Hi, I’m Eric.
It’s Monday, March 30th, and the morning sun is just beginning to slant across my workbench here at The Kilted Leatherworker. There is something about the start of a new week that always feels full of potential. I’ve just cracked open a cold ginger soda, my go-to for getting the creative gears turning, and I’m looking at a fresh side of leather laid out before me.
Today, I wanted to take a moment away from the clicking of the shears and the rhythm of the stitching pony to share some reflections with you. This "Reflections from the Bench" series is really about peeling back the curtain on why I do what I do. It’s not just about making "stuff." It’s about the connection between the maker, the material, and you, the person who eventually takes these pieces on their own adventures.
The Beauty of Honest Materials
When I first started my journey into leatherworking, I was overwhelmed by the options. There are so many synthetic alternatives and "genuine leather" products out there that are really just ground-up scraps glued together. But I quickly realized that if I was going to put my name on something, it had to be made from honest materials.
To me, honest materials mean genuine hide and soft, durable calf skin. I love the way a piece of real hide feels in your hands. It has a weight to it, a scent that reminds you of the earth, and a texture that tells a story. Every hide is different. Some have small character marks from the life the animal led, and I think those "imperfections" are actually what make the finished piece perfect.
When I work with calf skin, especially for the linings of my more intricate bags or the interior of a minimalist wallet, I’m always struck by how supple yet strong it is. It’s a material that respects the craft. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It just provides a lifetime of utility.
Why History Matters at the Bench
As you might have guessed from the name of the shop, I have a deep appreciation for heritage. My kilt isn't just a costume; it’s a connection to a long line of makers and warriors who relied on leather for their very survival.
Take the sporran, for example. Historically, it was a simple pouch used to carry oats, lead shot, or personal items. It had to be rugged, accessible, and capable of withstanding the mist and rain of the Highlands. When I design a belt pouch or a modern sporran, I’m constantly looking back at those historical silhouettes.
There’s a specific type of joy I find in creating a Jacobite-style pouch. Using a toggle closure instead of a modern zipper feels more... right. It slows you down. It requires a deliberate action. In a world where everything is "one-click" and "instant," having a piece of gear that requires a human touch to open and close is a small way to reclaim your time.
Utility in the Modern World
While I love the history, I’m also a practical guy living in 2026. I know that your "lead shot" is probably a smartphone, and your "oats" are likely a granola bar for the trail. That’s why utility is the second pillar of my work.
I often ask myself: How will this feel on a belt after six hours of hiking? or Will this fit the essentials for a quick run to the store?
I love seeing how people use the Traveler Pouches I make. Seeing one of my pouches worn on a sturdy, hand-tooled belt while someone is out exploring the world, that’s the ultimate compliment. It’s not a museum piece; it’s a tool. It’s meant to get scuffed, to develop a patina, and to eventually be passed down as a family heirloom.
The Art of Slowing Down with a Journal
One of the things I’ve been working on a lot lately is my collection of journal and notebook covers. In the digital age, it might seem strange to carry a physical book and a pen. But I’ve found that there is a profound difference between typing a note on a screen and carving your thoughts into paper.
A leather journal cover is more than just protection for the pages; it’s a sanctuary for your ideas. I like to use a rich, distressed tan finish on these. As you carry it, the oils from your hands interact with the leather, making it darker and smoother over time. It becomes a physical record of where you’ve been.
Little did I know when I started this business how much I would grow to love the stitching process for these covers. Ensuring that every stitch is perfect is a meditative practice for me. I sit here at the bench, the world outside gets a little quieter, and it’s just me, the needle, and the thread. It’s a reminder that good things take time. If you’re curious about how I got started on this path, you can read more about my leatherworking journey here.
Every Piece is Personal
I handle every single order that comes through The Kilted Leatherworker. When you buy a piece from me, you’re not just getting something off a shelf. You’re getting a piece of my Monday morning reflections, a bit of my history, and a lot of my heart.
I’m often asked what my favorite thing to make is, and honestly, it changes. Some days I love the structural challenge of a tote bag, and other days I just want to sit and tool a small accessory. But the common thread is always the material. I never get tired of the way a fresh hide smells or the sound of the leather "singing" as I pull the thread tight.
A Small Favor
As I wrap up these thoughts and get back to the actual work, I want to thank you. Whether you’ve been following my work for years or you just stumbled upon the shop today, I appreciate you being here. Small businesses like mine thrive because of people who value craftsmanship over mass production.
If you ever have questions about how to care for your leather or why I chose a specific type of closure for a pouch, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I love talking shop! You can find my contact information here.
Also, if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for your next adventure, take a look at our current collections. Each piece is waiting to start its story with you.
Now, that ginger soda is nearly gone, and there’s a belt pouch calling my name. I’ve got some edges to burnish and some history to stitch into place.
Thank you for spending a part of your Monday with me. It truly means the world. I hope your week is as productive and meaningful as I plan for mine to be.
One stitch at a time,
Eric
Founder and Owner, The Kilted Leatherworker LLC
Want to learn more about the man behind the kilt? Check out our About Us page for the full story of how we bring traditional craft to the modern world.