Who Are The Best Leather Workers In The World?

[DavidL]

When I say best I am talking the most world renown leather workers.

Im asking because after I have covered the basics of leather working to the point where I have "peaked" I would want to work with the best.

What I understand there are a few masters in Japan, Europe and an ex hermes worker with a course (10 grand!) in america. Do any of you have any leads or personal contacts to other skilled craftsman, whether they are in USA, UK, Japan or else where. Seems like you need to personally show up to their doorstep, however I don't have that type of money.

[TwinOaks]

There is a plethora of Master level leatherworkers, and some of the names you might recognize are Peter Main, Bob Beard, Barry King, Chan Greer.....waaaay too many to try and list. To get an easy to find list, look up the winners at the Sheridan Show...and the Al Stohlman award winners. However, when you mention wanting to learn from them, that is certainly possible. In today's world, the notion of a live-in apprentice is a bit behind the times. Since the implementation of 'distance learning', whether by DVD, blog, live web seminars, etc., being in a Master's studio has become unecessary. You can easily order a class on electronic media and view it multiple times, and at your own pace. If just really WANT to have 'live' instruction, there are always the classes at the major shows. You'll need to book them pretty far in advance, and take into consideration travel and lodging. One of our members here, "immiketoo", has started offering live webinars with several of the top name Masters, as well as covering procedural issues like edges, sewing machines, etc. This month's class will be with Chan Greer, explaining Sheridan style carving. Here's a link to it: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/573893754676958466

As you're building your skill, you could also check out the virtual classes on Tandy's website, though I think you have to be a member of their site to view them.
And let us not forget that you ARE on Leatherworker.net....single largest online compendium of leather working knowledge. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that more than a few of the Master level crafters are members HERE.

[DavidL]

There are some great craftsman that put in the hours on this site, i have to agree. Lately some of my questions are getting so specific I think only in house would help be answer my hundreds of questions. The live webinars may help.

Id be interested if anyone knows or can point me in the right direction of a japanese master craftsman that apprentices students, almost like the way master knife maker pass down the knowledge to create the next generation. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't charge just to support the craft.

[JLSleather]

It sounds as if you are quite concerned with names. Or, do you really want to learn leathercraft?

Stohlman was likely the most renowned leather artist. I don't know if he was THE best, but he likely was the most marketed - which is not the same thing. No offense intended to the Stohlmans, I still have and use some materials attributed to them. Their work was - and is - inspiring.

But the fact is, you'll learn leather by studying and working with -- well -- leather. Regardless of who told you, or showed you. Mr. Stohlman at one time openly admitted that his early work 'left much to be desired'.

A good place to start? Check the gallery for some beautiful work done by a fella name of Edwards. VERY nice, without the traditional BS marketing crap.

Oh, if I was mistaken, and you actually prefer the mindless droning of marketing noise... if paying for yet another course or video or 'class' somehow elevates your self-image, then I appologize for the practical information. Do carry on

[DavidL]

Nothing to do with marketing or self image. I'm not to sure what your on about.

Just trying to find a mentor in Japan as they are very methodical and precise, dedicating their life to the trade.

I would prefer they be traditionally trained from past generations or from a leather working school since they would have hundred of years of knowledge and experience.

Edited October 28, 2014 by DavidL

[cjmt]

I seem to remember you saying not very long ago that you'd be better than both Peter Nitz and Hunio (masters of the craft who's work I suggested you follow) given a couple of years. As I suggested at the time its not as easy as you think and a little humility would go a long way ;-)

Charlie

[JLSleather]

Nothing to do with marketing or self image. I'm not to sure what your on about.

Just trying to find a mentor in Japan as they are very methodical and precise, dedicating their life to the trade.

I would prefer they be traditionally trained from past generations or from a leather working school since they would have hundred of years of knowledge and experience.

Okay, but tha's not what your original post said now, is it?

" leads or personal contacts to other skilled craftsman, whether they are in USA, UK, Japan or else where."

No offense taken though, come ask again when you have "covered the basics of leather working to the point where I have "peaked" ".

Then, why would I take offense, I'm not Japanese...

[TwinOaks]

An interesting take on learning from one of the master crafters is this: Each and every one of them, at some point, learned the basics of this craft. But it was only once they started out on their own and started doing things 'just a little differently' that their work began to stand out. That's not to say that they reached a plateau, but that the reached the limit of what their apprenticeship could teach them and then DID THEIR OWN THING. How do I figure this? Because if everyone was trained to do things ONE way, and never changed it, then we'd still have exactly the same type of leather work as 150 years ago.

