In many ways you could say that my style of leather-working represents my life experiences. From a childhood in the English countryside, to the metropolis of Hong Kong and the mountains and valleys of Canada, each place I have called home has added a new dimension to my interests; history and craftsmanship, form and luxury, raw beauty and strength.
I founded Bone and Blade in 2016 out of a Sorel boot and frustration. After trying unsuccessfully to find a durable replacement for a broken watch strap and after refusing to settle for a mass-produced option, I took matters into my own hands.
As a person drawn to details, I am fascinated by the connection between a craftsperson and their product. I admire the dedication it takes to pursue a trade and the importance of preserving heritage techniques. Inspired by my Grandfather, a finishing carpenter, I built upon the knowledge passed down to me of hand tool techniques and applied them to the only leather I had available, a Sorel boot. The result was a strong watch strap and the motivation to learn increasingly more complex leather-working practices.
Today from my studio on an organic farm in Pemberton BC, I create skillfully crafted leather products that offer a lifetime of useability, each one individually inspired by my interests and life experiences.
Richard, Owner & Maker