Who likes my work?
Motorcycle enthusiasts and people who like heavy duty, all-purpose leather goods with a custom touch, connect with my work.

I cater to a wide range of riders: from the hardest clubs to folks in the Military, to LEO's. I don't discriminate between "metric" riders and Harley™ zealots. I also do work for non-riding, regular folk who happen to like custom made leather goods - bless their cage driving hearts! If you pull out your "biker wallet" on weekends and are looking for a $25 special, you better off shopping at your local moto-emporium or swap meet - your not going to find what your looking for from me.

What do I make?
I fabricate a few styles of wallets: the Fin - the unique shape is a riff off a wallet designed by the Japanese artist Silversmith Fin. I loved the organic shape and refined it a bit in terms of design & materials for my own use. I named it the "Fin" to pay props to the man who thought of the idea... after asking his permission to use it. My friend Keino Sasaki, bike designer and builder of great repute introduced us. Thanks, Keino.

I also offer for your pleasure, both the modestly sized Squire and the pocket filling Super Squire wallets. These can be set up with chains or without. I also make belts, knife and tool sheaths, phone and PDA cases from heavy weight vegetable tanned cowhide. I've made a purse or two and make a few other odds and ends, like "pocket wallets", guitar straps, leashes and wristbands - all with a different look and design as your commonly used to seeing - so if you're looking for something you don't see, ask. I am always up for a challenge, within reason.

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Artwork
If you have a graphic you like or artwork you want reproduced - I will try and accommodate your request. I am not a fine artist and have limited (and that is being generous) drawing skills - you've been warned! Simple line art is most easily reproduced, and in my experience and opinion the simplest graphics often work and look the best on leather that is worn. Every piece I make is unique - I don't use templates, I draw freehand so you can be sure you've got a one of a kind original.

Decoration
I decorate most all my work with a combination of carving, using the leather crafters swivel knife, stamping techniques and dye. I don't paint leather, I dye it. Dye looks different from paint; it has a different chroma (brightness) and changes character with the leather as it ages and gets worn. Paint sits on top of leather and looks like crap (my opinion of course, no offense to painters), whilst dye penetrates and takes on an interesting character over time.

Dyes & topcoats
I use the best, most consistent dye I can find - Fiebings. I condition with Pecard's, Bee Seal, and Neatsfoot Oil. I finish each piece with a sealant or topcoat - Leatherworkers like their lotions and potions and I am no exception - depending on the use, decoration and the piece itself I might apply: Resolene, Kiwi Neutral Shoe Polish, Montana Pitch Blend, Atom Wax or a Shene (gloss or satin). A topcoat for the most part insures the piece will pass the test of time.

Stamps
I use unusual, distinctive stamps made by the best tool and die makers catering to the leather craftsman. Wayne Jueschke of Elko, Nevada is a personal favorite and I use many of his stamps and hand tools. My round knives are vintage because I like the way older blades work and hold an edge - you can feel the history when you pick up one of these tools. Using 'em means that the work for you will be distinctive, the stamped images sharp and the overall impression, top shelf!

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Sewing
I sew with a hand-operated sewing machine, an industrial electric machine, an ancient 1911 vintage Singer treadle machine or saddle stitch by hand. I use a poly thread that will not rot. For the infrequent hand stitched saddle-stitched pieces I make, I use a waxed thread. I generally have a variety of thread colors on hand (white, red, brown, yellow, black) so if you are looking for something specific, ask.

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Wallets
I make three styles of wallets, they fit a Levi's back pocket perfectly.

• The Fin - see the description above
• The Squire- more of a traditional rectangle
• The Super Squire - (the Super is a bit bigger that the standard Squire)

Wallets can be decorated front and back with all sorts of artwork and stamping patterns. The interiors of my wallets are always multi-colored - it's a trademark of mine and a bit unexpected. You can get wallets with and without chains.

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Wallet Chain
I've got some different types of chain available, costs vary by style and availability - contact me for current stock:

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Belts
With belts you've got choices - do you have a buckle you favor or do you want me to supply one? Or for something completely different - do you want me to make you a trophy style buckle using a skin like stingray or alligator or a design in leather to match your belt?

Do you like Nickel hardware or favor a brass finish? Do you want a "regular" belt or one of my special "tabbed belts"? What color do you want? Are there any graphics you have in mind? Most of my belts are just under 1.75" tapered to 1.5" and made to be work with jeans - but I also make 1" belts with nice buckle sets suitable for the suit and tie world. I generally like to use contrasting thread.

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Lining belts
I line my belts, it takes more time, its more work, it uses more material and it forces me to work with the vilest of toxic glues - but in the end you'll have a belt that will stand the test of time. In this day and age, very few people line a belt - but my belts are made to last - not to wear out and throw away like the disposable department store crap we are all accustomed to. I use mission grain pigskin for lining belts. It doesn't absorb sweat, is tough as nails and the texture keeps the belt from sliding. And here you were thinking a belt is just a simple strap!

