Patina Is a Record, Not a Flaw
Vegetable-tanned leather isn’t meant to be restored to like new. Here’s the chemistry behind patina—and the craft argument for leaving the surface history intact.
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Horween’s Shell Cordovan Has One Rule
Shell cordovan from Horween Leather in Chicago follows a production logic that hasn’t changed in a century. Here’s what that means for what you carry.
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Vegetable Tanning in Tuscany Takes Longer Than Building a House
Tuscany’s Conceria district produces vegetable-tanned leather the slow way — because the fast way doesn’t hold. What the timeline means for quality and cost.
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Habermas 1051: The Pockets I Argued Against
The Habermas 1051 in chestnut English bridle leather with forest green suede lining and a matching green suede strap, and the pocket argument behind it.
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The Art of Vegetable Tanning: How Natural Materials Create Timeless Leather Goods
Vegetable tanning is a traditional method of preserving and tanning leather using plant-based materials. The end result is a high-quality, durable, and natural-looking leather product with unique characteristics and potential for customization. Skilled artisans use natural materials and traditional techniques to create timeless leather goods in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way.
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How Long It Takes to Learn Leatherwork
How long it takes to learn leatherwork depends on what learning means: the stitch in an afternoon, a trade in years, and the feel in the hands last of all.
