Leather Shop

Some tools are designed to last a few years. Others survive generations of craftspeople. In Season 4, Episode 5 of Leather Shop, Matt sits down with Ted Dawson of Ted Dawson Antique Tools to explore the world of antique and vintage hand tools — including leatherworking tools dating back to the 1800s. Ted's obsession with old tools started almost accidentally. After buying a wooden hand plane at an auction in Nova Scotia for just a few dollars, he became fascinated by the craftsmanship behind it. That single purchase eventually turned into more than four decades of collecting, restoring, buying, selling, and studying antique tools. Ted and Matt dig into the differences between vintage and modern tools, including the materials, ergonomics, aesthetics, repairability, and sheer durability found in many older pieces. Ted also pulls out several remarkable leatherworking tools, from oversized edgers and adjustable French edgers to nineteenth-century draw gauges and leather plows. They also talk about restoration,…

Cowboy boots occupy a unique place in leathercraft. They combine traditional shoemaking, custom fitting, exotic materials, and generations of specialized knowledge into a product that has to perform just as well as it looks. Matt sits down with Jake Houston of Houston Boot Company to explore what goes into building handmade cowboy boots from the ground up. Jake shares how a search for the perfect pair of stingray boots unexpectedly led him from music and leather carving into full-time bootmaking. Along the way, the conversation covers working with exotic leathers like stingray, elephant, alligator, and kangaroo, the realities of CITES regulations, and why material selection is only one piece of building a great boot. The discussion also dives into lasts, custom fitting, boot anatomy, sizing differences, and the construction details that separate bespoke boots from factory production. Whether you're interested in footwear construction, leather selection, or simply enjoy learning how experienced makers…

Grant Anderson never set out to sell leather. He set out to make a bag as nice as the saddle-leather interior of a used King Ranch truck he loved. That turned into Uptown Common, a one-person shop in the Indianapolis area built around structured, hand-sewn bags. Then a single sale at a Chicago show went sideways. A customer wanted a strap, the exact MPG hide had been discontinued, and Grant had to call in a favor just to finish the order. Within a few weeks he'd named a company, formed a corporation, and wired money to a tannery in Italy. That's how The Leather Reserve started. This episode follows both hats Grant wears. On the craft side, he gets into wet-forming gussets with acrylic forms, the Barry King maul that changed how his work felt, why he switched from waxed linen to polyester thread, and the two-color saddle stitch that's become his signature. On the business side, he explains why makers can't just buy direct from a tannery, what a 50-square-meter minimum order actually means, and why he only…

Alexis Saab joins Matt Roach for a follow-up conversation on the shift from custom footwear into small leather goods. After years of working on custom sneakers, Alexis is building a new brand called Back Home, focused on wallets and leather goods that can stand on their own without depending on another footwear brand’s silhouette. The conversation moves through logo design, leather stamps, the difference between chrome tan and veg tan, and why simplicity matters when branding leather. Alexis also breaks down what makes sneakers so time-consuming: patterns, lasts, machinery, sole attachment, hidden mistakes, and the stress of long custom timelines. Matt and Alexis compare shoemaking to wallet making, talk through post-bed machines, bell skivers, workshop space, tool maintenance, and the challenge of charging fairly for work that takes years to learn. They also get into community, content, and Alexis’s long-term goal of creating his own footwear silhouette. For anyone building leather goods, thinking about…

Mike from BulSae Leather joins Matt in this deep‑dive into Korea’s vibrant leathercraft culture. Starting with a single wallet and fueled by a passion to “make things that last longer than our lifetime,” Mike has built BulSae Leather into a small but mighty workshop known for its clean design, uncompromising hand‑work, and thoughtful storytelling. In this episode you’ll hear how a childhood fascination turned into a full‑time craft, why the name BulSae—Korean for “phoenix”—represents both heritage and reinvention, and how Mike balances tradition with modern tools in a world where “handmade” is often gate‑kept.

Matt Roach and Shane from Bow the Maker dive into which leatherworking tools are worth buying, which to skip, and how to avoid wasting money. From knives and pliers to sewing machines and clicker presses, they share real-world insights on building a smart, safe, and efficient workshop. Learn how to choose quality tools, steer clear of hype, and set up your bench without breaking the bank.

Will Hodges of Treve Cambridge joins Matt to discuss the realities of fine leatherwork. From exotic hides like crocodile and shell cordovan to the precision of pricking irons, stitching, and regad tools, this episode dives into the challenges and artistry of working at the highest level of leathercraft.

KC from Mack Provisions joins us to talk about his journey from relacing baseball gloves in Spokane to launching a full-time glove-making business rooted in old-school craftsmanship. We dive deep into glove construction, canvas vs. leather, and why Horween leather is king. A must-listen for crafters, players, and makers.

