Grant Anderson never set out to sell leather. He set out to make a bag as nice as the saddle-leather interior of a used King Ranch truck he loved. That turned into Uptown Common, a one-person shop in the Indianapolis area built around structured, hand-sewn bags. Then a single sale at a Chicago show went sideways. A customer wanted a strap, the exact MPG hide had been discontinued, and Grant had to call in a favor just to finish the order. Within a few weeks he'd named a company, formed a corporation, and wired money to a tannery in Italy. That's how The Leather Reserve started. This episode follows both hats Grant wears. On the craft side, he gets into wet-forming gussets with acrylic forms, the Barry King maul that changed how his work felt, why he switched from waxed linen to polyester thread, and the two-color saddle stitch that's become his signature. On the business side, he explains why makers can't just buy direct from a tannery, what a 50-square-meter minimum order actually means, and why he only stocks leather he'd use himself. If you've ever wondered how a small maker decides to become the supplier — and what that costs in time, money, and nerve — this one's worth your time. Recorded as Grant's first shipment was literally crossing the Atlantic.

Alexis Saab joins Matt Roach for a follow-up conversation on the shift from custom footwear into small leather goods. After years of working on custom sneakers, Alexis is building a new brand called Back Home, focused on wallets and leather goods that can stand on their own without depending on another footwear brand’s silhouette. The conversation moves through logo design, leather stamps, the difference between chrome tan and veg tan, and why simplicity matters when branding leather. Alexis also breaks down what makes sneakers so time-consuming: patterns, lasts, machinery, sole attachment, hidden mistakes, and the stress of long custom timelines. Matt and Alexis compare shoemaking to wallet making, talk through post-bed machines, bell skivers, workshop space, tool maintenance, and the challenge of charging fairly for work that takes years to learn. They also get into community, content, and Alexis’s long-term goal of creating his own footwear silhouette. For anyone building leather goods, thinking about footwear, or trying to develop a brand voice through product design, this is a grounded look at craft evolution in real time.

Mike from BulSae Leather joins Matt in this deep‑dive into Korea’s vibrant leathercraft culture. Starting with a single wallet and fueled by a passion to “make things that last longer than our lifetime,” Mike has built BulSae Leather into a small but mighty workshop known for its clean design, uncompromising hand‑work, and thoughtful storytelling. In this episode you’ll hear how a childhood fascination turned into a full‑time craft, why the name BulSae—Korean for “phoenix”—represents both heritage and reinvention, and how Mike balances tradition with modern tools in a world where “handmade” is often gate‑kept.

Matt Roach and Shane from Bow the Maker dive into which leatherworking tools are worth buying, which to skip, and how to avoid wasting money. From knives and pliers to sewing machines and clicker presses, they share real-world insights on building a smart, safe, and efficient workshop. Learn how to choose quality tools, steer clear of hype, and set up your bench without breaking the bank.

Will Hodges of Treve Cambridge joins Matt to discuss the realities of fine leatherwork. From exotic hides like crocodile and shell cordovan to the precision of pricking irons, stitching, and regad tools, this episode dives into the challenges and artistry of working at the highest level of leathercraft.

KC from Mack Provisions joins us to talk about his journey from relacing baseball gloves in Spokane to launching a full-time glove-making business rooted in old-school craftsmanship. We dive deep into glove construction, canvas vs. leather, and why Horween leather is king. A must-listen for crafters, players, and makers.

Stevie of Hellbound and Back Leather joins Matt to talk trap shooting, creative process, and what it's like crafting for a niche market few dare to touch. From trauma tech to artisan, Stevie shares how leatherworking became her stress relief—and later, her business. Whether you're into custom tools, shooting sports, or balancing craft with motherhood, this is an episode that hits all the marks.

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 ️ Hosted by Matt Roach | Guest: Shane Bowman (@bowthemaker)

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)

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. https://www.stitchandroe.com