Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order something that is not in the online store or price list?
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?
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 75 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. That doesn’t mean that I’ll slack off on your order if my main job requires a few extra hours occasionally. For example, in 2023, there was a 2 month period where I averaged 110 hours per week working both jobs and trying to keep up with delivery times. Obviously, that is not sustainable long term. My goal for 2024, is to spend more time with my family. So, I plan to cut off my work hours at around 75 to 80 hours per week (combined). Instead of being driven by delivery deadlines, I plan to work a solid work week and step away when it’s time for family regardless of what orders are outstanding. I will also do better to keep you informed if it looks like your order will be completed a good bit later than estimated.
Why are leather items so expensive?
What quality of leather do you use?
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 high-end cowhide (even on the non-premium options) or goatskin, while the liner is lambskin. The cost of leather is pretty high and has increased significantly in the last couple 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. I prefer to use Hermann Oak (US tannery started in 1881) for my vegetable tan products like holsters and sheaths, and Wickett & Craig (US tannery founded in 1867) for belts, collars, and leashes. You’ll see the option for “premium” leather on some items. That usually refers to Italian cowhide or maybe Horween that has a significantly higher cost per square foot. Other than the premium Italian cowhide, I do not use any imported cowhides (which would be a good bit cheaper).
Do you have a physical store with inventory?
At this time, I do not have a physical store. All items are “made to order”, therefore I do not keep an inventory of finished items. However, I would like to work on this in 2024. If there is ever any slow time, I would like to build up at least some inventory (I’m thinking totes, wallets, skillet handles, etc) by Christmas. I would also like to try some new things that you may see offered for sale throughout the year. I do keep several stock bibles on hand that are ready to be rebound should you want to buy a whole bible (instead of sending one to rebind/repair). 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.
Can I order a holster or knife sheath online?
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.
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