Stevie of Hellbound and Back Leather joins Matt to talk trap shooting, creative process, and what it's like crafting for a niche market few dare to touch. From trauma tech to artisan, Stevie shares how leatherworking became her stress relief—and later, her business. Whether you're into custom tools, shooting sports, or balancing craft with motherhood, this is an episode that hits all the marks.

In Part 2 of our maker Q&A, Shane Bowman (Bow the Maker) is back with Matt to tackle more of your leathercraft questions. This episode is all about tools, technique, and getting real about the ups and downs of making. Whether you're a beginner wondering how to design your first pattern or an experienced maker debating hand stitching vs. machine work, there's something here for you. What We Cover in This Episode: Why Vinymo is Shane's go-to thread—and what other budget-friendly options are out there The truth about thread sizing, sheen, and durability Pattern-making 101: the analog method Shane recommends for beginners The best ways to work through a creative block Tools that are truly worth your money (parallel pliers, anyone?) A real talk breakdown on hand-stitching vs. machine-stitching Why community support is essential—and where to find it ️ Hosted by Matt Roach | Guest: Shane Bowman (@bowthemaker)

he questions came from you — and now it’s time to dive in. In this special listener-submitted Q&A, I sat down with Shane Bowman (aka Bow the Maker) to answer the things you’ve been dying to know about leathercraft, gear, and growing a small maker brand. From how Shane got into laser engraving (and why it cost him thousands) to the tools he’d buy again (and the ones he wouldn’t), this episode covers the business, the craft, and the chaos that comes with turning a passion into a profession. We also talk about: What makes good pattern design (and why most of them suck) Clicker dies and the Temu trap Choosing gear that fits your craft — not just the hype Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up your shop, this one’s packed with real advice, hard-earned lessons, and enough banter to keep your glue from drying out. This is Part 1 — we got so many great questions, we had to split it in two. ️ Hosted by Matt Roach | Guest: Shane Bowman (@bowthemaker)

In this episode of Leather Shop, we sit down with Sarah Roe, founder and artisan behind Stitch & Roe, a brand dedicated to transforming vintage baseball mitts into bespoke leather goods. Sarah shares her journey of upcycling cherished mitts into wallets, keychains, and more, preserving the memories embedded in each piece. We explore the meticulous craftsmanship involved, the sentimental value of repurposing family heirlooms, and the challenges of working with diverse leather qualities. Whether you’re a leathercraft enthusiast or someone who treasures family history, this episode offers a heartfelt look into creating timeless pieces that carry personal stories forward. https://www.stitchandroe.com

In this episode of The Leather Shop, host Matt Roach sits down with Justin from Wylie’s Wood and Leather to explore his fascinating journey from Hollywood actor and producer to a skilled craftsman of wood and leather goods. Dive into the challenges and triumphs of leaving behind a traditional career to pursue a life of creativity and self-reliance. Justin shares stories about his early days in Los Angeles, his transition from TV production to woodworking, and his deep passion for crafting quality, enduring products. Plus, the duo discusses the importance of preserving traditional skills in a disposable society, tools every maker needs, and the joys (and struggles) of shop organization. A must-listen for creators, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration to chase their dreams.

Explore the journey of Corbin Edwards, founder of Corbin Lane Leather Co., as he shares how he transitioned from knife-making to leathercraft and built a thriving handmade leather business. Learn the challenges he overcame, the lessons for starting a small creative business, and insights for aspiring leatherworkers, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Leather Shop, we dive deep into the art of crafting baseball gloves with the legendary Scott Carpenter. From his beginnings in the New York art world to revolutionizing baseball glove design, Scott shares his fascinating journey and the intricate process behind creating the perfect glove. Discover the secrets, innovations, and passion that drive his craft. Whether you’re a baseball fan or a leather enthusiast, this episode offers a captivating inside look at the intersection of sports and craftsmanship.

Ever wondered how an engineer becomes a master craftsman? Join us as we explore Zach Herberholz's fascinating journey from electrical engineering to mastering blacksmithing and leatherwork. In this episode of "The Leather Shop Podcast," host Matt Roach sits down with Zach Herberholz of ZH Fabrications, a renowned blacksmith and leatherworker. Zach shares his inspiring story of leaving a traditional career to pursue his passion for fabrication. Learn about the unique intersection of blacksmithing and leathercraft, and how Zach's innovative designs stand out in the craft community.

