it flexible. I would use bridle for a case. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
George3 Report post Posted January 26, 2016 Harness isn't particularly stronger than bridle it's the same leather, but it goes one step furthur and has more wax, oil and tallow added. Very difficult to burnish an edge, seems softer with all the added stuff. I make a lot of horse and harness type of supplies with W&C show harness leather, but not case goods. If your looking for weatherproof, bridle leather will do fine, if it gets dragged through the mud and snow day after day, show harness is the only way to go. I make tack for the pointing dog field trialers, the pro's give it a work out, 7 days a week month after month and good harness leather holds up! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesR Report post Posted January 26, 2016 Thanks to both of you. I guess I will stick with bridle. I was looking for something that might be more flexible for the same weight as bridle. W&C will "stake" the leather to soften it. Do you think staking makes it harder to burnish an edge? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
George3 Report post Posted January 26, 2016 I get 6oz W&C bridle and its flexible, I make totes and bags with it. Are you covering a hard case with leather? If so 3-4 might work. Staking will soften it even more. Call W&C and speak with Mat, he's the sales manager, or Dave, he's a new guy on the team but really helpful, they can answer all your questions. If you call weaver ask for tn leather Dept manager and he'll make sure you get what your looking for George Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesR Report post Posted January 26, 2016 George, Just briefcases and shoulder bags, no hard cases. Last piece I had was 8 oz. I will drop down to 6 oz. and see what it is like. Thanks again Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
