Hi everyone,
I’ve been doing this craft for over three years now, so I’m still a bairn compared to many of you. However, since the beginning of 2024, I’ve taken it more seriously. Aside from tools, I no longer import leather or hardware to avoid the extra 20%+ fees. Here in the UK, things have changed a lot since Brexit. Prices have skyrocketed on nearly everything, and import taxes are just extortionate. For example, I bought a press from Tandy (based in Spain) a couple of months ago—it was on sale for about £200, but FedEx delivered it with an additional £65 charge! I couldn’t believe it.
There are a few UK-based online shops (which I won’t name) that source tools and threads from the EU and the States, but they end up costing more than if I bought directly from those countries, even with import taxes. Thankfully, there are still some good suppliers here in the UK for leather and tools, like Metropolitan, George Barnsley, J Wood Leathers, Abbey England, and Le Prevo. Of course, there are also A&A Crack and Sedgwick, which offer some of the finest leathers in the UK, though their prices are a bit out of reach for me at the moment.
Lately, I’ve been checking out other makers’ shops in France and Spain. I noticed they use some really unique rivets—chunky, embossed ones that aren’t laser-burned, as well as D-rings with snake designs and embossed buttons. I haven’t seen anything like that here in the UK, apart from a few on Etsy from Asian shops, but they go for £3-5 each.
If anyone has a list of trusted suppliers for leather, hardware, and threads (excluding tools), I’d really appreciate it.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
High-quality solid brass and nickel hardware
Veg tan, waxed leather, and quality chrome leathers
Tiger thread or similar
Thanks in advance,
God bless