Discover the inspiring journey of Kayleena from Wrackline Leatherware in this captivating episode of the Leather Shop podcast. Kayleena shares her innovative approach to leathercraft, blending traditional techniques with modern artistry. Whether you’re into DIY projects, small business entrepreneurship, or simply love hearing about creative pursuits, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips. Learn how Kayleena built her brand, the challenges she overcame, and her secrets to success. Perfect for hobbyists and entrepreneurs alike, tune in for a story that bridges passion with craftsmanship.

This month on "Leather Shop," we're joined by Shane from Bow the Maker, who dives into an array of topics including his exciting new business venture that offers customized snaps for makers of all sizes. Shane shares his unique approach to leathercrafting, revealing how his passion for art seamlessly integrates into every facet of his business. Tune in for an inspiring session that bridges traditional craftsmanship with innovative business ideas.

In this engaging conversation between Matt Roach and Alexis Saab on "The Leather Shop" podcast, they delve deep into the world of custom shoe crafting, sharing their personal journeys from painting to leatherwork, exploring the intricacies of the craft, and discussing the challenges and rewards of creating custom sneakers. They exchange insights on the tools and techniques that have shaped their work, reflecting on the continuous learning and adaptation required to excel in the dynamic field of bespoke footwear.

Ben and I had an awesome conversation talking about everything from his amazing edge finishing, implementing machines into the workshop, production work as a sole proprietor and more.

Justin and I had a great conversation spanning from design to his journey into Leathercraft and much more.

Dave and I had an awesome conversation talking about everything from being a small business owner in New York to how he has worked to hone his skills into making one of the most popular up and coming sling bags. We talk about his long term goals and what its like to foster a community around your products.

Andrew and I had a great conversation talking about all areas of leather craft. His career as a professional forester and more. River De Chute Leathercraft specializes in Handsewn Leathergoods, Custom Designed Bags, Belts, and Accessories.

Blackburn Goods brings together handcrafted and heirloom quality in modern leather goods.

Maverick Made. was born out of a passion project to create an affordable motorcycle tank strap for a Triumph Bonneville T100, with the best possible leather we could afford. That one project took many little practice projects, which ignited a burning passion to create meaningful, unique, and thoughtful everyday carry items for discerning individuals who care about handcrafted quality, ethically sourced materials, and exceptional wear for years to come. Maverick Made Website

Skinner American Goods produces some of the finest denim and leather goods on the planet, with a focus on American-sourced raw materials. Each item is crafted by hand in our workshop/retail space located in the historic and funky Railroad Square Art District in Tallahassee, Florida. Our ethos is simple: thoughtfully designed, responsibly sourced, carefully crafted items are more durable and more beautiful than anything produced with modern materials and techniques. skinneramericangoods.com

Possala Designs is an independent brand that focuses on of one-of-a-kind high quality handmade goods in Asturias, Spain. Each item is carefully designed and crafted in my small workshop by thje team of one. Quality materials sourced from sustainability conscious sources are used to bring you functional art that you can use. All pieces are exclusively constructed from initial draft to its final form by combining my experience and passion for contemporary design with colorful intent.

Jamie is the owner of Seel Made. Seel is committed to providing top quality American-made products to those who seek individuality (and functionality) in their accessories.

Terry is the owner of Terry Crafter. Terry Crafted is a Custom Handmade watch straps. Made in Ontario Canada. These truly bespoke watch straps are some of the highest end straps I have ever seen. We enjoyed a great conversation about edge paint, exotic leathers, steel rule dies, taking the leap toward your own business and more. Be sure to visit his website.

TJ is the owner of TJ Leather. TJ Leather is a Custom Handmade Leather Items for The Fire Service. Made in Maryland by a Firefighter. Rugged Leather Products for Firefighters. We enjoyed a great conversation about exotic leathers, steel rule dies, thread suppliers, designs and future products. Be sure to visit their website.

Bryan Phillips is the owner of Rowan & Wych. Rowan & Wych is a custom cabinet shop based out of Tampa, Florida; specializing in kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Their team is dedicated to making high quality-custom pieces and also providing unrivaled customer service. We enjoyed a great conversation about exotic leathers, steel rule dies, thread suppliers, designs and future products. Be sure to visit their website.

Matthew Demeo owns Mateo Mattia. A New York based leather goods shop, offering high quality products and exceptional customer service.

Hugh Harriss owns Buckleguy. An online wholesale supply store for manufacturers, leather crafters, and hobbyists in search of better-quality leatherworking products. We enjoyed a great conversation about hardware, leather, family, stickers and future products. Be sure to visit their website.

Leanne and Nick own Hemlock and Hyde. A small batch, made to order leather goods company. We enjoyed a great conversation about Fashion, Leather, tools, equipment and where they see themselves in the future.