_edited.png){kind=small}
_edited.png)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
PEGAI is an artisanal leather brand founded by Volkan Yilmaz, known professionally as Tanner Leatherstein. Born into a family with a tannery in Çanakkale, Turkey, Tanner's passion for leather began at an early age, leading him to establish PEGAI in 2017.
The brand's name, "PEGAI," is inspired by the ancient Greek name of Çanakkale, "Pegasi," reflecting Tanner's deep connection to his hometown.
PEGAI specializes in crafting premium leather goods that emphasize authenticity and style. The brand operates both in the United States and in Ubrique, Spain, where skilled artisans create heirloom-quality products.
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
How would you rate Pegai as a brand?
How would you rate Pegai as a brand?
0%5
0%4
0%3
0%2
PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Rugged Knox vs. Sleek Edward: Which Wallet Style Speaks to You?
Pegai's Knox and Edward
In the world of wallets, there is a spectrum of styles ranging from rugged and rustic to sleek and designer. Today, we'll explore the nuances of these two popular types of wallets—Knox, the quintessential rustic piece, and Edward, the sophisticated designer option. Both have their charm, functionality, and appeal. Let’s dive deeper into their craftsmanship, materials, and unique attributes to help you decide which one suits your style better.
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
Knox: The Rugged and Rustic Companion
Knox represents the rustic aesthetic that’s often associated with handmade craftsmanship. It is simple yet timeless, characterized by its rugged look and layers of leather stitched together in a straightforward design. The construction involves just six pieces of leather layered and sewn, which makes it a project that can be replicated at home by someone with adequate hand-stitching skills.
One of the standout features of Knox is the type of leather often used—‘crazy horse’ leather. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with horses. Instead, it refers to a finish known for its distressed look, which scratches easily and develops a patina over time. Thanks to the infused oils in the leather, these scratches can often be restored with a simple rub. This aging process gives Knox a character of its own, making it richer with use.
Knox wallets are typically bulkier due to their layered construction and lack of internal linings or fillers. However, this simplicity is part of their charm. They are perfect for those who appreciate a casual, lived-in aesthetic that tells a story as the wallet ages beautifully.
Edward: The Sleek and Sophisticated Choice
In contrast to Knox is Edward, a wallet that epitomizes refined craftsmanship and modern design. Edward wallets feature clean lines, folded edges, and meticulous stitching, giving them a polished and professional appearance. They are crafted with multiple layers and materials, making them significantly more complex to produce.
The outer material of Edward is often made from thin buffalo hide, chosen for its durability and smooth finish. Inside, it’s reinforced with RFID-blocking fabric to protect against unauthorized scanning—a feature that adds a layer of security to its functionality. Additional elements, such as cushioning materials and fabric linings, contribute to its sleek profile and ensure comfort and durability.
Each pocket in Edward's wallet is meticulously lined with fabric, creating a seamless and uniform interior. This attention to detail requires advanced craftsmanship, making Edward wallets thinner and more compact despite their layered construction. Their minimalist aesthetic makes them ideal for formal settings or those seeking an understated yet luxurious accessory.
Choosing the Right Wallet for You
Deciding between Knox and Edward ultimately comes down to your personal style, lifestyle, and preferences. If you value a rugged, casual appearance and appreciate a wallet that evolves with age, Knox may be the perfect choice. It is simpler, more affordable, and offers a charming, rustic appeal.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a sleek, modern look with advanced functionality and craftsmanship, Edward is the way to go. Its elegant design, added security features and intricate construction make it a premium choice, ideal for formal events or professional settings.
In the end, there is no definitive answer to which wallet is better—it’s all about what resonates with you. Whether you choose the timeless ruggedness of Knox or the sophisticated elegance of Edward, both have their unique appeal and place in the world of leather craftsmanship.
What do you think suits you best—Knox’s rugged charm or Edward’s refined elegance? Share your thoughts and let us know which style you prefer!
Ocean Water vs. Leather: Can Your Bag Survive the Experiment?
Pegai's Lasalle Tote Bag
Leather bags are a beloved accessory due to their durability and timeless appeal. However, accidents can happen, and many leather bag owners have found themselves asking, "What happens if I spill something on my bag?" One more common yet less considered question is what happens when leather gets soaked in ocean water. This blog explores the surprising results of such an experiment and shares tips on how to care for leather bags when accidents occur.
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
The Experiment Begins
As we often hear from our customers, many worry about what to do if they accidentally spill something on their leather bag. Spills are one thing, but what happens if the bag gets completely soaked in ocean water? Leather, by its very nature, is not fond of water—especially salt water. So, the question arose: Could ocean water completely ruin a leather bag?
