Throughout this article, we’re going to go over the most common types of handcrafted leather goods and how they compare to the factory alternatives, read on.

When it comes to any object, the material that it’s made out of will greatly affect its performance, durability, and quite a bit more. For example, you won’t find many high-end products that are made out of plastic, though there are always exceptions. Leather is one of the more versatile materials out there.

There are various kinds of leather, from faux-leather that simply resembles it all the way down to the finest of Italian leathers, and each of them has their own pros and cons. Of course, there is more to leather than that, as you’ll have to consider the assembly process that is used for it and the two most common options are machine-made and handcrafted leather goods.

The difference between handmade leather and the type made in a factory is more significant than many would expect. In today’s guide, we’re going to be discussing various kinds of products that are made with handcrafted leather and how they differ compared to machine-sewn alternatives. 

One of the more common products that is made out of leather by hand is the journal, which benefits in a few different ways from being made manually. For example, a handmade leather journal will often feature more extensive personalization options when compared to factory models.

Handmade journals will often feature more precise binding than those made by machines as well, which will reduce the likelihood of your leather journal coming unraveled. The soft feel of handmade leather will also make writing in and reading your journal a more pleasant experience.

Another product that is commonly handcrafted out of leather is the dress shoe, and this is where you’ll start to notice some huge differences between them and those made by machines. For example, a handmade leather shoe will typically break in with ease, taking less time to get comfortable.

Handcrafted leather shoes will also tend to feature more intricate detailing when compared to machine-made examples. A master shoemaker will often be able to make shoes that simply look better compared to those that have been stitched together by a machine.

Finally, perhaps the most expensive option on this list would be the leather handbag made by hand. While there are relatively affordable handcrafted leather bags, you'll also find some that are worth more than a home and are made by fashion houses like Hermes, so quality is not in short supply.

Bags which are made by hand will tend to feature designs that you can’t find on those machine-assembled products for the same reasons as on leather shoes. Another benefit is that a handmade bag will tend to last for far longer than products which have been put together using automation.

There are far more handcrafted leather goods than just the ones we have listed here, though these are some of the most popular options. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the info you need to decide whether handmade leather is right for you.