The Mission
C.R. Campbell Leatherworks Co. is dedicated to the production of high quality leather goods while supporting the Made in America, Buy Local, and Social Responsibility movements. This means that the process of making a product isn’t just viewed as a means to an end, but rather as an opportunity to bring small scale, specialty manufacturing back to the U.S., and to do things the right way.
ALL products are 100% designed, cut, assembled and finished by hand right here in the United States.
All leather is purchased from a very highly regarded, in-state vendor that tans using only U.S. steer hides.
U.S. made hardware is used heavily and whenever available.
Production is carried out using specialty made, heirloom quality American hand tools that are proudly made with precision by small mom-and-pop machine shops.
Virtually everything gets purchased from other small businesses, in a conscious effort to support the livelihoods of others and to strengthen our economy and communities. Others talk about it, but here it’s all about living it, one small choice at a time.
The Story
It all started with the love of quality, U.S.-made goods and a passion for skilled, small-batch manufacturing.
Operating out of an old concrete block shop that has housed several businesses throughout its years (originally as a dairy supply business, then the founder’s late Father’s carpentry shop from which he built countless yard barns), these walls have lived and witnessed many lives. The sense of continuity and of place runs strong here.
When not deeply engaged in the pursuit of handcrafting timeless leather goods, passions turn to burning the woodstove, watching the cows graze peacefully and clouds form shadows on the rolling hillsides surrounding the shop, or taking a fence lined drive to one of the world class distilleries peppering the Bluegrass region.
Your love and support allows this small company to exist and continue to keep doing things the right way. Thank you!