The things people ask before ordering.
Everything is made when ordered by one set of hands, after hours. Standard pieces are typically ready in 1–2 weeks; heavily tooled custom work can take longer. You'll get a firm lead time when your order is confirmed.
Yes, that's half the fun. Initials and names can be stamped or embossed on almost anything, and full tooled artwork (skulls, floral, Celtic knotwork, basketweave, your own idea) is available on sheaths and larger pieces.
The sheath is wet-moulded around your actual blade shape, so fit comes first. Send blade length, width at the guard, and spine thickness (photos with a ruler in frame work well), or for a perfect fit, the knife itself can be sent in and returned with its new sheath. Specify belt orientation and draw hand too.
Full-grain vegetable-tanned leather: the top layer of the hide with all its natural character, tanned with plant matter rather than chrome salts. It's the only leather that genuinely improves with age. Hardware is solid brass and copper.
No. NZ delivery addresses only, by NZ Post tracked courier. If you're local, pickup from the Waikato workshop is an option too. No international shipping.
Ready-to-order pieces: yes, within 14 days if unused. Custom pieces are made to your spec so they can't be returned for change of mind, but anything that's genuinely faulty gets repaired or replaced. Full details on the Shipping & Returns page.
Happily. Restitching, hardware replacement and reconditioning are all done at the bench, whoever made the piece originally. Send a photo for an honest assessment first.
No, and that's deliberate. NZ Leather Craft runs out of the shed after hours, which keeps it about the craft rather than the clock. It also means replies come in the evening and lead times are honest ones.