Leather Shop

Oct 30

IMatt sits down with Shane from Bow the Maker to talk about the tools every leatherworker thinks they need — and the ones that actually matter. From $12 Amazon pliers to top-shelf skiving knives, they break down which tools perform, which ones disappoint, and how to buy smarter without wasting money. The two also tackle social media “tool envy,” influencer reviews, and how to build a functional bench setup at any level. “You don’t need the prettiest tools — you need the ones that work for you .” 💬 Join the Leather Shop Discord 🧰 Check the Amazon Tool List 👉 Follow on Instagram: @leathershoppod 👉 More episodes: leathershoppod.com 👉 All links & resources: Linktree Support us on Patreon

Oct 3

In this episode, Matt talks with Will Hodges of Treve Cambridge about the art of fine leatherwork. They explore the tools and techniques behind luxury craftsmanship, from handling exotic skins to achieving precision with stitching and skiving. 👉 Follow on Instagram: @leathershoppod 👉 More episodes: leathershoppod.com 👉 Recommended tools: Amazon Shop 👉 All links & resources: Linktree Support us on Patreon

Aug 13

Inside Mack Provisions: Craftsmanship Beyond the Field In this episode of The Leather Shop , Matt Roach is joined by KC of Mack Provisions , a handmade baseball glove company rooted in old-school leatherworking and modern craftsmanship. From glove relacing as a teenager to launching a full-time custom glove brand, KC shares his journey, philosophy, and what makes his gloves truly unique. Whether you're a leatherworker, player, or lover of timeless design, this is your behind-the-scenes pass into glove-making at its finest. 🔍 Episode Highlights Why Chrome-Tanned Leather Reigns Supreme How KC Learned Craftsmanship in an Alaskan Tent Shop The Horween Leather Advantage Canvas vs. Leather: What You Need to Know The Great Glove Break-In Debate Tools of the Trade: Cylinder Arm Machines, Tex 135 Thread, and More Why Suede Welting is Making a Comeback About KC & Mack Provisions KC started relacing gloves for teammates at age 13. After stints in Alaska sewing canvas tents and marine gear, he transitioned into building premium handmade baseball gloves using materials like Horween’s Ball Glove X leather , real shearling padding , and custom welting techniques . His approach blends nostalgia with durability, favoring rugged, vintage aesthetics and minimal synthetic components. Each glove is made to order, emphasizing craftsmanship over mass production. 📷 Follow KC on Instagram: @mackprovisions Craft Tips from the Episode The Truth About Glove Construction “Sewing a baseball glove is the hardest thing I’ve ever sewn—and I’ve worked on yachts, tents, and boat canvas.” – KC Why Thread and Machine Choice Matter Use UV-rated nylon thread like Tex 135, and invest in a cylinder arm machine for maximum control. Break-in Methods Skip the water dunk. Use a mallet and play catch for best results—especially when using wool padding. Related Episodes 🎙️ How Scott Makes Gloves: The Deep Craft of Baseball Leather Follow & Subscribe Stay up to date with new episodes, behind-the-scenes posts, and leather drops: 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 📷 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok 🌐 Visit leathershoppod.com for more 📌 Know someone obsessed with baseball or handmade goods? Share this episode! Support us on Patreon

Jul 9

Guest: Stevie, founder of Hellbound and Back Leather Host: Matt Roach | @leathershoppod What We Cover: How Stevie pivoted from trauma healthcare to custom leatherwork Designing niche gear for trap shooting and shotgun sports What it's like being a left-handed maker in a right-handed world Tools, templ ates, wet molding, and a voiding edge pai nt at all costs Mom life, creative hustle, and pricing one-off commissions Mentions: Trap shooting tips and terminology Bonded stiffeners like Bontex Edge paint favorites: Giardini vs. Vernice Listen if you love: leatherworking, craft entrepreneurship, gear for sports, or behind-the-scenes process t alk from makers who live it. 🎯 Rate + review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more leather lovers find the show. Connect w ith Us: Website: leathershoppod.com Instagram & TikTok: @leathershoppod Support us on Patreon

May 20

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 Free Digital 3D Printing Jig Pattern Want to try fixing your Sinabroks French Style Pricking Irons? Now you can, below are multiple ways for you get get a jig to print yourself or buy one that can be made and mailed to you. Purchase premade from Leather Shop Website Makers World Download- (For Bambu Labs Printers.) Download the file from Printables Digital File from Leather Shop Website Connect with Us: Website: leathershoppod.com Instagram & TikTok: @leathershoppod Support us on Patreon 🛠️ Hosted by Matt Roach | Guest: Shane Bowman ( @bowthemaker ) Website

Apr 14

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) Support us on Patreon

Feb 3

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. Support us on Patreon Website Instagram This episode is sponsored by Bow the Maker

Dec 30, 2024

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. Support us on Patreon Website Instagram