Hermann Oak Tannery is a renowned leather producer that has been making high-quality leather since 1881. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the tannery is known for its commitment to sustainability and traditional leather-making techniques. Today we’re going to take a closer look at how Hermann Oak Tannery makes its leather—we got to visit the tannery this year and it was AMAZING!!!

The process of making leather begins with the raw hides, which are sourced from carefully-selected cattle ranches in the USA. The hides are sorted and graded based on quality, thickness, and texture, and then they are sent to the tannery to begin the transformation into leather.

At the tannery, the hides are soaked in a mixture of water and enzymes to remove any remaining hairs and debris. This process, known as liming, can take several days to complete. Once the hides are clean and ready for the next step, they are placed in large drums with a solution of water, salt, and chemicals called "tanning liquor."

The tanning process is what gives leather its strength and durability, and differentiates it from the cheaper, chrome-tanned leathers made outside the USA. The hides are left to soak in the tanning liquor for several weeks, during which time the chemicals react with the proteins in the hide to form a stable, flexible material. The hides are then drained and rinsed, and the excess moisture is removed through a process called "fleshing."

After the tanning process is complete, the hides are ready to be transformed into leather. The hides are sorted and graded again, and then they are sent to the finishing department where they are cut, dyed, and treated with various oils and waxes to give them the desired texture, color, and finish.

Once the hides have been processed and finished, they are ready to be shipped to manufacturers and customers around the world, including Madison Stitch! Hermann Oak Tannery's leather is known for its quality, durability, and unique character, and it is used in a wide range of products, from high-end fashion accessories to rugged outdoor gear.

The process of making leather at Hermann Oak Tannery is a complex and labor-intensive endeavor that requires skill, expertise, and a commitment to quality. The end result is a beautiful and versatile material that is treasured by leatherworkers and consumers alike.

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