Natural harness leather was originally used for harnesses, which made guiding animals easier. Also for "powering" machines, think of drive belts. Today, vegetable-tanned natural saddle leather also finds many other uses.
The leather used is often but not always a clear, neutral, oily, cow leather, which has great elasticity and tear resistance. The leather is vegetable tanned, in an almost artisanal process that takes several weeks. The thicknesses can range from 1.3 mm. to as much as 4.0 mm. This natural saddle leather comes from Europe and has different thicknesses; 1.3 - 1.5 mm, 1.8 - 2.0 mm, and 3.0 - 3.5 mm.
A hide can be cut in different ways. You can use a whole hide, think furniture leather, for large parts. You can also use half a hide or a half. The skin is then cut in half lengthwise. We also know about dossets, croupons or necks, among other things. The natural saddle leather, for example, is made from the necks. These have a size that can vary from just over 1.2 m2 to as much as 1.6 m2. You can buy the necks as complete necks, as half necks, or in the sizes we specify. Then you'll know right away if it's big enough for your purpose. The finished product is a stiff, sturdy leather that becomes more supple with time and use. It can develop a very nice sheen with time. In fact, it can last indefinitely!
Dimensions
If you order a Natural saddle leather neck in the shop, you will get a neck that is about 1.5 - 1.6 m2 in size. So that may vary slightly. We always decide in your favor. A half neck has a size of 0.75 - 0.80 m2. You can also buy the following pieces of saddle leather cut for you ;
- Whole neck of 1.5-1.6 m2.
- Half-neck of o.75-0.80 m2.
What is the best way to maintain this leather?
The maintenance for this natural saddle leather is fairly easy. You don't want to do too much to it. Certainly don't treat it with harsh cleaning agents. At first, just use a damp cloth to clean it. If you find that over time the leather starts to look drier, you can rub it a little with a normal natural leather grease. That will be able to make it a little more supple and maybe also make the color a shade darker.
