Saddle Grade (our standard) v. English Bridle LeatherUpdated a month ago
Saddle Grade v. English Bridle Leather
- Both are extraordinary high quality bull-hide leather
- Saddle Leather is natural vegetable tanned leather with a softer quality then English Bridle Leather
- English Bridle leather is a much firmer leather and for this reason it has been used for centuries in the equestrian trade as it is very strong and durable
- Saddle leather, due to its softness, will develop an individual patina much quicker than bridle leather
- English Bridle leather endures an intensive and expensive finishing process and because of this only the best quality hides- those free of flaws and defects- are chosen to go through the process
- English Bridle leather is a full grain leather which is usually thoroughly impregnated with grease and finished with wax to give the leather a deep, even color and smooth finish
- Our Saddle Grade Leather holster maintains it natural finish and has raw edges and a more touchable interior
- Our English Bridle Leather holsters have smooth, burnished edges with both the flesh and grain sides of the leather treated
What does this mean for you? The Saddle Grade Leather will break in faster and have a more supple feel to it. The English Bridle Leather will take longer to break in but will maintain its form, shape and overall appearance longer and become more supple over time.
One note, our Belts are made using the English Bridle Leather. If you are concerned about an exact match we recommend the English Bridle Leather Holster but to the untrained eye the difference is indiscernible.
Is it Top Grain or Full Grain Leather: The term top grain and full grain are typically marketing buzzwords we do not use but our English Bridle Leather used on our belts and some of the holsters is full-grain that undergoes a specific tanning process to hide the texture and provide a more smooth finish (as many people, surprisingly, do not like the raw finish). The interior of the holster is rawhide (literally) or unfinished leather to help with securing the firearm.