In 2019 my colleague Justin and I made a trip over to Missouri to pay a visit to Hermann Oak Leather to learn their tanning process so that we could incorporate it into conversations with our own customers. The trip was beyond worth it, not only because we learned so much more about vegetable tanned leather and were able to catch a St. Louis Cardinals game, but for the connections we made with all the amazing people that work for Hermann Oak, who collectively make the tannery something truly special. My goal in this article, however, is to help spread the knowledge that Justin and I gained after our trip, and to pass it along to you. Enjoy!
Ross Brunk explains his process for making a clean, crisp basket stamp on veg tan leather from Hermann Oak. One of Barry King’s most popular leather stamps can be deceptively difficult to use properly. But with a scratch awl and patience, you’ll be a master in no time.
In this video, Ross Brunk, an award-winning saddle maker from Billings, MT, shows us how he carves a Sheridan style flower into Hermann Oak leather. Using various tools from Barry King, all of which can be purchased at Montana Leather, Ross shares some of his incredible knowledge of the craft.