As far as "having hundreds of years of experience"....well, no. It might be a lifetime's worth of experience, but as each generation grew with advancing and evolving technologies, many of the old ways of doing something were "updated". Unless you are wanting to learn to make period pieces, with period methods, then ignoring all the improvements just doesn't make sense to me. For example, I can understand wanting to know how something was done back in yesteryear. But while making stamps from sticks or bronze might have been all the rage back in the day, I'd rather have a stamp made of steel so that it doesn't wear out. Other examples: Do you use a swivel knife? If so, why? Why don't you use a sharpened flat blade screwdriver the way Al Stohlman did when he started out? Do you hand sew, or use a machine? Do you purchase dyes or blend your own? Do you purchase oil/conditioner, or do you make it by distilling it from raw materials? Having improved tools and techniques does NOT equate to forgetting the past.

If you want hundreds of years worth of experience, you are currently reading on a site that has exactly that...and more. It just isn't in ONE area. We have over 50,000 members here, and while some are newer than others, the number of members who have been at this for decades easily balances it out to figure at least one year's experience per member. That's over 50K years' worth.
As far as the precision and dedication .... it isn't something you learn from someone else. You either have it, you develop it...or not.

[DavidL]

As far as the precision and dedication .... it isn't something you learn from someone else. You either have it, you develop it...or not.

Thats very true. Precision can be taught, dedication can't.

I decided on learning the craft at my own pace with the help of fellow leatherworker and polish and fine tune knowledge and skills from a master craftsman. Started as a hobby now an "addiction".

If we took all the members of this forum and dedicated time to teach a new leatherworker they would likely become a top craftsman in time. A master craftsman is almost like compressed knowledge of without the searching around only with the price and commitment. The thing about japanese culture that resonates with me is they hold onto traditions and values from their ancestors (many don't use machines at all and I seen on video japanese woodworkers that work on the floor). Majority of blade smiths and chisel makers use the knowledge from the past to make a blade the same way their grandfathers did entirely by hand, although the lower market goods use machines.They still are equally as good crafts man. Technique and quality are virtually identical to this day since they seeked quality by improving methods over centuries.

It seems like they are difficult to track down, so I have to visit personally.

[cgleathercraft]

You can only learn so much in a classroom. Techniques and styles are great...but it's practice that achieves results. I am horrid with a swivel knife but I play around with it anyway. I'd love to master it tomorrow but in reality it will take much longer. (and that is OK)

I've also looked at saddle making classes. Everything from 1K to 14K and small to big names. In the end they all give you the basics. It's just not possible to build a masterpiece with only a few weeks instruction. I'm not saying they are not worth it. It's just that unless you get to sit down 1x1 with someone for several weeks or work underneath them, your probably going to just get the basics with everyone else there.

ASK THE QUESTIONS - that's what this forum is for! I learn more here in an afternoon than I could a month at the bench wasting good leather.

[whipstitchwallets]

Sorry I'm late! At your service

[DavidL]

Im in no rush to go overseas, only wanting to consider it and decide from there. Im curious if this type of apprenticeship falls under the guidelines of a gov. grant. Best case scenario would be I apprentice full time for 6 months to a year and I get a position at the shop for a beginner position.

I was thinking to save up and in a few years I can visit Japan and overtime fit in USA and France. Each country has there own style of leather goods and slightly different styles, so theres that bit extra that I could learn authentically without guesswork. The trips after Japan will be more of a vacation I guess.

I would think that going once I have learned the basics of leather working and into the advanced, learning the subtleties of leather working is where it would benefit most, the harder construction styles and close scrutiny of the refinement of skills.

[Cobra Steve]

Hello, you can see many of these award winners in our ad in Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal or on our website under "Award Winners" Steve

[cgleathercraft]

Sounds like you have a good plan down. Lots of time and money to be invested. Best of luck!

[rlpullman]

Taka Fine Leather of Japan

http://www.taka-fine-leather.com

[Tramps Leatherworking]

Isn't this like asking who are the best guitar players in the world?

[TwinOaks]

Isn't this like asking who are the best guitar players in the world?

well, no, not really. That question has a single correct answer.....

[Tramps Leatherworking]

well, no, not really. That question has a single correct answer.....

I disagree --- you would never get a consensus on that question...

In judging music, as well as any piece of art, beauty is in the eye/ear of the beholder.

[J Hayes]

well, no, not really. That question has a single correct answer.....

I'll bite

[JLSleather]

i kaint even decide on the best guitar player for pink floyd!