Since 1920 to today: When history meets the present in our workshop

Every now and then, an email lands in your inbox that reminds you exactly why you do this job. It’s not just about leather, threads, and hundreds of hours at the workbench. It’s about continuity, respect for tradition, and stories that stretch across generations.

Recently, we finished a beautiful custom piece – a harness and leash for a lady named Abinka. Crafted from top-tier leather, with every detail dialed in, edges thinned just right, and stitches that don’t mess around. Shortly after delivery, we got a reply from Mr. Lubomír Kryže… and yeah, that one hit us right in the chest.

Praise from a saddle maker’s grandson

Mr. Kryže wrote to us:

“Thank you very much for the beautiful harness and leash for Abinka. Gorgeous material and careful craftsmanship. I believe even my grandfather Eduard would have liked it. He was a saddle maker.”

That’s not the kind of compliment you get every day. Hearing that your work might hold up in the eyes of an old-school master? That’s the top shelf. But it didn’t stop there. Mr. Kryže also attached something special – a photograph from a saddlery workshop dating back to around 1920.

A glimpse into 1920: Where honesty was forged

In the photo, you see young men in aprons, surrounded by half-finished harnesses, leather, and tools. Front and center sits Mr. Kryže’s grandfather, Eduard. It’s a snapshot of a world where nothing was rushed. Where a master watched every move, and every mistake meant starting over. No shortcuts. No excuses.

Looking at that photo, you feel the weight of it. Over 100 years later, the world’s faster, louder, and way more digital. We’ve got better tools, internet, all that jazz… but the core of honest saddlery hasn’t changed:

• Picking the right piece of leather.

• Taking your time when cutting and thinning.

• Nailing every single stitch.

A craft that must not fade away

The story of Eduard and his grandson is a reminder: what we make isn’t just gear. It’s a continuation of something built long before us. When you hold one of our harnesses today, you’re holding a piece of that legacy too.

Huge thanks to Mr. Kryže for letting us peek into his family archive. It’s fuel to keep doing things the right way. Because somewhere up there, we like to think Master Eduard would give a quiet nod of approval.

Long live saddlery!