Bruce Johnson Leatherwork - The Background of Bruce Johnson Leatherwork

Bruce Johnson Leatherwork

(209) 845-2315.

I have been doing leatherwork for 20 years. I started off doing my own tack repairs, found that I liked working with leather, and kept at it. I have built up the business using quality materials and pride in my workmanship, and I enjoy what I do. I have done awards for rodeo, barrel racing, and other western associations and events. I have done custom and wholesale work in the past for other sellers, as well as local retail work. I learn from many leatherworkers, take classes at leather trade shows, and pay attention to other makers' work.

In my shop you will find tools and equipment from some of the best modern makers available. You will also find some antique tools still being used. I like to think some of that old time magic and legacy of excellence is still in them.

I do mostly custom and personalized items, and the lead time varies depending on workload and time of year. For that special custom order, please feel free to contact me and we can discuss what your needs are. For a quick gift or item, please note some items that I do keep made up. These are items usually in stock and ready to ship. They are available in stock tooling patterns that have proven popular, but are not personalized. Most all items can be further dressed up with silver as well.

And finally just a little bit about my maker’s stamp. Nearly all leather work has historically been marked in some way by the maker. Some made a distinguishing mark, and others cut in their name or shop with a knife. Many of the old time shops used a stamp and jealously guarded it. The tradition of maker stamping leather still continues. I backed into the leather business by way of the horse. I have ridden for most of my life and horsemen are sure proud of their gear. The snaffle bit is pretty universal for many styles of riding. They are used to start colts out early, and many horsemen go back to using a snaffle when they run into a problem later on. I started out stamping a snaffle bit design on my gear. When it came time to get a professionally made maker’s stamp, the snaffle bit logo in the center was a logical choice for me.