[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” admin_label=”The Craft in Action” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The Craft in Action<\/p>\n
Leather has been used for hundreds\u2014if not thousands\u2014of years, dating back to the days of early humans. Physical evidence suggests that even cavemen wore garments made from hide. Today, we\u2019ve reached a point in society where nearly 99% of a slaughtered cow is repurposed. From shoes and clothing to seat coverings and even pharmaceuticals, leather and its byproducts sustain modern life. The point here isn\u2019t to lecture\u2014it\u2019s to remember that natural materials still support our everyday existence. And let\u2019s be honest: men in leather are fucking hot.<\/p>\n
My chosen trade is working with hide within the BDSM and leather communities. I hand-make everything you can imagine within those boundaries\u2014and trust me, some things you probably can\u2019t.<\/p>\n
My fellow artisans and I all start with the same raw material: leather hides. I stick to four key variables in my process. As I walk you through them, I hope to give you a better understanding of the many differences in leather and why they matter.<\/p>\n
1. Type of Leather<\/p>\n
There are hundreds of types of leather, varying by animal, cut, weight, and tanning process. I won\u2019t bore you, but let\u2019s break down the basics.<\/p>\n
Animal Source I use exclusively cattle hide\u2014known for its durability and abundance. My hides come from Argentina, where nearly 99% of the animal is repurposed. The list of byproducts is extensive: food, leather goods, gelatin, cosmetics, sutures, soap, and even insulin.<\/p>\n
2. Hide Cuts<\/p>\n
Leather hides can be processed into various cuts, each with its own purpose:<\/p>\n
The shoulders are ideal for harnesses\u2014they\u2019re the second toughest part of the hide, just behind the butt, which is often too stiff for BDSM gear. Most hand-made equipment uses shoulder cuts for their balance of strength and flexibility.<\/p>\n
3. Leather Weight<\/p>\n
Leather is processed into 16 different weights, ranging from 1 oz to 16 oz. Here\u2019s a quick breakdown:<\/p>\n
| Weight (oz)<\/td>\n | Common Uses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
| 1\u20132 oz<\/td>\n | Mouldings, linings, embossing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 3\u20135 oz<\/td>\n | Embossing, billfolds, clutches, masks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 5\u20136 oz<\/td>\n | Small cases, notebook covers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 6\u20137 oz<\/td>\n | Handbags, camera cases, journals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 7\u20138 oz<\/td>\n | Narrow belts, knife sheaths, small holsters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 8\u20139 oz<\/td>\n | Belts, holsters, saddlebags<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 9\u201310 oz<\/td>\n | Heavy holsters, wide belts (1.5″+)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n I typically use 3\u20135 oz and 8\u20139 oz weights for my work.<\/p>\n 4. Skiving and Grain<\/p>\n Here\u2019s where things get interesting. Leather weight refers to thickness\u2014but hides aren\u2019t uniformly thick. That\u2019s where skiving comes in: a machine evens out the hide to a designated weight.<\/p>\n After skiving, you\u2019re left with:<\/p>\n
|