Leathercraft or Leatherwork?

[Johanna]

For many of us, this was the first leather instruction book we saw. Note the title. 

When you open it, it’s about “leatherwork”. What do you call it, and why? 

[wizard of tragacanth]

I use them interchangeably in writing and speaking but I'm sure there is a correct answer.

Often when people ask me what I do in my free time, I say leathercraft, and they say, "What's that?"

Oh... that means that I make things out of leather. Then they get it.

I get similar reactions when I say, ham radio. : )

In which case I say... oh, you wouldn't understand. It's kind of like being on a forum.

Edited 13 hours ago by wizard of tragacanth

[fredk]

All my first books were titled Leatherwork or Leather Work

So I mostly use that word or those words

Some ppl on here are shure Leather Crafters, which is far above my mere status as a simple stumbler

[AlZilla]

The first place I landed when I took up the hobby was some "leathercrafter" kind of website, so that tends to be my terminology.

[fredk]

2 hours ago, Johanna said:

For many of us, this was the first leather instruction book we saw. Note the title. 

When you open it, it’s about “leatherwork”. What do you call it, and why? 

Is that the Tandy/Stohlman and others book? If it is my version says Leatherwork on the cover

[kgg]

2 hours ago, Johanna said:

What do you call it, and why? 

I use Leather Work to describe what I do. To me it is easier for the average Joe to sorta kinda have a idea of what my hobby is about. To me a  "crafter" would be more like "master" as in a master electrician / plumber / tailor etc. having far better skills and knowledge then myself.

kgg

 

[LatigoAmigo]

Leatherwork (verb) is the process through which one creates leathercraft (noun). 

[SUP]

According to Google...

 

Factor	Leatherworker	Leathercrafter
General view	This is a broad term for anyone who works with leather professionally. It encompasses specialists like saddle-makers, cobblers, and artisans for fashion companies.	In some contexts, particularly in the US, "crafter" can imply a hobbyist who works for enjoyment rather than profit. However, "craftsman" is widely recognized as indicating a high level of skill or artistry.
Business vs. hobby	The term "leatherworker" is often associated with the business or professional aspects of the trade, where profit is a key driver.	The term "leathercrafter" can suggest an individual who is creating items for personal enjoyment.
Scope of work	A leatherworker might specialize in a single area, such as repairing shoes, or assemble pre-cut leather into finished products.	A leathercrafter is more often associated with the process of making a product from scratch—including cutting, patterning, and finishing the leather.
Level of artistry	While many leatherworkers are highly skilled artisans, the term itself does not always carry the same emphasis on artistry as "craftsman" or "crafter".	Many associate the term "craft" with the skill and artistry required to create a unique item. A person with this mindset may use "crafter" or the more formal "craftsman" to emphasize their dedication and skill.

 

 

[Mulesaw]

I normally say that I work with leather, it is also the term that I would use in Danish.

To me leatherworker means that it is your "line of work" I mean what you do for a living.

Leathercrafter (to me) sounds more like a hobbyist. But I guess it all depends on where you live in the world 🙂

 

[chuck123wapati]

1. leather crafter, someone who can make key fobs, basic wallets, sheathes, and such from premade kits or pattern packs,you will find them and their supplies at Hobby Lobby. They have a limited skillset and usually have no inclination to further their knowledge of the craft.

2. Leather craftsman, someone who can make their crafts from scratch using only the basic supplies, they can design, determine the correct leather and supplies needed for the project, and finish it without help or supervision and it will look professionally made when done.

3. Leather workers, the poor slobs who do this for a living lol, Tanners, production workers in shoe factories, piece workers etc. Working with leather because it's the job you found at the time.