Most people who want something custom made have never commissioned anything before, so the first message is usually an apology followed by a vague question. This is a plain explanation of how it actually works, what it costs, and when it is a bad idea.
What we can and cannot make
We work in full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and waxed canvas, made by hand in our studio. Within that, the range is wide: sheaths and holsters cut for a specific tool, flask wraps, valet trays, belt pouches, cases sized to an object you already own, branded runs for companies.
What we do not do: garments, upholstery, shoe repair, anything requiring exotic or protected hides, or reproductions of another brand's design.
The process
1. Tell us the problem, not the solution
The most useful first message describes what you need the piece to do, not what you think it should look like. A sheath for a specific tool that sits on a 1.5 inch belt and does not rattle is far more useful than a request for a custom leather sheath.
If it is a case for an object, the object's dimensions are the whole conversation. Photos with a ruler in frame are ideal.
2. We tell you honestly whether it is worth doing
Sometimes the answer is that a stock piece will do the job for a third of the price. We would rather say that than take a commission that leaves you feeling overcharged.
3. Quote and timeline
We quote a fixed price and a delivery window before any work starts. Custom single pieces generally run two to four weeks depending on the queue. Branded production runs go out in two to three weeks.
4. Making
For anything unusual we send a photo at the pattern stage, before cutting good leather. Changes are cheap at that point and expensive later.
What it costs
Custom work is priced on time, not on materials. Leather is a small share of the cost; the hours of handwork are most of it.
As a rough guide, a custom piece typically costs somewhere between one and a half and three times the equivalent stock item, depending on how much pattern work is involved. A sheath cut for an unusual tool is closer to the low end. Something with no precedent is closer to the high end.
For corporate runs, per-unit cost drops sharply with quantity. Ask for a quote with your run size rather than guessing from retail prices.
When custom is the wrong answer
- You want it next week. Handwork does not compress. If the deadline is tight, buy stock and personalise it.
- You want the cheapest option. Custom is never that.
- You are not sure what you want. A commission needs a decision. If you are still exploring, buy something stock first and learn what you actually use.
- You want a copy of another maker's design. We will not do it.
Corporate and event commissions
Branded runs, logo debossing and executive gifting are a separate track with different lead times and pricing. If you are planning a Las Vegas event, live crafting is often a better use of the same budget than a production run.
Getting started
Send what the piece needs to do, any dimensions you have, your deadline and a rough budget. We answer every enquiry ourselves and will tell you honestly if we are not the right maker for it.
Get in touch. We are on South Highland Drive in Las Vegas, and local commissions are welcome to visit the bench.