The Fine Bagmaker
A traditional profession
A traditional profession
LIEBE ZUM TEIL - FEINTÄSCHNER WERDEN
Love of fragrant, soft leather, creativity, dexterity and precision - these are the qualities that characterize a fine bag maker. This demanding, versatile craft arose in the Middle Ages from the traditional art of saddlery. The name says it all: a fine bag maker, also known as a portefeuiller, concentrates his skills on 'fine bags' as well as luxurious purses, cases and accessories made of fine leather. The experienced, creative specialists can expect a varied and interesting field of activity. They are in demand in the upscale fashion, leather goods and shoe industries as well as in the vehicle and furniture sectors, in saddlery or in various supplier companies.
The craft of fine leatherworker enjoyed ever-increasing popularity in the 19th century. The Hessian region around Offenbach am Main became a European center for the production of particularly high-quality leather goods. Offenbach am Main became known for the production of larger leather goods, especially bags. The town of Kirn, where BRAUN BÜFFEL is still located today, was known for small leather goods and its expertise in leather and its properties. The successful trend ended in the 1970s with the outsourcing of production to so-called low-wage countries. Collections made in Germany had simply become too expensive for the European market.
Increasing environmental awareness and an increased focus on high-quality, sustainably produced leather goods in Germany are increasingly bringing the craft of fine leather craftsman back into the center of attention in this country.
Saddler/fine leatherworker has been the name of the three-year, modern apprenticeship since 2005, which requires dexterity, precision and patience as well as some knowledge of mathematics. In addition to the lessons at the vocational school, the dual training offers a practical insight into the fascinating world of leather. Where could this be done in a more competent and exciting way than in a family-run leather factory with more than 136 years of experience? An apprenticeship as a fine leatherworker ends with the journeyman's examination. It is an excellent choice for anyone who has a keen sense of color, shape and stylish design.
FINE GRAIN AS LIFE LINES - THE FASCINATION OF FINE LEATHER
Hardly any other natural material is as fascinating as fine leather. No one can resist its supple softness and the unique, characteristic scent of fresh leather.
But real professionals see much more.
The natural grains of leather are evidence of a life. They form on the hair side of the skin and provide information about the animal species, breed, age, gender, climate, living conditions and even the food that the animal was given during its lifetime. It is said that green fodder makes for better leather quality. Even the skin of one and the same animal has different properties in different places. The back side has a finer grain structure, while the natural scars on the belly side of the skin are coarser. Injuries also lead to irregularities and make each piece of leather a unique piece with a lot of character.
In addition, there are various tanning and dyeing processes as well as artificial grains that influence the texture and quality of the leather.
The multitude of these factors makes it clear that the craft of fine leather maker requires months and years of experience. The specific appearance of different types of leather, the grain, feel and softness of the leather must become second nature to a future fine leather maker. Only when he is able to look behind the external backdrop of this unique material does he gain an eye for the aesthetics of fine leather goods.
The production of exquisite bags , suitcases, purses , cases, folders and gloves, as well as leather furniture, luxury car seats and various accessories are on the to-do list of professional fine leather makers. After selecting a suitable leather, the individual parts required for an article must first be cut out with great care using a template or drawings. Before the individual parts are sewn together by hand or machine, all of the edges must be 'sharpened'. Sharpening is the technical term for thinning the outer edges with a sharpening machine or a special knife called a half-moon. Sharpening enables the edges to be folded over, for example when making belts, and makes it easier to sew the individual parts together. In the leather trim of dashboards in luxury limousines, sharpening creates predetermined breaking points for the airbag.
After sewing, the addition of buckles, fasteners and decorative details completes the leatherworker's loving work. In addition to producing product series with limited quantities or exclusive individual pieces, repair work on leather goods also requires the dexterity of a leather artist. The core of his craftsmanship skills are precision and creativity. With these, he is able to decide with certainty where the grain of the leather will effectively support the effect of fine seams or decorations.
EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS - FINE LEATHER MAKERS AT WORK - LEATHER PROCESSING
Our family-run company Braun Büffel was founded in 1887 as a saddlery and upholstery business. Today, the buffalo is an internationally recognized symbol for high-quality, sustainable leather goods , manufactured according to the best craftsmanship tradition. After all, Braun Büffel is one of the few manufacturers of leather goods whose production facilities are still located in Germany, among other places. The buffalo as a trademark symbolizes the strength and power of the company as well as its sensitive, mindful love of leather.
The unique opportunity to benefit from such profound expertise, centuries of experience and global business connections makes training as a fine leather maker at Braun Büffel particularly valuable and desirable.
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