Introduction In 2022, a Birkin bag by Hermès in Himalaya Crocodile leather sold for a record $450,000 at a Sotheby's auction. This model is recognized as a symbol of refined luxury, and Himalaya Crocodile leather is its embodiment. What makes this material so unique and desirable? Himalaya Crocodile leather is the result of the finest craftsmanship, which turns a rare natural material into a true work of art. In this article you will learn how this luxurious material is created, how it differs from other types of exotic leather and why products

In my previous articles, I’ve already shared my journey in finding the perfect thread for leatherwork and introduced you to the thread manufacturer, Ming Lang. However, there is an important aspect that helps a craftsman achieve their goals—having a sufficient variety of threads. In this article, I want to take a closer look at why having a wide range of threads at hand plays such a crucial role in the work process and how it aids a craftsman in tackling the most complex tasks. The Practical Value of a Thread Assortment When

When I started my journey as a leather craftsman in 2008, there was very little information about the craft, modern materials and how to work with them. It was a time when knowledge was a competitive advantage: information was scarce and those who had it were not particularly willing to share it. I had to gather information bit by bit, spending a lot of time and money researching and testing materials to improve my skills, products and workflow. While I could still find leather and a basic set of tools to

Hi friends, I have some big news that I'm finally ready to share. For about a year now, I've been an ambassador of the MING LANG brand, a manufacturer of high quality threads that I've been using since 2017. All this time I've been working on projects with their products and now I officially represent the brand. Ming Lang is more than just a thread, it's a tool for creating exceptional products. Lots of new content and projects ahead where you'll see them in action! Shenzhen Minglang Textile Technology Co., Ltd.

The watch, embodying the concept of a python coiling around the case, received recognition not only among fans of unique timepieces but also from professionals in the jewelry industry. Inspired by this success, Sergey and I continued experimenting, creating new variations of this concept in different metals and their combinations. One such interpretation was a more luxurious version of the watch — featuring a white gold case. This choice not only added value to the timepiece but also emphasized its elegance. White gold proved perfect for showcasing the detailed texture of

During one of Sergei Sofronov’s visits to my studio, he was amazed by the variety of exotic leather textures I showcased. We immediately decided to further explore our reptilian texture concept, and this time, python skin caught our attention. The idea of transferring the scale texture onto precious metal began to take shape, and thus, the vision of creating a watch where the serpent’s form became an integral part of the design was born.

When purchasing watches from specialized stores, buyers often encounter a limited selection of leather straps. Most watches come with the most common and popular strap size—men’s 75/115 mm, where the short part with the buckle is 75 mm, and the long part with adjustment holes is 115 mm.

In search of new ideas and striving to create something unique, Sergey Sofronov was inspired by the view of the Mikhailovsky Zlatoverkhiy Cathedral, where the blue facade walls magically blend with the golden domes. This inspiration led him to create a new watch project, using a Patek Philippe movement as the basis.

Natural leather watch straps are popular for their classic, elegant appearance and comfortable wear. They easily complement various clothing styles, allowing the wearer to express their individuality and preferences.

Watch straps play a crucial role not only in the aesthetic aspect but also in the practical use of watches. Understanding their service life helps make the right choice when purchasing and ensures the longevity of the accessory.

Our acquaintance began back in 2015, when I first noticed Sergei Sofronov's work on the internet. It was not just a watch, but a real work of art. I particularly remembered the 18 carat gold case engraved by hand for the Patek Philippe minute repeater mechanism.

As a finalisation of the Shell Cordovan topic (for those interested and like to understand the details). Cordovan is actually the subcutaneous layer of muscle, which in horses is called the panniculus carnosus. Because cordovan is muscle and not skin, it has no granularity and no outer layer of skin.

In brief, the production process looks like this. First, the parts that are used for the cordovan are cut out of the hide; they are located in the croup area, at the back of the horse. Then the wool is removed, after which the pieces of hide are put into a solution of tannins. At Horween, it includes chestnut bark, Quebracho tree bark, and resins. There they are moved regularly, which allows them to better absorb the necessary elements. After a month the skins are taken out of the solution

Cordovan is a specially treated membrane that originally lies between the epidermis and dermis of the horsehide. The finished cordovan looks like leather; it is quite thick, very hard-wearing, scratch-resistant and expensive.

Saffiano leather has a special place among connoisseurs of luxury and style. This unique leather, which received its "new name" from one of Italy's most famous fashion houses, attracts attention with its refined texture, durability and resistance to damage. The famous "Italian" textured leather that is used by most fashion/luxury brands in their collections. But what exactly are Saffian and Saffiano leather? And are there any differences between them? The answer to this question lies in the history of their origin. History and origins Saffiano leather. It is believed that the Saffiano leather

Leatherworking is not just a craft and technical skill based on manual labour. It is also a creative process using a variety of techniques and unique tools, requiring skills in leatherwork, including cutting, sewing, embossing, dyeing and finishing, repair and restoration. Achieving outstanding results requires not only talent and patience, but also quality professional tools. In this guide we will: examine the role and importance of quality tools in the creative process; get to know the world's leading tool manufacturers; define a basic tanner's kit. The role and importance of a quality tool Quality professional tools

I love my handcraft and the products made by my hands reflect that.Communication with my customers is enjoyable and important to me. In this way I strive to help you get what you want. When I accept a custom order from a customer, it is a special moment. If possible, I meet with him to understand his wishes and vision for the future product. This is the time when I immerse myself in his story, style, need and preferences.Our conversation is a true creative process where I listen to every

In our industry we often use vegetable tanned leather and we work hard to find the best quality raw material (leather). In this article you will learn about the top 19 tanneries (of Tuscany) and what they have in common. Beginners will get to know the best producers, while admirers of natural leather will notice that these factories don't just produce leather, they create art. Tuscany, famous for its rich cultural heritage and tradition of producing vegetable tanned leather, is home not only to fine wines, but also to unrivaled

If you are looking for a way to improve the condition and appearance of your watch strap, replacing the lining on it can be a great solution. Firstly, a renewed leather strap can give your watch a more elegant and stylish look. Secondly, it can be more comfortable, environmentally friendly and hygienic. A leather strap lining replacement service may be necessary in the following cases: You have experienced an allergic reaction to the lining material of a standard strap The lining has started to wear out and needs to be replaced You prefer

Leather is a strong, flexible and durable material obtained by dressing hides. In our craft we use leathers of very different properties. Creating an elegant product pushes us to use the finest and strongest reinforcing materials possible. Reinforcing materials give products strength and durability. In particular, they reinforce the mechanical properties of the material and in most cases make them stronger than the material itself. The properties of reinforcing elements of leather parts and assemblies determine whether your products will be elegant, comfortable, practical… Full (thick) and heavy purse "should" be

In the description of handmade products, you may see the phrase "hand sewing with saddle stitch…". Let's imagine that we are talking about a classic belt with a length of 120 cm. In such a belt there will be about 888 stitches, with a pitch of 2.7 mm. And the time for hand stitching will be 5-6 hours. Women's bracelet with a double wrist circumference up to 200 stitches with a pitch of 2,25 mm.Thin thread 0.35 mm and a small step of 2.7-2.25 mm gives products an elegant look,

Entaco Limited, the manufacturer of John James needles, is based in Redditch, Worcestershire, rightly referred to as the 'needle capital of the world'. The region is renowned for its rich history of needle manufacturing, dating back over three centuries. The earliest needle manufacture in the region is believed to be Bordesley Abbey, founded in 1156, about a mile north of the town of Redditch.Over time, the John James brand has become synonymous with the highest quality needles around the world. Their products are used not only by professional leatherworkers, but