Why I Sometimes Choose Economy Leather
At Wolf Spirit Crafts, honesty matters as much as craftsmanship. That’s why I want you to know exactly what materials I use and why I use them.
I personally hand-pick every single hide. Some are premium, flawless, and uniform. Others are what’s called “economy” veg-tan leather: hides that carry scars, range marks, and quirks from the animal’s life.
I don’t choose them to cut corners. I choose them because they let me keep my work accessible without sacrificing quality. Economy hides may look less “perfect,” but they’re still strong, take dye beautifully, and last a lifetime when cared for.
“Economy leather is where I start, but nothing about my process is economy.”
The Hand Process
Whether I start with economy, or premium, every step is done by hand:
Cutting - trimmed carefully to avoid weak spots.
Dyeing - 99% of the time, I dye my own leather for depth and character.
Stitching - saddle-stitched for strength.
Finishing - oiled, burnished, and sealed to stand the test of time.
This is why even an economy piece isn’t “cheap.” It’s affordable, yes, but it carries hours of skilled handwork.
Care & Expectations for Economy Leather Projects
Every Wolf Spirit Crafts piece is built to last. If your item was made using economy leather, here’s what that means for you:
Hand-selected by me - only the strongest cuts make it into your project.
Natural character - scars, range marks, or slight color variation are part of the hide’s authentic story.
Strength where it counts - I cut wallets, sheaths, and trays from the firmest areas for durability.
Unique finish - dye takes differently on each hide, making your piece Truly one of a kind.
Premium Options
When a project calls for it, or when you want an heirloom piece. I also work with legendary tanneries like:
Hermann Oak - strong, stiff, perfect for holsters and structured goods.
Wickett & Craig - clean and consistent, excellent for belts and carving.
Horween - rich, luxurious finishes for wallets, bags, and heirloom pieces.