Yes!  Since 2017, the most common ways that orders have been placed are through Facebook messages or in-person. I enjoy a challenge. Most of the products I offer were first special requests (including bible rebinding). If you have an idea that you don’t see in my online store or price list, just send me a message and we can discuss it!

What is the turnaround time for my order?

Why are leather items so expensive?

What quality of leather do you use?

Do you have a physical store with inventory?

Can I order a holster or knife sheath online?

Turnaround time varies seasonally and can occasionally be affected by other large orders. For example, in 2022, I had an order that took an estimated 80 hours to complete which easily added 4 weeks to my normal turnaround time.  Oftentimes, I can have an order done in 2 weeks or less.  But leading up to Christmas, it could easily be 6 weeks or longer.  When that happens, I try to post updates on my Facebook page. You are also welcome to contact me to ask the current estimated wait time.  While I do my best to estimate delivery times, I’m not able to guarantee specific delivery times because this is my second job and I’m a one person operation.  When my primary job has an increased demand (requiring significant overtime) or if there’s a personal/family need, there will be delays in the leather shop.  I will do my best to keep you informed if it looks like your order will be completed a good bit later than estimated. 

Sometimes, people are surprised when they hear the price of a bible rebind. Not only does it take several hours to rebind a bible, the cover is actually made with 2 separate pieces of leather. The outer part of the cover is usually a premium cowhide or goatskin, while the liner is lambskin. The cost of leather is pretty high, and some hides have increased significantly in the last few years.  The leather that I use for totes isn’t quite as expensive per square foot, but the largest piece (body) of the large tote is just over 30” long. There is so much leather in the large tote that I can only make 4 totes out of an entire cow’s worth of leather (2 totes per side). Since leather is my side business, I do charge less per hour of labor than folks that do this as their main job. So, material costs are the largest factor in my prices. (See the next FAQ for more about materials.)

Almost all of the leather I use comes from tanneries in the USA. Most of my oil tan leather come from the same tannery that Red Wing uses for their boots, SB Foot (which has been in business since 1872). Some of my items use Horween leather. Horween is one of the most well-known tanneries in the US and has been in business since 1905. Starting in 2025, I’ll be using more Horween for a variety of items. For holsters and sheaths, Hermann Oak (US tannery started in 1881) is my go-to… while Wickett & Craig (US tannery founded in 1867) bridle is my choice for belts, collars, and leashes. 

At this time, I do not have a physical store. All items are “made to order”, therefore I do not usually have an inventory of finished items. However, I am currently working on changing this. I’m working toward having a consultation/meeting area inside my shop and would like to have a display nearby. I’m also thinking about having a few items on display (for sale) at a certain business in town.  More on that later.  If you’re in the area and would like to see leather options in person, you’re welcome to send me a message and set up a time to meet. I usually meet customers on weekday evenings or on the weekends.

All of my holsters and knife sheaths are custom-made using your actual pistol or knife as part of the process. I create my own patterns from the actual items and then wet form the leather to them. Because of this, each holster and knife sheath is unique. Also, due to this, holsters orders have to be handled in-person only. Knives can be shipped to me, and I have done several sheaths for customers from other states. If you have a very popular gun model that has “blue gun” version available, I would consider purchasing the blue gun as an alternative. As of now, I only have a G19/23 blue gun in my shop. (Blue guns are poly/plastic replicas that can be used for training or holster making.)