To test this, we decided to put the theory to the test. The bag in question was a prototype, previously used by my mom, which I had promised to replace before conducting the experiment. It was taken for a swim in the ocean to see exactly what would happen to it once submerged.
The Aftermath: Soaking the Bag
Upon pulling the bag out of the water, it was clear that it had absorbed quite a bit of liquid. The leather seemed to carry a lot of water, and the bag was significantly heavier than before. While squeezing it out helped remove some of the excess moisture, we were left with an important task—drying it properly without causing further damage.
The Drying Process
The first step after soaking the bag was to hang it out in the sun. After a few hours under direct sunlight, I moved the bag to a more shaded spot to continue drying. It's important to note that drying leather under the sun can sometimes be harmful, as it may cause the material to dry too quickly, potentially damaging the fibers. So, while we initially used the sun to speed up the process, I made sure to leave the bag in the shade for the majority of the drying time.
The bag was left to air dry for about 24 hours to ensure it was completely dry before inspecting any changes. At this point, I was curious to see the long-term effects of the ocean water exposure.
Results After Drying
Once the bag was fully dried, I took a closer look. Surprisingly, the leather had not been ruined, as I initially feared. Instead of a damaged, dried-out bag, the leather seemed a little looser than before, and a few wrinkles had formed. Some may even find that this gave the bag a slightly softer feel, which could be seen as an improvement. The bag still maintained its shape and form, and the hardware seemed unaffected.
There was also a spill mark from a baby formula incident the previous year. Miraculously, this mark appeared to have been mostly cleaned up by the exposure to water. While the bag didn’t look brand new, it certainly held up much better than expected.
Leather Care After an Accident
Based on the results of this experiment, it's clear that soaking leather in ocean water isn't as disastrous as one might think—at least, not always. While some types of leather, especially vegetable-tanned or more delicate varieties, may be more prone to damage, the bag we tested with held up surprisingly well.
For those who experience a similar situation, the best advice is to act quickly. If your leather bag gets wet, it's important to dry it as soon as possible. While the sun can be tempting, always try to dry the leather in a shaded area, as the harsh sunlight can dry out the material too quickly, causing cracking or other damage.
Conclusion: Leather and Water Don’t Mix, But It’s Not Always the End
While leather will always be sensitive to water, the results of this experiment show that it’s not always the end of the world if your bag gets soaked. With proper care, such as gentle drying in the shade and giving it time to air out, many bags can recover from accidental exposure to water.
For leather bags, especially those made from more delicate materials, it’s crucial to always be cautious around water. However, if you find yourself in a situation where water exposure is unavoidable, remember that with quick action and the right drying techniques, your leather bag can still emerge looking good and functioning perfectly.
In the case of the bag tested here, it fared much better than expected, and now it’s back to being a favorite carry. Hopefully, this experiment will provide some comfort and guidance for anyone worried about their leather bags getting a little too wet.
Sherry Zipper Wallet: A Masterpiece of Modern Craftsmanship
Pegai's Sherry Zipper Wallet
The Sherry zipper wallet showcases timeless design and meticulous craftsmanship. As one of our best-selling products, it blends simplicity and elegance, making it a must-have for those who appreciate both functionality and style. Let's take a closer look at the wallet’s construction, explore its materials, and evaluate its overall value.
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
The Design: Timeless Simplicity
The Sherry wallet is a classic zipper wallet, designed to serve both form and function. Now offered in six colors and four leather options—goatskin, lambskin, buffalo skin, and calfskin—it appeals to a variety of tastes. Goatskin is prized for its pronounced grain and durability, while lambskin offers a softer, more refined touch. The wallet is compact yet spacious, featuring card slots, a zippered compartment, and an elegant exterior.
The Crafting Process: Inside Our Workshop
Crafted in our workshop in Turkey, the Sherry wallet is a product of collaboration and skill. With a team of 30 to 35 artisans, many of whom have been trained from scratch, we uphold a tradition of craftsmanship. The quilted leather body of the wallet is prepared first, followed by the addition of padding and stitching. Zippers, sourced from YKK for their reliability, are attached with precision.
