Making a Mercer Briefcase. Part 6.

The Finished Bag

Making a Mercer Part 6.

Start to finish it takes 2-3 weeks to get here. From starting with sides of un-dyed leather to the final stitch.

The last step to anything is to condition it and give it a final polish. The importance of proper conditioning can’t be overstated.

Well oiled and moisturized leather is strong, beautiful, and flexible. Once the leather dries out it will crack. Once that happens there is nothing that can be done to fix it.

I recommend continuing to condition the leather every six months hereafter. Over time the leather will grow a bit softer and darker. The repeated application of conditioner + time will result in the deep rich patina that only vegetable tanned leather is capable of.

I think of everything I make as a collaboration between me and those that will use my work. What I’ve made here is the starting point. What this bag finally becomes is up to the person that uses it.

Thank you for following along.

The End.