Traditional Leathercrafting vs Modernceather Crafting: What Changed?
There’s always been a never-ending debate about the past vs present, be it in terms of technology or ways of lifestyle. Humans love to make these comparisons and try and determine the better one.
The debate of traditional leathercrafting versus modern leathercrafting has left leather enthusiasts baffled while trying to choose sides. Another discussion that’s often brought up is that of handmade production versus mass-production. People often tend to associate traditional ways of working with ‘handmade’- you can understand why they substitute one for the other.
After this article has run its course, you’ll be in a better position to take sides with either traditional leathercrafting or modern leathercrafting. Come along as we provide a neutral perspective on both practices.
Traditional Leathercrafting
Leather products have been synonymous with royalty and excellence, right from when humans discovered the material. During the early years of leather, handcrafting was the only way to make these products, so it has a high degree of artistic influence. Aesthetics and quality played a pivotal role in determining whether or not a leather product will sell. This is why crafters were constantly aiming to hone their leathercrafting skills to make appealing leathers.
Over the years, as technological advancements were made, stitching leather products became much more straightforward. This meant that businesses started to adopt these practices in place of handcrafting techniques to meet worldwide leather demands.
However, traditional leathercrafting techniques didn’t dwindle to a lull. The aesthetic and timelessness of handmade leather products, till today, has enjoyed a steady demand, and rightly so.
There are actually quite a lot of reasons that have contributed to its popularity. The superior build, quality and durability of handmade leather products are some of the many significant reasons people flock after them. Additionally, the opportunity to customise your product based on your whims and fancies makes handcraft stand out and highly in demand in the leather industry.
Another critical reason why traditional leathercrafting is coming back to the fore is because of the environment-friendly nature of its crafting process. The demand for handmade products in the UK also creates more job opportunities, thereby positively impacting societal development.
Modern Leathercrafting
The inception of technological advancements has meant that leather goods are now mass-manufactured. Factors like urbanisation and population growth have meant that leather products are in high demand, and businesses have more incentive to mass-produce products. However, in the modern marketplace, the automation of leathercrafting may not be the most terrible option on earth. For starters, mass-manufactured leather products are more suited to contemporary consumers and even reflect current trends.
Additionally, if you’re looking to set up a profitable leather business, your initial investment can be minimised by setting machines instead of employing leather craftsmen. If you’re a consumer, mass-manufactured leather products are more readily available than handmade leather products. You know the reality is that businesses cash in on this consumer mentality and base marketing schemes around it.
We can’t deny the passion, patience, and charm that’s invested in handmade leathercraft but you may settle for modern mechanised leathercrafting for a more affordable leather product. Despite its practicality, mass production of leather products has adverse effects on the environment. The machines used in the process emit toxic substances into the atmosphere, degrading the air quality around these industries. Another drawback is that these products can never emulate the ageless handmade products’ quality levels and are more likely to have stitching flaws.
What Changed in Leathercrafting?
Due to the rise of the internet, the availability of online resources is just a click away. There are hundreds of businesses that provide their services to leathercraft enthusiasts, which has led to the decline of traditional leathercrafting as a skill. However, there is still a considerable demand for handmade leather products since many businesses are invested in the ancient technique.
Modern leathercrafting has assumed the role of a ‘facilitator’. Businesses are set up to help customers design products of their choice, so while the design may be somewhat unique, the process is still automated. The upside to this is that it takes way less time to complete than handmade leather products, but it comes at the cost of quality degradation. It all comes down to what you’re looking for. If supreme quality and raw passion excite you, then traditional leathercrafting will be a better bet for you. If you’re someone who can compromise on the quality and settle for a more affordable, custom-made leather product, then modern leathercrafting has your vote.
Leathercrafting in the UK provides you with a market for traditional leather crafted products and modern leather crafted products. The choice of what suits your taste better is ultimately on you. Both methodologies have their own pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide how you weigh the positives against each other. Let’s assume that you’re looking for a leather product that is chic and fashionable and is not too expensive. It’s something that’s going to be used regularly and, therefore, will endure a considerable amount of wear and tear. In such a case, you can opt for an industry made leather product as quality is not in your parameter of concern.
On the contrary, if you’re looking for a durable leather product with an immaculate finish and authoritative charm, you should opt for a traditionally crafted handmade leather product. Regardless of where your interests lie, we at CreateLab offer you the most comprehensive array of leather goods in the UK.
CreateLab was founded to deliver you an unparalleled quality of leather products in the UK- be it handmade or mass-manufactured. From leather sourcing to manufacturing, we strive for sheer excellence through the entire leathercrafting process. So, whether you want a natural bridle hide or an embossed chrome tanned leather, we have the experience and know-how to curate just the leather product for you. Whether you’re a small business or a hobbyist, you can contact us by booking an appointment, and we will get back to you with services that align with your interests. Visit our website and experience custom made leather design at its finest.