The quilting is particularly noteworthy. Each piece of leather is cut and padded before the stitching process begins. While we often employ CNC machines for consistent patterns, some wallets are hand-stitched for an artisanal touch. This combination of technology and traditional methods ensures every Sherry wallet is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Materials Analysis
We used two tests to understand the leather quality better:
Acetone Test
Applying acetone revealed the Sherry wallet’s semi-aniline finish. This light coating ensures a polished look without obscuring the natural grain of the leather. Minimal waxes enhance the wallet’s sheen while maintaining the tactile appeal of drum-dyed goat or lambskin.
Ash Test
Burning a sample of the leather produced green residue, confirming it as chrome-tanned. This method enhances the leather’s flexibility and resilience, making it perfect for daily use.
Cost Breakdown and Pricing
The Sherry wallet requires approximately three square feet of leather, costing between $12 and $15. The YKK zipper adds another $6 to the material cost, bringing the total for raw materials to about $20. In total, you need about $40 to make a wallet like this. Despite this, we price the wallet at $139 on our website. This pricing reflects the craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and the fair wages paid to our artisans.
Compared to other brands offering similar products, the Sherry wallet provides exceptional value. Its combination of premium materials and artisanal techniques justifies the price, especially for a product that can last for years.
Sustainability and Longevity
Leather products often face criticism for environmental impact, but our commitment to sustainable practices sets us apart. By using minimally finished leathers and reusing dissected materials for creative projects, we aim to reduce waste. The chrome tanning process, while traditional, ensures longevity and minimizes the need for replacements.
Final Thoughts: Why Sherry Stands Out
The Sherry zipper wallet is more than a functional accessory—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and quality materials. By dissecting it, we’ve highlighted the care and precision that goes into creating a product we’re proud to offer. Whether you’re drawn to its sleek appearance, durable construction, or fair pricing, the Sherry wallet is an investment in timeless style.
If you’re curious about other products or have questions about leather crafting, feel free to reach out. We’d love to continue the conversation and showcase the passion behind our creations.
Unmaking the Masterpiece: The Deconstruction of the Hampton Bag
Pegai's Hampton Bag
When it comes to crafting leather goods, understanding the materials, finishes, and construction can be eye-opening. This blog is all about taking a deep dive—literally—into one of our own creations. Here's what I discovered while destroying a Hampton bag to better understand its components, value, and craftsmanship.
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
Applying Acetone: Removing the Glossy Finish
The first step was applying acetone to the bag's surface to strip away the glossy finish. This revealed an interesting detail about the leather: while the gloss layer came off, the leather's grain remained intact. Despite its polished appearance, the underlying leather retained its natural texture due to a super-light finish.
Ash Test: Is It Really Full Veg-Tanned Leather?
To confirm the type of leather used in the Hampton bag, I conducted an ash test. This simple experiment involves burning a small piece of the leather and examining the residue left behind. The results were clear and conclusive. The ash was charcoal-like, with no signs of green residue, which is a common indicator of synthetic or chemically treated leather. This confirmed that the bag is made from full vegetable-tanned leather, a premium material known for its durability, natural finish, and ability to develop a rich patina over time.
Layer Analysis: The Hidden Support Materials
Dissecting the leather layers revealed even more. I found two to three types of support materials blended within the leather structure. These layers add durability and shape to the bag, ensuring it holds up well over time.
Cost Breakdown: What Does It Take to Make a Bag?
Understanding the cost structure of the Hampton bag sheds light on its value and pricing. The leather material itself costs about $40, while the labor and assembly add another $50. Together, the total production cost comes to $90. Considering this, the bag is priced at $299, which follows our typical multiplier of 3 to 3.5 times the production cost. This pricing model ensures we can cover operational expenses, support our artisans, and maintain a sustainable business while delivering a high-quality product.
Conclusion
In conclusion: whether you’re curious about leather goods or an enthusiast for high-quality craftsmanship, understanding what goes into your favorite items is a valuable exercise. The Hampton bag showcases thoughtful design, premium materials, and fair pricing.
Next time you carry your leather bag, know there’s a story—and a lot of hard work—behind it!
My Quest for the Perfect Wallet: From Disappointment to Creation
Pegai's Malcolm Wallet
Watch the video here:
Have you ever dreamt of the perfect wallet? One that combines exquisite materials, flawless craftsmanship, and a design that reflects your unique style? I embarked on that very quest, and let me tell you, it wasn't easy. In fact, it led me on a surprising adventure that ultimately ended with a wallet, unlike anything I'd ever seen at a luxury brand store.
Hermes Calvi: The Simplicity Paradox
My first acquisition was the Hermes Calvi. The wallet boasted incredible leather, specifically chevre, which I absolutely loved. However, the design was too simplistic for my taste. It was essentially two pieces of leather folded into a shape and locked with a snap. I was looking for a wallet that showcased artisanal sophistication, but the Calvi fell short in this department.
