Leather Workshop Singapore | Premium Corporate Gifts – The Leather Society

Where to buy leather in Singapore?

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 08:53:00 -0800

Malayan Leathercraft

685 Race Course Road # 01-336
Phone: 9297 2313

Opening Hours :
Tues - Sat : 1pm - 7pm
Sunday : 12pm - 5pm

Malayan Leather Craft offers leather from Europe , Japan and Asia. Their hides can be of the most premium grade down to most affordable price for mass market. Their basic tools & accessories are rather complete and have a basic premium set for starters.

Website: https://malayanleather.com/

AL Leather

3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62, #02-33 Link@AMK, Singapore 569139 Phone: 8032 5808

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: Closed

Against the Grain: Keeping Sturdy Boots Filled at Malayan Leathercraft

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 03:59:53 -0700

Quiet moments come few and far between at Malayan Leathercraft. The bell that hangs by the door chimes periodically, keeping a steadfast rhythm for the whirring machines, ringing telephones and conversations over specs and requirements of custom projects with customers. At its beating heart stands leather specialist and professional crafter PJ Su, who wields his trusty set of tools and an easy smile for all who set foot past his glass storefront tucked away in an unassuming void deck of a HDB block on Race Course Road.

Everyone knows PJ, it seems, but most importantly, PJ knows everyone.

As generational businesses rapidly give way to newer, shinier ventures, Malayan Leather Craft stands out with its deftly crafted boots planted firmly on the ground since its inception at the weathered hands of PJ’s father in 1974. At that time, the leather trading business went by Malayan Traders and quickly rose the ranks in its region, mirroring Grandfather Su’s mastery of the industry in many ways.

But PJ’s story began under the guidance of a colleague and an accomplished mentor - a befitting origin for an individual hailed as a master of the craft among this generation’s local crafters. Like most artisans, he started small, and over time, simple keychains and wallets turned into bags and intricate accessories. “I was captivated once I saw that I could transform leather into functional art,” PJ professes, emphasising that his eventual achievements were the fruit of much practice and many mistakes.

Evolution and change are fundamental cornerstones of this industry, and as with many in his position, the veteran leather crafter shares that sourcing for high quality leather at affordable prices as well as maintaining an inventory for his regulars are among some of the tougher challenges he has faced over the...Read More

Badalassi Carlo - Pueblo Leather

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 07:43:09 -0700

Pueblo Vegetable Tanned Leather, crafted by the esteemed Badalassi Carlo Tannery in Tuscany, Italy, is well known for its exceptional quality and traditional vegetable tanning methods using tree barks that date back centuries. With over 40 years of expertise, Badalassi Carlo produces leather that is highly valued in the footwear and bag-making industries. As a proud member of the prestigious Pelle Vegetale Consortium, Badalassi Carlo guarantees the highest standards of authentic tanning techniques.

Pueblo leather's aniline dye preserves its unique traits, contributing to its natural aesthetic. Ranging from classic browns to vibrant hues, these leathers are renowned for their durability and the beautiful patina they develop over time, making them ideal for high-quality leather projects. This top-grade, full-grain leather boasts a supple feel with a hint of firmness, offering a unique rustic look that deepens over time, developing a rich patina. Thoroughly dyed with a soft flesh side, Pueblo leather is pleasant to handle, cut, and skive.

The meticulous tanning process involves bark extracts, animal fats, aniline dyeing, air drying, and stone polishing, resulting in Pueblo leather's characteristic stone-like finish. Unlike leathers treated with plastic pigments, Pueblo maintains its natural beauty and authenticity.

Pueblo leather is renowned for its dramatic aging and patina, light aroma, resistance to stretching, and minimal creasing. Burnishing with a soft cloth enhances its oils, making it smoother and darker over time. Pueblo's distinctive texture and durability make it a favorite for everyday items.

Source: Mill Handmade

In summary, Pueblo Vegetable Tanned Leather from Badalassi Carlo Tannery represents the pinnacle of leather tanning expertise. Its traditional vegetable tanning process, preserved natural traits, and sustainable production methods make it the top choice for discerning...Read More

Conceria Walpier - Buttero Leather

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 03:04:15 -0700

Buttero Leather: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1974, Conceria Walpier is a renowned Italian tannery celebrated for its exceptional buttero leather. Located in Tuscany, the heart of Italy's leather industry, the tannery has been producing premium leather for over four decades.

Source: Conceria Walpier

Member of the Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium

Conceria Walpier is a proud member of the Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale, a consortium of over 20 top tanneries in Tuscany that regulate and guarantee the production of vegetable-tanned leather in the region. Each buttero hide features the "Pelle Al Vegetale" seal, signifying adherence to the highest standards. Conceria Walpier also implements its own rigorous quality control measures, surpassing even the strict consortium guidelines.

