About Tanner Hide Leatherworks

Built for hard work. Made to last.

Tanner Hide Leatherworks was born out of frustration—frustration with gear that looked the part but couldn’t keep up with the demands of real work. Before this was a business, it was a personal mission. Plumbers, equipment operators, and hands-on tradesmen often carry a Leatherman tool and/or a flashlight. But no matter what I bought to carry them—sheaths, belts, wallets—they never lasted. Stitching came apart. Leather cracked. Tools shifted or fell out. It wasn’t just annoying, it slowed me down.

What Problem Did We Solve?

The problem was simple but constant: everyday carry gear that couldn’t keep up. Most leather goods are made to look good on the shelf, not perform on a jobsite. The market was flooded with poorly made, machine-stitched, thin leather products that couldn’t stand up to the daily grind of trades work, field repairs, or outdoor use. I couldn’t find sheaths or belts that actually held up, and I wasn’t alone.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

When your gear fails, it’s more than a minor inconvenience. It costs time. It causes damage. It gets in the way. You’re stuck digging in your pockets for tools, replacing broken sheaths, and wearing uncomfortable setups that don’t stay where they’re supposed to. You’ve probably bought the same item multiple times, hoping the next one holds up just a little longer. That cycle burns money and patience—and it just shouldn’t be the standard.

What We Built Instead

So I started making my own. First, it was knife sheaths in the kitchen, then multitool sheaths, then belts and wallets. I used full grain leather, hand-stitched every piece, and molded each item to do exactly what it was supposed to—keep tools where they need to be, last for years, and stay comfortable on the body all day long. I didn’t want anything bulky or flashy. Just simple, tough, and smart.

That hobby turned into Tanner Hide Leatherworks, named after my son Tanner and the tradition of tanning leather the right way. Every item is still built by hand in Boone, North Carolina. We run a small-batch operation out of our home workshop and take pride in doing things the slow way—because that’s the only way it holds up.

The Difference We Make

If you’re tired of gear that looks great on day one but can’t handle month six, we’ve got you covered. Our customers are blue collar tradesmen, mechanics, farmers, outdoor workers, fire and EMS, and everyday carry folks who demand reliability. When you put in long days, you need gear that works with you—not against you.

What You Can Expect

  • Hand stitched sheaths and belts that stay strong for years

  • Secure tool placement—no shifting, sagging, or digging into your pockets

  • Clean design, low profile, and easy access

  • Full grain leather that ages with use, developing rich patina

  • One purchase instead of many replacements

The Result

You’ll stop wasting time on cheap gear that can’t keep up. Your tools will be where you need them, when you need them. Your belt won’t twist or stretch. Your multitool won’t snag or fall out. Instead of hunting through your pockets or reordering another knockoff sheath, you’ll carry gear that just works. And as it wears in—not out—it’ll tell the story of the work you’ve done.

At Tanner Hide Leatherworks, we don’t just make leather goods. We build tools for the folks who use tools. If you work hard, your gear should too.