IMatt sits down with Shane from Bow the Maker to talk about the tools every leatherworker thinks they need — and the ones that actually matter.

From $12 Amazon pliers to top-shelf skiving knives, they break down which tools perform, which ones disappoint, and how to buy smarter without wasting money. The two also tackle social media “tool envy,” influencer reviews, and how to build a functional bench setup at any level.

“You don’t need the prettiest tools — you need the ones that work for you.”

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In this episode, Matt talks with Will Hodges of Treve Cambridge about the art of fine leatherwork. They explore the tools and techniques behind luxury craftsmanship, from handling exotic skins to achieving precision with stitching and skiving.

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👉 Recommended tools: Amazon Shop

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Inside Mack Provisions: Craftsmanship Beyond the Field

In this episode of The Leather Shop, Matt Roach is joined by KC of Mack Provisions, a handmade baseball glove company rooted in old-school leatherworking and modern craftsmanship. From glove relacing as a teenager to launching a full-time custom glove brand, KC shares his journey, philosophy, and what makes his gloves truly unique.

Whether you're a leatherworker, player, or lover of timeless design, this is your behind-the-scenes pass into glove-making at its finest.

🔍 Episode Highlights

Why Chrome-Tanned Leather Reigns Supreme

How KC Learned Craftsmanship in an Alaskan Tent Shop

The Horween Leather Advantage

Canvas vs. Leather: What You Need to Know

The Great Glove Break-In Debate

Tools of the Trade: Cylinder Arm Machines, Tex 135 Thread, and More

Why Suede Welting is Making a Comeback

About KC & Mack Provisions

KC started relacing gloves for teammates at age 13. After stints in Alaska sewing canvas tents and marine gear, he transitioned into building premium handmade baseball gloves using materials like Horween’s Ball Glove X leather, real shearling padding, and custom welting techniques.

His approach blends nostalgia with durability, favoring rugged, vintage aesthetics and minimal synthetic components. Each glove is made to order, emphasizing craftsmanship over mass production.

📷 Follow KC on Instagram: @mackprovisions

Craft Tips from the Episode

The Truth About Glove Construction

“Sewing a baseball glove is the hardest thing I’ve ever sewn—and I’ve worked on yachts, tents, and boat canvas.” – KC

Why Thread and Machine Choice Matter

Use UV-rated nylon thread like Tex 135, and invest in a cylinder arm machine for maximum control.

Break-in Methods

Skip the water dunk. Use a mallet and play catch for best results—especially when using wool padding.

Related Episodes

🎙️ How Scott Makes Gloves: The Deep Craft of Baseball Leather

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📌 Know someone obsessed with baseball or handmade goods? Share this episode!

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Guest: Stevie, founder of Hellbound and Back Leather
Host: Matt Roach | @leathershoppod

What We Cover:

How Stevie pivoted from trauma healthcare to custom leatherwork

Designing niche gear for trap shooting and shotgun sports

What it's like being a left-handed maker in a right-handed world

Tools, templates, wet molding, and avoiding edge paint at all costs

Mom life, creative hustle, and pricing one-off commissions

Mentions:

Trap shooting tips and terminology

Bonded stiffeners like Bontex

Edge paint favorites: Giardini vs. Vernice

Listen if you love: leatherworking, craft entrepreneurship, gear for sports, or behind-the-scenes process talk from makers who live it.

🎯 Rate + review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more leather lovers find the show.

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In Part 2 of our maker Q&A, Shane Bowman (Bow the Maker) is back with Matt to tackle more of your leathercraft questions. This episode is all about tools, technique, and getting real about the ups and downs of making. Whether you're a beginner wondering how to design your first pattern or an experienced maker debating hand stitching vs. machine work, there's something here for you.

What We Cover in This Episode:

Why Vinymo is Shane's go-to thread—and what other budget-friendly options are out there

The truth about thread sizing, sheen, and durability

Pattern-making 101: the analog method Shane recommends for beginners

The best ways to work through a creative block

Tools that are truly worth your money (parallel pliers, anyone?)

A real talk breakdown on hand-stitching vs. machine-stitching

Why community support is essential—and where to find it

Free Digital 3D Printing Jig Pattern

Want to try fixing your Sinabroks French Style Pricking Irons? Now you can, below are multiple ways for you get get a jig to print yourself or buy one that can be made and mailed to you.

Purchase premade from Leather Shop Website

Makers World Download- (For Bambu Labs Printers.)

Download the file from Printables

Digital File from Leather Shop Website

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Website: leathershoppod.com

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🛠️ Hosted by Matt Roach | Guest: Shane Bowman (@bowthemaker) Website

he questions came from you — and now it’s time to dive in. In this special listener-submitted Q&A, I sat down with Shane Bowman (aka Bow the Maker) to answer the things you’ve been dying to know about leathercraft, gear, and growing a small maker brand.

From how Shane got into laser engraving (and why it cost him thousands) to the tools he’d buy again (and the ones he wouldn’t), this episode covers the business, the craft, and the chaos that comes with turning a passion into a profession.

We also talk about:

What makes good pattern design (and why most of them suck)

Clicker dies and the Temu trap

Choosing gear that fits your craft — not just the hype

Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up your shop, this one’s packed with real advice, hard-earned lessons, and enough banter to keep your glue from drying out.

🎧 This is Part 1 — we got so many great questions, we had to split it in two.

🛠️ Hosted by Matt Roach | Guest: Shane Bowman (@bowthemaker)

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In this episode of Leather Shop, we sit down with Sarah Roe, founder and artisan behind Stitch & Roe, a brand dedicated to transforming vintage baseball mitts into bespoke leather goods. Sarah shares her journey of upcycling cherished mitts into wallets, keychains, and more, preserving the memories embedded in each piece. We explore the meticulous craftsmanship involved, the sentimental value of repurposing family heirlooms, and the challenges of working with diverse leather qualities. Whether you’re a leathercraft enthusiast or someone who treasures family history, this episode offers a heartfelt look into creating timeless pieces that carry personal stories forward.

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This episode is sponsored by Bow the Maker

In this episode of The Leather Shop, host Matt Roach sits down with Justin from Wylie’s Wood and Leather to explore his fascinating journey from Hollywood actor and producer to a skilled craftsman of wood and leather goods. Dive into the challenges and triumphs of leaving behind a traditional career to pursue a life of creativity and self-reliance. Justin shares stories about his early days in Los Angeles, his transition from TV production to woodworking, and his deep passion for crafting quality, enduring products. Plus, the duo discusses the importance of preserving traditional skills in a disposable society, tools every maker needs, and the joys (and struggles) of shop organization. A must-listen for creators, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone seeking inspiration to chase their dreams.

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