Leather goods have existed, in one form or another, for thousands of years. Staples we use on a daily basis, like wallets and belts, haven’t changed much, save for the inclusion of credit card slots in billfolds. That said, producing leather goods is a traditional craft with a global history. America, in particular, is home to many high-volume leather goods brands. But it’s in the small-batch producers where the diversity can be found. From coast to coast, this cross-section represents the best small-batch leather goods producers in the States.

Ashland Leather Co.

Chicago-based Ashland Leather Co. was founded by two tannery workers with over twenty years combined experience. All of its products are cut from Horween Leather (a Chicago institution) and showcase minimalist designs. The brand’s shell cordovan bifolds, which start at $200, come in a range of colors and features six card slots.

Corter Leather

Corter Leather is a solar-powered leather goods company located on Cape Cod. All stitching is done by hand and most all metal trimmings are produced in either California or Georgia. The brand’s standard utility belt features solid brass hardware and a stitch-free design. It’s available in vegetable tanned harness leather, latigo, and english bridle leather.

Craft and Lore

Idaho-based Craft and Lore was founded in 2014 and offers wallets, belts, bags and more. The brand offers a large leather Dopp kit with a solid brass YKK zipper that will develop a beautiful patina after years of use.

Ewing Dry Goods

Founded in Alaska and now based in Washington, Ewing Dry Goods makes a point to use American-made-and-raised products whenever possible (if not, Dan Ewing sources from countries with labor laws and fair wages for their workers). The brand’s Gentleman’s Billfold has a waitlist, and for good reason. This rugged snap-closure wallet is cut from seven-ounce Horween Chromexcel leather and features a three-ounce natural vegetable-tanned interior and six card pockets.

Hollows Leather

Founded in 2008, Hollows Leather offers belts, wallets and more. The brand’s classic Wayward Sister Keychain was designed in conjunction with Cat Bates and features an American-made solid brass clasp, a Japanese-made brass stud closure and either English or American leather.

Kika NY

Brooklyn-based Kika NY offers belts, sandals, bags and more. The Postal No. 1 backpack is a stand-out piece, cut from water-resistant vegetable-tanned Italian leather. The solid brass closure is sourced from a small foundry in England and the main compartment holds a 13-inch laptop and other necessities.

Leather Works Minnesota

The majority of Leather Works Minnesota’s leather comes from Red Wing’s S.B. Foot Tanning Co. If you need a minimalist wallet for your cards or cash, the brand’s understated Business Card Holder has two pockets and costs just $38.

Maximum Henry

Based in New York City, Maximum Henry has a curated selection of leather goods devoid of ostentatious branding. Made from Belgian vegetable-tanned leather, the brand’s Oval Belt is appropriate for a range of styles and is available in black, brown, blue, natural, orange and red.