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Founder & Crafter: Andy Mock Location: La Verne, California Ways to Buy: Website Products: Belts, Wallets, Leather Balm, Key Fobs, Valet Trays, Dopp Kits, Field Notes Cover, Pen Holders, Razor Sleeves, Money Clips, Card Holders Products I Own: Key Fob & Leather Balm Contact & Social Media
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Get to Know Blackthorn Leather's Founder Andy Mock:
Andy has always had a knack for being creative as he comes from the professional world of Graphic Design. Andy got into leathercrafting when his friend showed him his workshop and taught him some of his skills. As Andy's new hobby grew, he improved by continuously teaching himself the tools of the leather trade. Eventually, he decided to start Blackthorn Leather.
"Blackthorn Leather is one person (Andy). I do all the design, production, shipping, branding, and marketing. I started the brand officially in 2009." -Andy Mock on Blackthorn Leather
*Picture from Blackthorn Leather
His love for leatherworking grew and grew that in November of 2017, Andy quit his job as an art director for a publishing company to build Blackthorn Leather as a full time job. Currently, the best way to get a hold of his products is on Blackthorn's website. However, if you live in the Claremont, CA area, you can stop in at The Statesman, a local boutique and barber shop to check out some of his merchandise.
On Leathercrafting as a full time job: "It has been amazing doing something you have a passion for." -Andy
Blackthorn Leather's Feature Product: The Galway Wallet
*Pictures above from Blackthorn Leather
"The Galway is my favorite thing to make right now. I love the way they look with the selection of liner material and they just have a nice feel in hand. Not much bigger than a cell phone so they fit great in a front or back pocket." -Andy
Product Features
Handmade from Full-grain, Veg. Tanned Leather or English Bridle Leather (Depending on model)
Simple Snap Closure
Size: 3.5 x 4.75 closed (about the size of a cell phone)
Two Card Slots
Secret Stash Pocket
Slot Pocket (perfect for cash)
Available in 3 Models: London Tan, Indian Head Buffalo Nickel, Medium Brown
Full Customization: Choose the Liner, Concho, & Stitching Color
Handmade from Full-grain, Veg. Tanned Leather or English Bridle Leather (Depending on model)
Simple Snap Closure
Size: 3.5 x 4.75 closed (about the size of a cell phone)
Two Card Slots
Secret Stash Pocket
Slot Pocket (perfect for cash)
Available in 3 Models: London Tan, Indian Head Buffalo Nickel, Medium Brown
Full Customization: Choose the Liner, Concho, & Stitching Color
12 Conchos to Choose From *Pic from Blackthorn Leather
The Galway: "Named in tribute to the city in Ireland where my ancestors came from."
Other Products by Blackthorn Leather:
Dopp Kit *Pic from Blackthorn Leather
Valet Trays *Pic from Blackthorn Leather
The Gatehouse Wallet *Pic from Blackthorn Leather
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Leather Balm *Pic from Blackthorn Leather
Belts *Pic from Blackthorn Leather
Key Fobs *Pic from Blackthorn Leather
The Bifold Wallet *Pic from Blackthorn Leather
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" I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and making things. I discovered leather craft from an old friend of mine who had a leather workshop." -Andy
Branded By U Product Posts:
September 2018
My first order from Blackthorn Leather included a custom Key Fob in natural (initials engraved), *Blackthorn's own leather balm, and a Fisher Space Pen. I was very interested in the leather balm as it is Andy's own recipe and not as readily available or marketed like Smith's Leather Balm. So right when I unpacked everything, I immediately rubbed some of the balm onto the key fob. It darkened it a little, as to be expected, especially on leather that isn't dyed. I haven't gotten any liquids on it yet so I cannot yet write about the waterproofing but it seemed to have conditioned the fob really well. I tried it on the rest of my EDC key set up and it seemed to make them more supple. I will do an update once I get trapped in a Midwest storm!
Onto the key fob, which is one of the sturdier ones I have found out there (made out of 10 oz., veg tanned leather). It holds my Kyte Creek Leather's Warden Keychains and Fob very well and now I do not have to worry about my belt loops stretching out or breaking. I got the clip in Antique Brass (also available in Pewter) and it is solid! The clip stays closed unless you manually open it, so no need to worry about losing your keys unexpectedly. I can easily fit two bolt snaps from my keychains in there and the strap wraps just right around any of my belts (see above picture). I cannot wait to post updated pictures as the key fob patinas.
*Leather Balm good for firmer leathers (Veg. Tanned), not recommended for use on suede
My first order from Blackthorn Leather included a custom Key Fob in natural (initials engraved), *Blackthorn's own leather balm, and a Fisher Space Pen. I was very interested in the leather balm as it is Andy's own recipe and not as readily available or marketed like Smith's Leather Balm. So right when I unpacked everything, I immediately rubbed some of the balm onto the key fob. It darkened it a little, as to be expected, especially on leather that isn't dyed. I haven't gotten any liquids on it yet so I cannot yet write about the waterproofing but it seemed to have conditioned the fob really well. I tried it on the rest of my EDC key set up and it seemed to make them more supple. I will do an update once I get trapped in a Midwest storm!
Onto the key fob, which is one of the sturdier ones I have found out there (made out of 10 oz., veg tanned leather). It holds my Kyte Creek Leather's Warden Keychains and Fob very well and now I do not have to worry about my belt loops stretching out or breaking. I got the clip in Antique Brass (also available in Pewter) and it is solid! The clip stays closed unless you manually open it, so no need to worry about losing your keys unexpectedly. I can easily fit two bolt snaps from my keychains in there and the strap wraps just right around any of my belts (see above picture). I cannot wait to post updated pictures as the key fob patinas.
*Leather Balm good for firmer leathers (Veg. Tanned), not recommended for use on suede
1.08.19
The Key Fob has become a staple in my EDC. The patina that developing is truly something to behold as the leather has darkened while also getting indigo rubbed on it from my jeans. Check out some of the progress:
The Key Fob has become a staple in my EDC. The patina that developing is truly something to behold as the leather has darkened while also getting indigo rubbed on it from my jeans. Check out some of the progress:
The Natural Patina of a Blackthorn Leather Custom Key Fob
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Paired with Carmine Jack Leather's Oak Bark Tanned Belt & JC Leatherworks Big Dude Short Wallet
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Personally, natural veg. tanned leather is becoming my favorite leather to have. It starts out as a completely blank slate and only you get to tell the rest of the story. You can either choose to let the patina slowly develop like I do, or rush the process and get a more even color through out by sun tanning the product. Either way, the leather will be uniquely beautiful!
Contact Andy:
andy@blackthornleather.com
andy@blackthornleather.com
