What is the difference between English bridle and traditional harness?

Traditional harness has a glossier top grain. English bridle is more matte, with a waxy, flexible hand from hot stuffing.

What weights are available?

It comes in 2.5-3 oz up to 10-12 oz, from about 1.0mm to 4.8mm thick. Lighter weights suit small goods; heavier weights suit belts and straps.

A side averages about 25 square feet. Expect natural variation in shape and size.

Can it be stamped and tooled?

Yes. The top side takes stamps and tooling well, which is one reason makers choose it.

What does the back side look like?

The back is refinished and gum pasted, giving a smooth, waxy texture.

Is it good for beginners?

The leather is forgiving to work, but a full side is a large purchase. Beginners may prefer a smaller cut first.

Where is the Wickett & Craig English Bridle Leather Side cheapest?

At Buckleguy.com, for $298.00, 35% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Wickett & Craig English Bridle Leather Side?

4 stores we checked sell it, including Buckleguy.com, Walmart, Amazon, Etsy.

Wickett & Craig English Bridle Leather Side Price History: $298.00

What reviewers say

Makers rate Wickett & Craig English bridle as a premium veg-tan with a rich, waxy finish that tools and stamps cleanly. Complaints center on the wax bleeding through and the size of a full side for hobbyists.

What people mention

FinishPraisedOwners like the smooth, waxy surface and matte top grain.
ToolingPraisedMakers say it stamps and carves cleanly.
DurabilityPraisedBelts and straps made from it hold up to hard use.
Wax transferMixedSome note the waxy finish can mark and needs care in finishing.
QuantityCriticisedA whole side is more than many hobbyists need.

From Buckleguy.com

Wickett & Craig "English" Bridle veg tanned leather side in Carrot
Drum dyed then hot stuffed with waxes for a smooth, flexible, waxy texture
Among the highest end vegetable tanned leathers in the world, crafted in the USA
Used for belts, bags, high-end leather goods and accessories, equestrian gear
Top side has rich color that easily stamps and tools
Back side is refinished and gum pasted for an incredible waxy, smooth texture

Sizes: 2.5-3 oz, 3.5-4 oz, 4.5-5 oz, 5.5-6 oz, 8-10 oz, 10-12 oz
Materials: Vegetable tanned English bridle leather, drum dyed and hot stuffed with waxes; back side refinished with gum paste
Fit: Cut: Side; average 25 sq. ft.; Grade: TR (Tannery Run)
Shipping: Free, fast shipping on qualifying orders; most orders ship within 24 hours

Size chart

Weight	Thickness (mm)	Thickness (inches)
2.5-3 oz	1.0-1.2mm	3/64"
3.5-4 oz	1.4-1.6mm	1/16"
4.5-5 oz	1.8-2.0mm	5/64"
5.5-6 oz	2.2-2.4mm	3/32"
8-10 oz	3.2-4.0mm	1/8"-5/32"
10-12 oz	4.0-4.8mm	5/32"-3/16"

About the Wickett & Craig English Bridle Leather Side

This is a Wickett & Craig English bridle leather side, vegetable tanned in the USA at the company's Curwensville, Pennsylvania tannery. The leather is drum dyed, then hot stuffed with waxes. This gives it a smooth, flexible feel with a waxy texture.

The top side has a rich, fairly uniform color and a matte surface. It stamps and tools easily. The back side is refinished and gum pasted, which gives it a smooth, waxy texture.

It is used for belts, bags, leather goods, accessories and equestrian gear.

Leather: Vegetable tanned English bridle leather
Finish: Drum dyed, hot stuffed with waxes
Back side: Refinished, gum pasted
Cut: Side
Size: Average 25 sq. ft.
Weights: 2.5-3 oz, 3.5-4 oz, 4.5-5 oz, 5.5-6 oz, 8-10 oz, 10-12 oz
Thickness: 2.5-3 oz: 1.0-1.2 mm (3/64"); 3.5-4 oz: 1.4-1.6 mm (1/16"); 4.5-5 oz: 1.8-2.0 mm (5/64"); 5.5-6 oz: 2.2-2.4 mm (3/32"); 8-10 oz: 3.2-4.0 mm (1/8"-5/32"); 10-12 oz: 4.0-4.8 mm (5/32"-3/16")
Origin: Made in the USA
Use: Clothes making, belts, bags, leather goods, equestrian gear