FAQ
Current Wait Time: <5 days
Luckily for you our wait time is currently pretty short, we can currently ship within 5 business of taking your order. As the list changes or grows we will update here.
*We are constantly working on design and development which leads us to have items in stock pretty much at all times. Items listed as in stock are ready to ship within two business days or less. Current stock items have no customization options available.
Why are handmade leather good so expensive?
Here at Kerns Leather Works we try to manage costs while still providing the best quality product that we can. Our goal is to provide you with the best product at a price that is fair for the amount of work and effort we put into the piece. Each piece is handmade and meticulously crafted by Phil start to finish. It takes a good amount of time to make each piece and that time is reflected in the price. We are also using the best hides and materials we can so that the piece will last your lifetime and longer. We think you'll find that our prices are fair, and reflect the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and durability that goes into every piece.
What is wrong with Machine Stitching?
To be completely honest with you there is nothing wrong with Machine Stitching. We even find many machine stitched leather goods to be very well made and highly durable. That said, the weak point in any leather piece is the stitching and where damage is most likely to occur from normal everyday use over time. A machine stitch or Lock Stitch is made when two needles enter a hole (one from the top and one from the bottom), meet in the middle, hook the thread together and finally move out of the hole the same way they came in. This makes the stitch prone to unraveling if a portion of the thread breaks and can really make your piece ugly or in some case unusable. Thread breaks can and will happen with saddle-stitched pieces as well, however, since both threads pass completely through each hole and out the opposite side, when one breaks the thread doesn't unravel. In fact, you can easily temporarily repair the piece by burning off the loose threads and pushing them down into the holes until you can send your piece back to us for a repair, if you choose. For that reason we choose to saddle-stitch by hand.
What Thread do you use?
We use Ritza Tiger Thread, 1.0mm thick. We have many of their colors but if you want one that we currently don't stock just let us know. For most of our pieces we use 5.0mm stitch spacing. We can get "wild" sometimes and try something different but we've certainly started to develop a preference or style of our own.
How does your Warranty work? What's your repair policy?
Our warranty is forever. If you should ever encounter a problem with materials o workmanship, we'll make it right. We will cover shipping both ways. Normal ear and tear is not covered by the warrant but can repaired for an additional fee. Please contact us for details
Do you use Full-Grain Leather?
Yes, all of the leather we use in full-grain. we only use the best.
Do you offer a Rush Service?
Yes, in most cases. If you are so inclined to not wait for your slot on the wait list we offer a rush fee of 20% the final price of your order. If you select the rush fee we will reach out to you by the next business to let you know when we will start and expect to ship your order.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes we ship world-wide. Or international shipping prices do not include taxes and duties for the import of our goods. Any taxes and/or duties levied by import customs is the buyers responsibility. International shipments are subject to all U.S. exportation laws.
Do you accept returns?
Yes we accept returns on any item standard item. We can not accept returns on any custom orders and/or personalized items. Buyer pays return shipping and can be subject to a 15% restocking fee.