The Journal

How to Condition Full-Grain Leather

A well-made piece of full-grain leather isn’t just something you carry or wear, it’s something you live with. Over time, it develops character, softens to your hand, and tells a story that’s unique...

How Leather Color Is Achieved During Tanning

The first thing people notice about a leather wallet, belt, or bag is almost always its color. A deep chestnut brown, a timeless black, or even the lighter hues that gradually darken with age, all ...

The History of Leathercraft in America

The Foundation of Early American Leather and Its Role in Survival The history of American leathercraft stretches back to a time when survival depended on skill, resourcefulness, and respect for mat...

How Leather Develops a Patina Over Time

Pick up a brand-new leather wallet, and what you feel is potential. The leather is smooth, firm, sometimes even stiff. Now picture that same piece after years of daily use, the edges darker, the su...

Hand Stitching vs Machine Stitching in Leathercraft

Pick up a leather wallet, belt, or catch-all tray, and you’ll likely notice the material first, the grain, the smell, the color. But look closer, and you’ll see the true backbone of the piece: the ...

Essential Leatherworking Tools and Their Uses

Leathercraft has a way of drawing you in. The smell of freshly cut hide, the sound of a mallet striking thread through carefully punched holes, the satisfaction of running your fingers over a smoot...

Why American Leather is Valued Worldwide

Walk into a shop filled with handcrafted leather goods and you’ll notice the difference immediately. The weight of a wallet in your hand. The warm, earthy smell rising from a belt. There is a sligh...

Identifying High-Quality Leather Goods

The first thing that strikes you about a well-made leather good isn’t always the look; it’s the feel. A certain weight in the hand, a warmth in the texture, and even the distinct aroma of real leat...

Vegetable-Tanned vs Chrome-Tanned Leather: Pros & Cons

The feel of a wallet or belt in your hands tells you more than any label ever could. Some leather feels rich, sturdy, and ready to age with you; some feels glossy but lifeless, destined to wear out...

Full-Grain vs Top-Grain vs Genuine Leather

Every leather product tells a story, but the truth of that story depends on the leather itself. Words like “full-grain,” “top-grain,” and “genuine leather” appear on tags everywhere, yet the differ...