Sustainability

Howdy, your'e probably here because you care about the way i make things. I'm glad, that's a good thing to care about, so heres a little break down on how things roll around here. 

First of all, did ya know that 60% of animal hides as a product of the meat industry are still ending up in landfills? As long as the meat industry exists, using cowhide will be the most sustainable way to create long lasting goods. You may know, but leather, when treated well, can literally last generations. But not all leather is created equal. When sourcing from countries that don't prioritize skipping harsh chemicals to create a tanned hide, we start running into problems. For example, all the leather we use at Sterling's that has any design or carving in it, is A grade, VEGETABLE tanned cowhide sourced from US tanneries (there's only two that make this still). It's the only leather you can carve and tool into. Tanneries in India and Mexico can replicate this vegetable tanned process with chemicals. If you ever buy a full cowhide with a cancer warnings, run. It doesn't make sense. Here is a break down of our tanneries, per product. 

Herman Oak A Grade Leather from St Louis, Mo, one of two tanneries in the USA that produces strictly vegetable tanned leather. 

  • Any good that has a design, and carving. We use this for the entire Utility line, the Field Goods, all wallets and all belts. This is our main tannery. 

Wickett and Craig is the other US based tannery based in Curwensville, Pennsylvania. 

  • We use them for the lighter veg tan hides, and the body of the Natural Ophelia is made from this. 

Newbury Leathers based in the US is environmentally conscious and 100% compliant with all USA environmental protection laws.

  • Our Short Bed Trucker Wallet is made from this, and soon our first collection of tote bags will be made from the same leathers. 

Richard Hoffmans: A 5th generation tannery (est. 1899), Richard Hoffmans is a GOLD RATED German tannery focusing on high-end, contemporary fashion leather. Hoffmans is heavily focused on innovation through continuous research and development with raw material selection that comes from strict criteria and the best European cattle. Hoffmans also maintains the certification of ECOL - Energy Controlled Leather.

  • The body to the Ophelia in black, is made from this beautiful black pebbled German leather. 

MADE TO ORDER

Items being made to order cut down significantly on waist. We are a small scale production company, and typically buying in bulk doesn't make sense. This also allows for custom items more regularly, which we pride ourselves on. 

TOP COAT

Our Field Goods, Utility line and many other goods we create are now top coated with our all natural, in house made wax top coat. Soon to be available for purchase.

All of our products ship plastic free.

Buying something made from leather is an investment, it is sustainable in itself when bought from the right place, and made to last. Thank you for caring about this. 

THANK YOU