Hi, I'm Eric.
If you’ve ever walked through a big-box department store and seen a rack of bags for twenty bucks, you might have felt that little tug of "Why not?" It looks good enough, right? But here is the thing I’ve learned since I started sitting at my workbench: things that are made fast usually die fast.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the word "fast." In our world, fast is usually seen as a good thing. Fast internet, fast food, fast results. But when it comes to the things we carry on our adventures: the bags that hold our journals, our gear, and our memories: fast can be a bit of a trap.
As you may have guessed, I’m a big fan of doing things slowly. There’s something about taking a single piece of hide and turning it into something that will outlive me that just feels right. Today, I want to talk to you about why that matters, and why choosing something like The Wayfarer’s Tote | Hand-Stitched Leather Carry-all isn't just about style: it's about making a choice for the world we live in.
The Problem with "Disposable" Culture
We’ve all been there. You buy a bag because it’s cheap and trendy, but three months later, the strap is fraying, the "leather" (which is often just plastic in disguise) is peeling, and the zipper is stuck. It’s like buying a soda that’s already gone flat: you spent the money, but the satisfaction is gone before you even finish it.
Fast fashion is one of the biggest polluters on the planet. It’s responsible for about 10% of global CO2 emissions. That’s a lot of carbon just to make stuff that ends up in a landfill a year later. When we buy "disposable" accessories, we’re stuck in a cycle of buying and tossing. It’s exhausting for your wallet and even worse for the planet.
I believe there’s a better way. It’s what folks call "Slow Fashion," but I just call it honest work.
Why I Started This Journey
Little did I know, when I first sat down to make a sporran (a traditional Scottish pouch) to help pay for my wife's medical bills, that I was signing up for a lifelong obsession with quality. Back then, I was just looking for a way to manage stress and support my family. But the more I worked with my hands, the more I realized that every stitch I pulled was a rebellion against that "disposable" culture.
I realized that if I made a bag perfectly: if I used the best materials and stitched it by hand: that bag would never need to be replaced. It would become an heirloom. That’s why I started The Kilted Leatherworker. I wanted to create pieces that inspire adventure and last a lifetime.
The Wayfarer’s Tote: Built for the Long Haul
When I designed The Wayfarer’s Tote | Hand-Stitched Leather Carry-all, I had one goal in mind: durability.
Most factory-made bags use machines that run a "lockstitch." If one thread breaks, the whole thing unspools. I don't use machines. I use a traditional saddle stitch with two needles and thick, waxed thread. Every single stitch is a knot. If you somehow managed to cut one of my stitches (which is hard to do!), the rest of the bag would stay perfectly intact.
Why This is the "Ethical" Choice
You might wonder, "Eric, how is a leather bag ethical?" It’s a fair question! Here is how I see it:
- Longevity over Volume: One handmade leather tote can easily replace 20 synthetic bags over a lifetime. That is 20 bags that aren't sitting in a landfill.
- Honest Materials: I use genuine hides that are a byproduct of the food industry. Instead of those hides going to waste, we turn them into something beautiful and functional.
- No Microplastics: Synthetic "vegan leather" is essentially plastic. When it breaks down, it turns into microplastics that end up in our water. Real leather is a natural material that, if treated well, stays with you forever.
Texture Over Trends
I enjoy the feeling of raw leather under my hands. I love the way it smells (better than a fresh root beer, in my opinion!). One of the coolest things about a piece like The Wayfarer’s Tote or The Highland Nomad (our buffalo belt pouch) is how it changes.
When you first get it, the leather has a structured, sturdy feel. But as you take it on adventures: whether that’s to the office, a weekend hike, or a trip across the ocean: it starts to soften. It develops a "patina."
A patina is a fancy way of saying the leather is recording your life. It absorbs the oils from your hands, the sunlight, and even a few scuffs from that time you dropped it in the dirt. It becomes a map of where you’ve been. A mass-produced plastic bag just gets uglier as it ages; a handmade leather bag gets a soul.
What Goes Into Your Bag?
When I’m in the workshop, I’m not just "making a product." I’m thinking about you. I’m thinking about the person who will use this bag to carry their most important items: maybe their Chronicler’s Cover | Burgundy Leather Journal Sleeve or their favorite book.
I take my time. I ensure every edge is burnished to a smooth, glass-like shine. I check every piece of hardware to make sure it’s rugged enough for a real adventure. (There’s something so satisfying about the click of a brass buckle, don't you think?)
I know that choosing a handmade item is an investment. It costs more than that twenty-dollar bag at the mall. But I like to think of it as "buying it once." When you buy quality, you only have to cry once at the checkout counter. After that, it’s all joy.
A Better Way to Adventure
Whether you are exploring the streets of a new city or just navigating your daily commute, the things you carry should reflect your values. If you value craftsmanship, honesty, and things that are built to last, then you’re in the right place.
I’m so grateful that you’re here and that you’re interested in this craft. Every time someone chooses a handmade piece from my shop, they aren't just buying a bag: they’re supporting my family and keeping a traditional art form alive.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I can't wait to see where your Wayfarer’s Tote takes you.
If you have any questions about how I make my gear or what type of leather might be best for your next adventure, just drop me a line. I’m usually at the bench, but I always love hearing from fellow enthusiasts.
Stay adventurous,
Eric
Founder, The Kilted Leatherworker LLC