Source: Conceria Walpier

Unique Tanning Process

Buttero leather is crafted using a traditional vegetable tanning process, making it highly adaptable for various products, from bags and wallets to watch straps. This method, rooted in ancient practices, imparts a unique character to the leather.

Source: Conceria Walpier

Distinctive Characteristics

Buttero leather is renowned for its vibrant colors and rich, creamy textures, which allow it to age beautifully. Over time, it develops a deep patina, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and enduring material. Designed to show marks and scratches that blend seamlessly into the surface, this leather enhances its character with use.

Cut from the shoulder of the hide, buttero leather boasts exceptional tensile...Read More

The Ultimate Guide to Leather Grades

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 22:27:27 -0800

In the intricate realm of leather craftsmanship, the choice of leather grade significantly influences the quality, durability, and aesthetics of the final product. This guide aims to demystify the nuances of different leather grades, focusing on Full-Grain, Top-Grain, Genuine Leather, and Corrected-Grain. Understanding these variations empowers us to make informed choices, aligning with our preferences, budget considerations, and desired quality levels for specific leather products.

Full-Grain Leather:

At the pinnacle of leather excellence stands full-grain leather, embodying unparalleled quality and timeless beauty. This top-tier leather undergoes a meticulous preservation process that conserves the entire grain, showcasing natural markings and imperfections as distinctive features. The resulting texture is opulent—smooth, resilient, and with the ability to develop a coveted patina over time. Exceptional breathability minimizes moisture retention. Coveted for crafting premium footwear and high-end furniture, full-grain leather epitomizes elegance and natural allure.

Top-Grain Leather:

A formidable competitor to full-grain, top-grain leather distinguishes itself with a refined process involving sanding the outer layer and applying a finish coat for a uniform appearance. The resulting leather is pliable, thinner than full-grain, and may develop an appealing patina with time. Noteworthy for heightened stain resistance, top-grain leather...Read More

Your Ultimate Guide to the Most Popular Horween Leathers

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 17:46:32 -0800

Embark on a captivating journey through the legacy of Horween Leather Company, a paragon of quality since its establishment in 1905. Immerse yourself in the world of the top Horween leathers, each embodying a unique blend of durability, opulence, and timeless allure.

1. Chromexcel:

Chromexcel, derived from the hides of American cattle, is celebrated for its rich pull-up effect and supple feel. Ideal for crafting enduring boots, wallets, and accessories, it ages gracefully over time, telling a story of American craftsmanship and heritage.

2. Shell Cordovan:

Sourced from the hindquarters of equine hides, Shell Cordovan stands atop the global leather hierarchy. With its smooth, glossy surface and unmatched durability, it signifies a commitment to luxury and timeless craftsmanship, making it a symbol of enduring sophistication.

3. Dublin:

Dublin leather, sourced from American steer hides, invites you to experience rugged beauty with its textured appearance and robust feel. Crafted for belts, bags, and casual footwear, Dublin ages uniquely, developing a distinctive patina that speaks of resilience and authenticity.

4. Essex:

Hermès, renowned for its mastery in crafting exquisite leather goods, consistently presents a pinnacle of global leather excellence. Picture this: with every season, the skilled handbag artisans meticulously navigate through a treasure trove of 20 or 30 distinct leathers, each possessing its own unique personality. Here, we unravel the top 10 most sought-after Hermès leathers:

Barenia Leather:

Hermès Barenia leather, originally crafted for equestrian gear, stands as an epitome of exceptional quality and distinctive characteristics. Its smooth surface adorned with a subtle luster radiates sophistication, making it a coveted choice for luxury accessories. Resilient against scratches and precipitation, Barenia's durability adds to its allure, while the development of a distinctive patina over time further enhances its unique heritage. Tanned near the village of Barr in Alsace, Barenia is celebrated for its historical significance, lush thickness, and a distinctive aroma that elevates the sensory experience of owning Hermès products.

Boxcalf Leather:

Hermès Boxcalf leather, an enduring classic, is defined by its smooth, glossy texture and timeless appearance. Despite its susceptibility to scratches, these imperfections contribute to a polished patina, showcasing the leather's unique charm. Known for its durability, excellent shape retention, and occasional production in neutral hues, Boxcalf remains a versatile and classic choice, particularly favored for vintage Hermès bags. Its ability to...Read More

Big Brands & Their Leather

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 18:42:40 -0700

John Lobbs

John Lobbs is a bespoke British luxury shoe makes that most people would consider it to be the epitome or the holy grail of men's formal shoe. They have been around since 1849 and was acquired by Hermès Group in 1976. Since then, Hermès developed the John Lobbs ready-to-wear shoes around the world. The John Lobbs brand was really well known for their "museum calf" leather which they acquire from ILCEA Tannery. These "museum calf" leather that is dubbed by John Lobbs are basically Radica Leather from ILCEA Tannery. They are amongst some of the highest quality Italian leather with a unique pattern that many other tanneries have tried to replicate but failed. The pattern making of this that is closely guarded secret by ILCEA. Below is an image of these beautifully made leather. I have always been a firm believer that quality doesn't lie so take a look at these pictures and be your own judge.