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Belt sizing
If you're looking for a belt: here is a "measure yourself" diagram that you can use - I will NOT take a belt order without you taking this critical measurement. Telling me your a size 42 isn't gonna cut it - sorry - I know that this is a pain in he butt if you want to give a gift. But every time I have deviated from this policy - I have come to regret it.

Measure yourself carefully or you'll wind up with something that doesn't fit, and that just plain sucks and I'll feel sorry, but I will not make you another one unless you pay full freight, so keep in mind that this measurement is YOUR responsibility, pay attention. I promise to make it to that exact measurement, you promise to measure correctly - deal?

If you can't manage a tape measure, I will arrange for you to send me a belt that fits, marking the hole that is used most often. I will take the measure from the belt you send me and I will return it with the new belt I make for you.

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Points Covers for H-D Evo and TC models
My points covers are a nice, inexpensive way to accessorize your H-D. I use 16ga. steel to back up these covers, courtesy of Fabricator Kevin. I use some industrial strength adhesive that reeks to high heaven to attach the leather to the steel. Since I use very thick (10-12oz) leather for these items, the tooling comes out deep & dramatic.

Keep in mind that leather will shrink when exposed to high heat (your engine) and water (it happens right?) when you either wash your bike or get caught in the rain (which is usually the case with me). I have started using an acrylic finish to protect and seal the leather - which helps but doesn't totally solve the problem. Hey, its leather, not metal.

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Tool Bags
I make a killer toolbag, when I am up for making them - which isn't very often these days. They are very heavy duty and well finished. Doubled up in all the right places - these bags weigh a ton, are fully lined (an unusual detail which really finishes the bag off) and can be customized in a number of ways. This is a nice addition to your bike if your sick of bolting on the Indo-Pak-LatAm swap meet junk like most folks do and want something distinctive. I use nickel or brass hardware and can dye the bag most any color. I make all parts of the bag, including the bag straps.

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Sheaths & cases
I wet mould cases and sheaths so you will need to part with your blade, tool, gadget or phone for a day or two (thanks to the miracle of Priority mail) whilst I make the mold. Or if your handy with tools, you can make me a buck the exact size/shape of your phone to wet mold a sheath around. If you are going to take this on yourself, please make sure your up to the task.

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Hardware
In terms of hardware, I always use the best I can find. These days the problem is finding good quality hardware. I don't know about you, but most stuff I see these days is cheap, both in appearance as well as manufacture.

So in response, the brass chain I use is usually vintage; the stainless chain I use is welded link, marine grade. Clasps are marine grade whether they are stainless or brass. When I have to, I use grommets, not eyelets because they are stronger, last longer and look better.

Most of my hardware comes from the "marine, tack & equine" universes... and NOT Ace Hardware, Loews or Home Depot. Buckles, and any hardware for that matter is tough to find made domestically, but I keep looking. Clue me in if you know of a source and I'd be grateful.

Leather
I use only vegetable tanned hides from Wickett & Craig - a domestic tannery in Curwensville, Pennsylvania. Once upon a time, I was a wise guy and tried using inexpensive mystery meat - but my work smelled like socks that were worn for a week an stuffed in my FXR's saddlebag to ferment. The leather was a royal pain in the ass to work with and was basically in a word - shit - and who the hell wants that?

Not me, (or you either, right?) that's for sure. If it doesn't make me happy and all warm and fuzzy - you'll never see it - promise. Lesson learned, if it's crap, leave it on the shelf in the crap store. Nuff said.

This is good leather. See how it takes a nice, clear & deep impression. It also smells good.

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Breaking it in
You'll invest time breaking in the things that I make for you - in many instances my leather will start off stiff to the hand, kind of hard shelled, a little tough and unfriendly, kind of like it has an attitude. But after steady wear - you'll be rewarded with a custom fit, bulletproof piece of gear that will be molded to you. Nice.

Pricing
Want me to make you something? Curious about cost? Email me!

My work is not cheap, but it is certainly fairly priced considering the time and effort put into it. You want to wheel and deal, you want to impress me with your bargaining skills? If that's the case, do me a favor and go somewhere else, ok - I've got neither the temperament nor time to do the dance with time wasters and confusion-makers.

Payment
My policy is full cost up front. Period.

Turnaround
Turnaround can be as quick as six weeks; can be as long as 2 months - depending on what's what. I won't rush my work, but if you really need something by a certain date I will try to accommodate.

Refunds & My Guarantee
It hasn't happened yet - but if your not happy with what I make for you - send it back and I will make it right - or refund your money if I feel I can't.

Schwag
Oh yeah...I got schwag too... get a t-shirt or sweatshirt. I have some beefy T's and super heavy black and gray colored Champion sweatshirts available. But for free I will send you a small brochure and some cool stickers - email me a mailing address and I will shoot some out.

