Watching established companies make their wares is a great source of inspiration and a glimpse into traditional techniques and methods.
Making a Traditional Double Document Case
Alfred Dunhill posted this video showcasing their Double Document Case which includes a peek into how it is made. The brushing throughout the video reminds me to work clean not only on my workbench but also keep my leather surfaces clean.
The Salvatore Ferragamo bag, a masterpiece of craftsmanship
The speed at which the first guy hand cuts his pattern is breathtaking. I also love both the speed and precision of the second woman’s application of glue and smoothing it down.
Hi. Thank you for sharing the great videos. At 1″21 of the the Salvatore Ferragamo bag video, something like a soft handle pad is shown. May I know the name of it and what it is made of? Is it available in tool shops or should it be made by one own self like a mould? Thank you very much.
Thanks for watching, Yoanne! Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of inside information on exactly what tools and materials they’re using, but I’m just as curious as you are.
It is a handle stiffener. You can buy it made out of rubber or leather, or make it yourself 😉
Thanks for chiming in, Edna!
Thanks for sharing this. After viewing it a couple of times have a few questions:
In the briefcase video what was the brush quality that he used to go over the leather with before he cut his pattern? And what was the purpose of using it? Also thought it was interesting on the round handle that he trimmed after he hand sewed it.
Thanks for your continued effort in teaching/sharing with your community.
Hi Barbara. It looks like it could be a long-bristle horse hair cleaning brush, which are commonly used to clean up a hide, especially if it’s been in storage for a while. Thanks for watching our videos! We learn a lot in seeing them too.
As someone that is new to leather work, how would I create goods that are not the same as whats already in the market place, specifically wallets and card holders as most people such as yourself have protections in place to prevent your designs from being made and sold.
Good question, Michael! There are always ways to put a unique spin on existing designs. Feel free to send us an email; we’d be happy to chat with you about it in more depth.
I started my leatherwork journey june of last year and remember watching that Dunhill video then. The feeling I got from it was of awe, inspiration and fear. Here is a craftsperson with decades of experience, paper patterns, and hand tools makes a beautiful briefcase (at least that’s what I saw in the video). Now almost 8 months later, I have so many questions… Are there seam allowances besides the handle? Is that a Blanchard round knife? Is he using old J Dixon irons? I did not see an awl, so is he penetrating all the way through the leather?
I have not seen the Ferragamo video until just now but feel somewhat of a let down. A world known brand certainly needs machinery to increase production efficiency. But had I seen the video 6 month ago the splitter, skiver, and sewing machine would have certainly put me off from european style leatherwork (this is coming from a person who just bought a pre owned Consew skiver and drove across three states to pick it up and could not be happier to have done it).
The Dunhill video makes me feel like there are artisans still doing beautiful hand work whereas Ferragamo looks more like an assembly line. That is not to say Ferragamo does any less of a beautiful job, however Dunhill does have a sense of Old World mastery.
One thing that is the same in both videos is the uniform (white coats) of Dunhill and Ferragamo crafts people. There is something to be said about having a “uniform,” and taking your craft seriously. Anyway, sorry for the long winded response. Love the content and happy to have found your site!
Thanks for your in-depth and insightful comment, Misha! We agree with you: Dunhill has a bit more ‘old world mastery’ and it’s this kind of approach that piques the interest of many of us. We’re happy to have your critical eye and experience here. Keep in touch!
Hi there. Thanks for the post. Any ideas what the black edge substance is? It sure looks like it goes on more effectively than my Fiebings Pro Dye.
Good eye. It happens so quickly in the video, it’s hard to tell!
I am a 4th generation leather crafter . Being Native American I have made everything from simple cases to saddles. My belief is there is always something to learn. Thank you I enjoy watching the films and learning something new.
Always something new to learn indeed! The more you know, the more realize how much more there is to know. Thanks for chiming in, William!