Source: Rocky Mountain Leather Supply

Hermès

Hermès is a French high fashion luxury goods manufacturer that needs no introduction. They are most well-known for their Birkin bags. These Birkins are the most popular bag amongst handbag collectors, with the likes of Jamie Chua owning a couple of dozen of it. These beautiful bags are made with many different kinds of leather such as Togo Leather that comes from a tannery in Germany known as Perlinger. The Togo leather is a shrunken calf leather. It is made by shrinking high quality calf leather in order to make the grains of these hides more pronounced and yet have a soft and supple feel to it. Other notable leathers that Hermès uses are Barenia and Zermatt leather that comes from Tannery Haas in France. But it is no surprise that most desirable and the most expensive Birkins are made by Himalayan Crocodile leather that comes from Hermès own tannery. Crafted from Nile crocodile hide, the ‘Himalaya’ moniker does not apply to the origin...Read More

Why are handmade leather items more expensive?

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 08:23:38 -0700

Am I overpaying for handmade goods? Why are handmade goods so exorbitantly priced? This article aims to breakdown the rationale behind pricing of handmade goods, with more reference to those made in leather.

Majority of consumers believe that handmade items are expensive merely for the intensive manual labour it requires. While that may be true, there are a host of other factors which influences its price; handmade goods tend to have higher quality, be built from better materials and last longer.

The key to long-lasting leather goods stem from two variables: quality of leather and the stitching method used. Leather craftsmen often employ a particular stitching method called saddle stitching compared to lock stitching, which is a common method resulting from sewing machines. Saddle stitching involves the use of 2 saddlery needles that crosses over each other through every stitching hole. Below is a pictorial example of saddle stitching versus lock stitching.

Source: DaVarg

What saddle-stitching achieves is that should any part of the thread fail as a result of wear-and-tear or abrasion, the other threads would still remain in tension. Compared to lock-stitching, the threads would unravel throughout the entire leather good should any part fail.

So what does this mean to end consumer? This means that consumers will get more durable and longer lasting leather goods as a saddle-stitched leather goods will not fall apart as easily as opposed to that of a machine-stitched item due to the very nature of the stitching methods.

Until today, no machine in this world can replicate the saddle stitching technique. Therefore, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. So be assured, when you pay a little extra for a handmade leather goods next time, you are also getting a more durable and a longer lasting product that is made with love. Below is a short clip of a Hermes craftsman saddle-stitching.

What is Leather?

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 22:44:57 -0700

For majority of us, the first thing that comes to mind when we hear the term "leather" is that it is animal skin. For the most part, we would be right. But, we also learn in our science classes that these animal skins will decompose over time unless it undergoes sort of treatment. In the leather industry, this treatment process is known as the "tanning process".

The animal hides are first dehaired and thrown into a giant drum -- think a huge washing machine -- where it is soaked in water and tannins. There are tons of ways of how you can tan leather but the more common ones these days are "Vegetable Tanning" and "Chrome Tanning".

Vegetable Tanned Leather

Vegetable tanning gets its name from its use of vegetable tannins. Vegetable tannins are made out of natural ingredients such as tree barks, chestnut shells and sometimes even dried leaves. These mixtures are then pounded into a powder form and will be used in the vegetable tanning process to transform these the "animal skins" into "leather". The different ratios of these ingredients mixed together will give the leather it's structure and colour.

Chrome Tanned Leather

Chrome Tanning on the other hand uses a type of chemical or metal known as chromium sulphate. Chrome tanning has resulted in exotic leather such as Alligators, Crocodiles, Snakes, Ostrich, and Lizards being made possible. Through chrome tanning, these exotic leathers are made pliable and usable as compared to vegetable tanned leather. To simply put, if we were to try to tanned an Alligator leather using vegetable tanning process, it will make the Alligator skin too stiff and hence, crack. However, chrome tanning is not limited to exotic leathers. More common leathers such as cow, goat, buffalo and horse are also chrome tanned and are typically cheaper than it's vegetable tanned counterpart.

Here is a short clip on how leather is made.