About Me
Black Oak Leather began with a spark of inspiration in August 2024, during a trip to Sorrento, Italy. As I walked through its narrow streets and small leather shops, I found myself drawn to the quiet confidence of the craftsmanship around me. Every piece I encountered felt intentional and enduring. That experience stayed with me, and on my way home I kept thinking about how meaningful it would be to create something of my own with that same sense of care.
When I returned, I bought a small set of tools and began learning the craft from the ground up. Those early attempts were simple and imperfect, but they taught me the value of patience, attention, and repetition. Over time, the work became more fluid, more thoughtful, and more rewarding. Eventually, I designed my first finished piece, the Hudson Trifold, and from that moment Black Oak Leather truly began.
My background in CAD design helped shape the way I approach each product. I use it to create precise templates, refine proportions, and experiment with ideas before ever cutting into leather. Combining digital precision with traditional handcrafting gives each piece a balance of structure and soul. Every item is cut, stitched, finished, and inspected by my hands alone. Working this way takes time, but it ensures that every detail receives the attention it deserves.
The materials I choose reflect that same commitment to quality and intention. I work exclusively with world‑class leathers from Horween Leather Company in the United States and Conceria Walpier in Italy; tanneries recognized globally for their tradition, consistency, and dedication to exceptional leather. Horween’s Chromexcel and Dublin are known for their depth, character, and long‑term durability, while Walpier’s vegetable‑tanned leathers bring refined structure and a beautiful patina that only improves with time.
Each piece is paired with solid brass hardware and YKK zippers, chosen for their reliability and ability to age alongside the leather. My goal is not simply to make something that looks good when it’s new, but to create goods that grow more meaningful the longer they’re used. Pieces meant to become part of someone’s daily life for years to come.
Black Oak Leather is, at its core, a one‑person workshop built on curiosity, steady improvement, and a genuine appreciation for well‑made goods. Every product you see is the result of hours at my workbench, shaping materials into something honest and lasting. I hope that the care I put into my work comes through in the pieces you carry, and that they become companions that grow with you over time.
Thank you for being here and for supporting the craft that started with a single moment in Sorrento. I’m grateful to share it with you.