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About me
I am a long time, dedicated motorcycle enthusiast who for the most part maintains his own aging fleet of air cooled, high-mileage machines, I place a high value on simple, durable, utilitarian things: two cylinders in a 45 degree V-Twin configuration, quality tools that fit the hand, a bike that starts when I reach down and push the button, a substantial belt to keep my droopy drawers up, to hang a knife on, a wallet that's "mine", a special sheath for a special blade, a case that will carry as well as protect my phone and so on - you get the idea - nothing super fancy pants or hi-hooha style - but utilitarian, well crafted things.

My interest in leathercraft came out of my own desire for these goods and the ensuing frustration of not being above to find a craftsperson to make them, all the while wrestling a burning desire to satisfy my creative energies.

I love this always-humbling art form and learn a lesson every time I sit at the bench. I really do feel fortunate to have found "my" craft and I am certainly most thankful that people like my work. The highest tribute I am paid, is that my customers most always come back for more. How cool is that?

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Every man's got to pay his props...
I got some props to pay and thank-yous for the people that have helped me along the way pursuing leathercraft. This is a partial list and as such, by no means near compete. Some day I will find the time to get everyone down.

Pat DeCoster of Black Rose Leather and wife of DaveyD#7 (friend and bladesmith). Pat is a sheath maker of some repute, who at my request some years back sent me some old nasty leather scraps, a stamp or two an old swivel knife and the book Leather Secrets by FO Baird. That got me started noodling with leather. I thank Pat from the bottom of my heart for helping me get started - it made all the difference.

I'd like to pay props to my friends Robert and Ann Praadke of Custom Auto Design (painter/artist for Indian Larry) for one day calling me out of the blue when I was just getting started, with an offer to come "get some leather stuff out of my garage". The pile of odds and ends included an ancient but workable treadle sewing machine, a 1911 Singer 29K, a junk-mans treasure trove of scraps, all manner of materials and hardware - all kinds of stuff - that pile of crap and the sewing machine got me really cranked up creatively, trying all kinds of things I'd never have thought I would or could do - for that leg up, that got me moving in all kinds of directions - I thank you Robert and Ann. Really super generous hot-rod folks that drive some crazy primer chopped and channeled street rods.

I'd like to thank Buzz Kanter, past employer and owner of American Iron Magazine, who suggested I take an ad out in the back of his book, and then proceeded to not charge me for it for 2 years. For that offer, opportunity and suggestion (that I had never really considered) I owe a big thank you, I appreciate the help and push Buzz - it supercharged my energy level and dedication.

Duane Ballard, seat maker to the "stars and TV motorcycle build-off champions" I count as a friend and has been gracious to offer words of encouragement to me every now and then. I've watched him work for hours and he amazes me with what he comes up with. He demonstrates on a daily basis what a guy can do with a few simple tools and a cabinet full of talent... a drier sense of humor you'll not find anywhere I know of. Duane also made over the seat on my FXR in a marathon long weekend session and in the process, taught me another lesson about generosity of spirit. Duane and his family rock!

Justin Slingsby - the illustrator who brought my crossed mallets idea to life and drew my makers mark logo - which I think came out brilliantly. Thanks Justin, you've got real skill my friend and it was a lot of fun working through it with you. If you like heavy line art, Justin is the real deal. Hot rod art is his specialty.

Some many moons ago, Bruce Kabel owner of the Tandy Leather in Hartford CT showed me how to hold and use some of the basic and simple hand tools of leathercraft when I first thought about leather as a possibility. His 5 minutes of demonstration - as funny as it may seem now, his little demo, made me think that this was something I could master. Bruce fooled me though - this craft is anything but easy and his casual display of skill disarmed me. When I got home that night and tried replicating the simple lines he carved and beveled - I thought my tools were broken. Well in short order I realized it wasn't the tools that were lame... and so I spent the next 3 months trying to replicate the smooth clean lines that Bruce had beveled in one of my scraps in a short 3 seconds. Oh Bruce, you are a joker! Ha.

The IILG, an international internet leatherworker's guild has also been instrumental in my development as a leather craftsman, and I want to thank the many experienced, seasoned members who willingly give of their time and knowledge to help others who are looking for information, techniques and know-how. This is a craft that was ruled by secrecy until not that long ago and the IILG is all about the sharing of knowledge. If you're interested in leather craft, I highly recommend checking out the organization.

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Of course I've got to thank my pals, the crew who fly my flag:

• Paul Levey, my webmaster, site hoster and good friend.
• Pupkin, my favorite durability tester with his questionable toolbag mounting techniques, who has absolutely tried to kill the stuff I've made for him.
• Zeb, for being a loyal repeat customer and his partner in crime Jeb who sports a special toolbag made for his Road King and a belt.
• Danny, for being a willing guinea pig for some of my early prototype work.
• Que Pasa and Wally for sporting my guitar straps at their gigs.
• DaveyD#7, bladesmith and road tripping partner who wears one of my belts and carry's a toolbag on his dresser - Black Bart.
• Marko the owner of American Trash who sports my work around his waist, it just goes on. Thanks to you all for your support!

Anyway, thanks for stopping by. Drop me an email, and I will get back to you.

steveb