Old Country Leather Blog

Heritage Series solid leather leash beside a Heritage leather handle and chain leash
Solid Leather Leash or Chain and Leather? How to Choose the Right Lead

All-leather leash or a leather handle with a chain? Here's how to choose based on your dog's size, habits and how you walk.

Five Old Country Leather full-grain leather belts arranged side by side
A Basic Guide to Buying a Leather Belt That Lasts

Width, leather type, buckle and fit: everything you need to know to buy one leather belt that lasts for years.

The Sahara distressed water buffalo leather belt beside the Indie water buffalo belt
Distressed and Crackled Leather: Why the Worn-In Look Is Worth It

Distressed leather looks broken in from day one, hides scuffs, and only gets better with wear. Here's why we love it for belts and dog collars.

Blanket roll with leather straps at a forest campsite
Why Leather Gear Outlasts Everything Else in the Backcountry
Discover why full grain leather gear outlasts synthetic alternatives in the backcountry. Learn about our handcrafted bushcraft collection.
Leather fly swatter with solid wood handle, handmade in Ontario, Canada
Why We Make a Leather Fly Swatter (and Why People Keep Buying Them as Gifts)

A leather fly swatter sounds like a joke until you swing one. Here's how we make ours, why it works better than plastic, and why it's become one of our most-gifted pieces.

Custom leather knife sheath handmade by Old Country Leather for a customer's knife
Custom Knife Sheaths: What to Consider Before Ordering
A quality knife deserves a quality sheath. Whether you're carrying a bushcraft blade, a hunting knife, or a custom-forged piece, a handcrafted leather sheath protects your investment and makes it safer to carry in the field. At Old Country Leather,...
4 men working with leather in different historical time periods
From Ancient Craft to Modern Heirloom: The History of Leather Goods

Discover the fascinating history of leatherworking, from ancient civilizations to modern artisans. Learn why traditional methods still create the finest leather goods today.

image of natural veg tan leather side by side with leather that has patina over time
Breaking In Your Leather: What to Expect and How to Speed It Up
Learn what to expect when breaking in new leather goods and how to speed up the process. Discover why quality leather needs time to conform and how patience creates the perfect fit.
A diagram of the process of leather being split
The Difference Between Bonded, Genuine, and Full-Grain Leather
Learn the real differences between bonded, genuine, top-grain, and full-grain leather. Discover how to identify quality and why buying from trusted sources matters.
map of Canada with banners saying support Canadian businesses and keep money in Canada
Why Supporting Small Canadian Businesses Matters More Than Ever
Discover why supporting small Canadian businesses creates lasting impact. Learn how buying local supports communities, preserves traditional crafts, and builds a stronger Canadian economy.
a leather collar made by old country leather side by side with a nylon collar
Why Leather Dog Collars Are Better Than Nylon (5 Reasons)
Discover why leather dog collars outlast and outperform nylon alternatives. Learn about durability, comfort, safety, and environmental benefits of choosing quality leather for your dog.
a pile of leather to a sorted pile then into leather products.
The Original Sustainable Material: Why Leather is the Ultimate Recycled Product
Discover why leather is the original sustainable material. Learn how this ancient byproduct outlasts synthetic alternatives and reduces environmental impact through longevity and biodegradability.
A case of leather conditioner made by fruitage of the field with a leather shop in the background
Leather Care 101: How to Maintain Your Handcrafted Leather Goods
Learn how to properly care for your handcrafted leather goods with our complete guide. From daily maintenance to conditioning and storage, discover the secrets to keeping your leather beautiful for decades.
10 years celebration balloons for Old Country Leather anniversary
10 Years of Old Country Leather: A New Chapter Begins
Celebrating 10 years of Old Country Leather with a brand new website, fresh look, and exciting products to come. Welcome to our new chapter.