Today’s post is a collection of four videos. The first two are from established leather goods companies. I love the words of wisdom that these guys reveal about the craft and business.
The second two are from younger companies with equally younger founders. There are some equally valuable insights covered here but from a very different perspective.
Interesting videos…It’s a shame Billykirk do not spend time on refining the finish of their products. No edge finish, bulky seams that haven’t been pared down, over enlarged stitching etc..The kind of company that has great aspirations but should ultimately go back to mastering the basics.
Thanks for reading and for your input, Paul!
I watched the BillyKirk video twice simply to make sure I hadn’t missed some of the details of their work and I question the judgement of their work based solely on this short video?? Paul, do you know them personally? Have you spent any time in their shop to be able to pass judgement on their finishing techniques and quality? It seems to me a bit presumptuous to watch a few minutes of a homemade video and then make qualitative statements the likes of which you made about their finishing quality and techniques.
I have never laid eyes on these two young men nor have I been to Maine in the past 60 years or so I don’t know anything about their business or about their experiences and skills, but I had many fine fishing trips up there with my Dad growing up into my mid 20’s and we had talked with many fine craftsmen on each of our trips up and around the Moosehead Lake area and South to Bailey’s Island. So I am somewhat familiar with the quality of craftsmanship of the many fine woodworkers and leatherworkers in that part of the state.
Judging from that short experience of many years ago [8 summers of from 2 to 6weeks to almost an entire summer one year] I find any basis for your short reply criticizing any of their work generally on the merits of less than 8 minutes of video. Good job guys, and I hope to see more of your videos and the feelings behind what you do in the future. Conveying the feelings and reasons for crafting is part of the thrill and pleasure involved in educating oneself in the craft, in my opinion.
Thanks for the videos. I always enjoy hearing other people’s stories, and watching them work their magic. I nearly always pick up something new to try too. In this case, I noticed Tanner Goods had a press of some sort for doing the leather staples on the back of their belt loops. I have never seen / heard of one of these, and certainly can’t find such a tool/press searching Google. Does anyone know what these things are called?
Thanks for taking time to read (watch) and respond, Vanessa! Good eye in regards to the press – let’s see if the community has any insight.