Inspired by tradition and Ray Mears’ life on the trail, read on to discover the story of our leatherwork — a journey of skill, patience, and a deep respect for the wild places it was made to serve.

It all started with that single knife sheath for Ray Mears, 25 years ago…

In this blog Becky Brewster, Designer Leather Worker here at Woodlore, reflects upon her career producing the finest leather and canvas items in the outdoor market. Handmade in house here in the South East of England, her story is one of perfect craftmanship coupled with a relentless drive to produce the the most practically elegant products.

In my early twenties I had a brief obsession with horses and riding. Brief because I decided to train as a saddler but apprenticeship wages are not really conducive to supporting regular riding lessons and all things horse. I was not that far into my four years of training when I realised that whilst I loved making bridles and repairing saddles, the joy I got from my job was about working with leather and not so much to do with horses and riding equipment. I also had a boss who never said no to a job so whilst making bridles, reins, head-collars and riding chaps and  re-seating or flocking saddles, I also re-leathered bellows, repaired briefcases and bags, made alterations to biker’s gear and yes, made the odd knife sheath.

My love of all things leather really flourished when I became self-employed and at this point I repaired and took commissions for everything from cases and handbags, gear for re-enactment (for horses and people),  garments and guitar straps and even furniture. And the odd knife sheath.

And then I met Ray and his first wife Rachel and I made my first Woodlore knife sheath.

Ray’s concept was simple… achieving it was not.

“As ephemeral as the wake of the passing canoe paddle, the challenge is to make items that will become constant companions, moreover to make them so well that they do not wear out easily and will inspire their owner to care for them.” Ray Mears

I had received a phone call from a lady called Rachel who explained to me what her partner Ray did and asked if I made knife sheaths. I had previously made knife sheaths although it was not my speciality. Rachel popped into my workshop with a knife and gave me a general idea of what was required.

Ray was not impressed with my initial efforts but after a chat with knife maker Alan Wood and a redesign we eventually came up with a sheath befitting the Woodlore Knife. That knife sheath was the first of many!

Small batches of the Woodlore knife sheath followed the initial sample and then some belts. These seemed quite unique to me; the most rugged belt I had ever made was a jeans belt but these new belts were really sturdy. I have recently seen one owned by my colleague Callum which he has worn every day for 15 years, much of this outdoors. It is still going strong although you can see it has been worked hard. It had certainly developed a patina that told the story of its life!

Leather is a very natural, sustainable and versatile material that has been in use since early humans first hunted. The hide is tanned with tree bark and vegetable matter to produce a material so useful that even today few alternatives come near to competing with its unique properties. Our vegetable tanned butts and shoulders carry the full, natural grain of the animals from which they come and are hand dyed in-house before being oiled and greased.

We work in small batches with each piece individually handmade in-house using traditional tools and techniques and many are entirely hand-stitched.  We know that our discerning customers appreciate that we choose to maintain the beauty and individuality of time-honoured methods and skills.

“Our leather goods unashamedly step back to a time when travellers cherished the opportunity to think, and to breathe in the nature which surrounded them. Combining the finest materials and superlative craftsmanship they blend seamlessly into natural scenery enhancing the inspiration of the wild aesthetic. We want you to work them hard and to enjoy caring for them, but above all to love them.“

“Items made from natural materials are full of soul. They become cherished friends of the trail, the attachment growing with each journey made. Along the way they develop a magical patina of wear that chronicles their faithful service. When after many years, perhaps even several generations, they at last reach their span and can no longer be revived or repaired they may become an heirloom to inspire the imaginations of young adventurers or simply return to nature. Ray Mears“

With the recent addition of The Woodlore Shop, Becky has had the opportunity to meet many customers that have used her products all over the world and on many of Woodlore’s Bushcraft Courses.

It is wonderful to hear the stories of adventure that these products have been on – from notebook covers detailing indigenous tribes foraging knowledge to coffee bags housing that most precious cargo, pressed into service under a tarp on a canoe journey in Canada.

In Becky’s usual understated way, we will leave you with her summary of the amazing products she produces for the enjoyment of others;

Every one of the designs produced in house at Woodlore is a team effort, created in response to a need. Whilst Ray Mears is often the starting point and of course has the final say on every new design – it really is a team effort. Over the years every member of the Woodlore team has been involved with ideas, designs, testing and feedback in order to produce designs that fulfil a functional need, look and feel beautiful and are built to last.

By Callum Hilder and Becky Brewster