Louis Vuitton Pocket Organizer: Monogram Overload
Next, I tried the Louis Vuitton Pocket Organizer. The leather quality and smart design initially impressed me, but the excessive LV monogram was a deal-breaker. It felt too tacky for my style, and given its price, I expected more subtlety and elegance.
Bottega Veneta: The Deceptive Craftsmanship
Finally, I turned to Bottega Veneta, hoping their reputation for intricate design and fine craftsmanship would meet my expectations. The wallet looked and felt great at first, but when I dissected it for a review video, I discovered the exterior was made from split leather covered with polyurethane (PU) instead of the advertised fine calfskin. This revelation was the most disappointing of all, shattering my trust in big luxury brands.
Taking Matters into My Own Hands
Frustrated by these experiences, I decided to create my dream wallet myself. My journey led me to the Tuscany region in Italy, where I selected the finest natural artisan vegetable-tanned leathers that are often avoided by large brands due to their preference for standardized materials suitable for mass production.
I chose 21 different leather articles to experiment with and designed a functional wallet with great leather inside and out. To ensure longevity, I opted for the English seam technique, known for its durability and resistance to edge paint failure. However, crafting this wallet consistently proved challenging for my team due to the complex process and required craftsmanship.
The Final Product: Unveiling a Masterpiece
To overcome these challenges, I traveled to Ubrique, Spain, renowned for its skilled leather craftsmen. After several months and multiple trips across Europe, I finally received my first batch of wallets.
Upon inspection, the workmanship was flawless. The RFID-blocking fabric was neatly placed, and the leather was beautifully skived and split. The vegetable-tanned bull hide showcases stunning full-grain leather beneath its removed semi-aniline finish. The leather itself is 100% vegetable-tanned, burning like wood and leaving a black charcoal residue.
For the inner lining, we've chosen a chrome-tanned cowhide with aniline finish. Interestingly, acetone doesn't reveal any finish on the pocket linings, suggesting they are completely natural, aniline-dyed naked calfskin. While the vegetable-tanned leather takes center stage, the black and orange linings are crafted from high-quality chrome-tanned leather.
The Result: A Wallet That Meets Every Expectation
After meticulous planning and execution, the initial cost estimate for this wallet has solidified now that all the final figures are in. The beautiful leather itself comes in at just over $22 per square foot for the entire wallet, and the expert craftsmanship in Ubrique adds about $38. In total, the materials and labor for this piece amount to around $60. We originally priced the wallet based on production costs in Turkey, where it's slightly cheaper. However, to give you a chance to experience this exceptional Spanish craftsmanship at a special price, I'm holding the price at $169 for now. This is a great opportunity to own a truly unique piece. The wallet is now available on my website in nine different color options.
Conclusion
I'm incredibly happy with the result. It took about a year and a half to get to this point, but I've been using the prototypes for over a year and couldn't be more satisfied with what we've created. If you're looking for a wallet that combines exquisite leather, masterful craftsmanship, and timeless design, check out our collection.
Leather Lessons Learned: The Ubrique Challenge That Changed Everything
Pegai's Luna Bag
Watch the video here:
After chopping up more than $50,000 worth of luxury bags to analyze their true value, I found myself embarking on an unexpected journey that led to a small, yet remarkable, village in the Andalusia region of Spain: Ubrique. This town is world-famous for its leather craftsmanship, and as some of you already know, my serendipitous path brought me here, where I decided to make it my new home. The decision was more than just a geographical shift—it was a commitment to elevating my leather crafting skills and pushing the boundaries of my designs. Little did I know, the challenges I would encounter in this highly specialized leather cluster would reshape my perspective in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
Discovering the Heart of European Leather Craftsmanship
Ubrique is no ordinary place when it comes to leather. The artisans here have been perfecting their craft for generations, producing leather goods for some of the world’s top luxury brands. It’s a tight-knit community where leatherworking is a way of life, and the passion for craftsmanship is palpable in every workshop. I was drawn in by the town's deep-rooted dedication to the leather industry, and soon enough, I began shifting all my existing production to two new partners based here.
Working with these artisans has been nothing short of an eye-opener. Their meticulous approach to crafting leather bags has not only impressed me but also encouraged me to rethink my own design process. Before any of my bags become part of the Ubrique collection, we re-engineer the structure to optimize the product from the inside out. Even the tiniest changes to the internal patterns can completely transform a bag’s overall feel and functionality.
