Which is better for making belts?

The Wickett & Craig. Its firm hand and weights up to 13-15 oz suit belts, and a side gives you enough length to cut several. The Horween Dublin is a finished strap, not belt stock.

Both are vegetable-tanned and durable. The Horween Dublin is saddle-stitched and designed to be repaired rather than replaced, which extends its life. A Wickett & Craig side lasts as long as the goods you build from it and how well you finish the edges.

Is the Horween Dublin worth the extra?

Only if you want a finished strap. You pay for the tanning, the stitching and the stainless buckle. If you plan to cut and stitch your own goods, the Wickett & Craig side gives far more material for the money.

Can I tool the Horween Dublin?

It is not sold for tooling. The dense waxes and pull-up finish are meant to show character when flexed, not to hold stamp impressions. The Wickett & Craig stamps and tools easily.

Which is better for bags?

The Wickett & Craig. A 24-27 sq. ft. side in 4.5-5 oz or 5.5-6 oz covers panels, straps and gussets. The Horween Dublin comes as a strap, too small for bag bodies.

Do both show scratches and marks?

The Horween Dublin develops a pull-up effect and patina with flex and wear. The Wickett & Craig jack-glazed surface keeps the grain visible and takes on a rich finish with use. Both age rather than stay pristine.

Wickett & Craig Traditional Harness Veg-Tan Side vs Horween Dublin Veg-Tan Leather Side

Buy the Wickett & Craig side if you are making belts, straps, bags or tooled goods and want firm, dense leather in a full side. Buy the Horween Dublin if you want a finished, repairable watch strap with pull-up character and no leatherwork ahead of you. The Wickett & Craig is sold as a raw side by the square foot; the Horween Dublin is sold as a made strap, so compare the listed prices at each store before deciding.

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