Name: CR1 Jacket - Horsehide
SKU: 429810

Product Details ＋

The PDW CR1 Jacket in genuine, premium, front quarter horsehide. A custom tanned 3 oz hide weight, which is more supple than any other horsehide we have handled, and more abrasion resistant than any cow or steer hide or similar or even heavier weight classes. Our specially tanned horsehide does not require nearly the same break-in period compared to any other horsehides we've seen. Handmade in San Francisco, California USA by our partner work shop that has been making leather jackets for motorcycle clubs and police departments for decades. #cr1 #builtforlife

This is our take on the "Cafe Racer" style leather jackets which gained popularity with motorcyclists starting around in the 1950s, and similar to the (one-piece) styles as worn by racers of English, German and Italian twins on tracks to closed circuit courses such as the Isle of Mann TT races.

Before soft-shells, 3L waterproof-breathables, or polyester fleece, leather and horsehide in particular, was the material of choice for rugged outerwear in first half of the 20th Century. Jackets like these are a life-time acquisition and passed down to your children. The CR1 is one of our made in USA products.

The 1950s post-war era saw a boom in motorcycling. Many took to motorcycling to find a sense of freedom and independence, thrill seeking, or even giving in to a rebellious streak. The CR1 is a classic design that is sleek, minimalist and stripped of any superfluous ornament. To create the CR1 Jacket, we started with numerous authentic period examples of this style jacket from the 1950s and 60s. From these vintage examples our master pattern and final jacket was created.

We used the finest, select premium, front quarter horsehide to create this jacket. A special tanning method and 3 oz weight were chosen to produce a jacket perfectly suited on a motorcycle, unusually supple unlike the very stiff and unforgiving 3.5-3.75 oz hides, and won't weight you down when you get off your bike and are walking around town. Our select horsehides are superior in tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and durability to any cow and steer hides in heavier weight classes. The CR1 will further break in with use and display its characteristics as unique as the individual who wears it.

Some modern touches were added to our take of this classic style such as wind flap and USN G1 type gusseted bi-swing back. There are 2 interior Napoleon pockets and a durable MILSPEC 5050 NYCO ripstop lining. The CR1 Jacket is available in classic black.

Buy once, cry once, smile for a lifetime. The CR1 is warrantied against manufacturer's defect for the life of the original owner.