The Evolution of the Luna Bag: A New Beginning
Today, I received a small batch of one of our popular bags, the Luna, freshly produced by my new partners in Ubrique. As I inspected the bags, I could immediately sense the difference. What may seem like subtle adjustments to an outside observer were, in reality, transformative enhancements. The Luna now feels like a whole new design, with improvements embedded in areas that are mostly invisible to the customer but significantly impact the bag's structure and durability.
The original version of the Luna was a good bag, but the Ubrique batch takes it to another level. The quality of the craftsmanship and the structure imparted by the local artisans elevates the product, bringing out a level of refinement I hadn’t achieved before. It’s a clear demonstration of what this small Spanish village is capable of, and the biggest challenge now falls squarely on me: to evolve my designs to meet the extraordinary standards of the artisans I’m working with.
Embracing the Challenge to Become a Designer
Up until now, I considered myself more of an interpreter of classical leather bag forms rather than a true designer. I focused on applying high-quality artisan leather techniques to traditional shapes and forms, resulting in well-crafted products. But seeing the capabilities of these artisans in Ubrique, I’ve realized that it’s time to step up my game and truly push the boundaries of what my bags can be. It’s no longer enough to settle for good craftsmanship; I want my designs to stand out with distinctive and unique silhouettes.
I’m taking on the challenge to create bags that aren’t just good—they need to be exceptional, with designs that catch the eye and capture the imagination. I want to craft pieces that can stand side by side with the finest luxury bags, made from the very best European leathers. Fortunately, Ubrique gives me easy access to these materials, with some of Europe’s top tanneries just a stone's throw away. For example, Curtidos Badia, a tannery that’s been a game-changer for me, is just 48 steps from my apartment. Their quality leather has left me speechless, and having access to it feels like a gift from the leather gods.
Redefining the Creative Process in the Heart of Leather Country
Living and working in Ubrique, surrounded by centuries of leatherworking know-how, is more than just an opportunity to improve my craft. It’s a chance to redefine how I approach design. The environment here demands innovation and excellence; there’s no room for complacency. The artisans expect you to challenge yourself, and when you do, they meet you halfway with their incredible skills. I’m learning to look at leather differently, to think about how a simple change in stitching, an adjustment in the bag’s structure, or the choice of a specific leather finish can make all the difference in creating a truly unique product.
The new Luna is a step in the right direction, but I know there’s more to be done. It’s a solid bag, yet it still lacks that signature look I’m striving for. I am now setting my sights on creating silhouettes that not only speak to the heritage of traditional leather working but also introduce a fresh take on contemporary style. I’m committed to pushing my creative boundaries and letting the craftsmanship of Ubrique inspire me every step of the way.
Access to the Best Materials: A Game Changer
Having settled in this leather crafting hub, I now have unprecedented access to some of the world’s best tanneries. The leather quality available here is unparalleled, from supple calfskin to rugged full-grain hides, and everything in between. Working with these premium materials allows me to experiment in ways I hadn’t imagined before. It’s not just about the leather itself but about understanding the history, the techniques, and the processes that go into producing each type of leather. That kind of knowledge was hard to come by before I moved here, and now, it’s practically at my doorstep.
This access has opened up a world of possibilities. I can now select the perfect leather for each bag, knowing exactly where it came from and how it was treated. This transparency adds another layer of authenticity to my products, something I know my customers will appreciate. Being here, surrounded by top-tier materials and seasoned artisans, I feel like a kid in a candy store—but instead of sweets, I’m surrounded by the finest leathers money can buy.
The Road Ahead: A Journey of Continuous Improvement
As I settle into life in Ubrique, I find myself constantly inspired to improve my products. The blend of tradition and innovation in this village is nothing short of motivating. I’m learning new techniques every day. The artisans here have a wealth of knowledge, and I’m eager to soak it all up and apply it to my work. My goal is to not only keep up with the high standards of Ubrique but also to bring something new to the table—a fusion of my personal style and the traditional craftsmanship of this village.
For those who want to see the difference for themselves, the new Ubrique version of the Luna is now available on my website. It’s more than just a bag; it’s a representation of my journey into the heart of leather craftsmanship, where every stitch and every cut are made with a commitment to excellence. As always, I will continue to document this endless quest for leather knowledge, sharing it with you in the name of leathertainment.
The road ahead is full of challenges, but that’s what makes it exciting. I’m not just creating bags—I’m crafting a legacy, one leather piece at a time.
Comments