Full Grain Podcast with Nick Horween and Phil Kalas

How do the world’s best tanneries stay consistent, and what happens when they experiment with things like squid ink? In this episode of the Full Grain Podcast, Phil and Nick pull back the curtain on the technical side of Horween leather. We dive deep into the confusing world of leather grading systems—explaining exactly what stamps like TR, SP, and Satra mean for the final product. We also tackle...

In this episode of the Full Grain Podcast, we sit down with Steven Taffel, the founder of Leffot—one of the world's premier destinations for fine footwear located in the heart of New York City. Steven shares the fascinating origin story of Leffot and how he curated a selection that includes legendary makers like Alden, Edward Green, and Joseph Cheaney. We dive deep into the nuances of footwea...

Why does it take so long to get a premium leather jacket? In this episode, Nick Horween and Phil Kalas sit down with Jason Schott, the 4th generation owner of America’s most iconic leather brand, Schott NYC, to uncover the reality of supply chain bottlenecks, the struggle with Horween leather shortages, and the complexities of manufacturing in the USA. We go beyond the business logistics and dive...

In this episode of the Full Grain Podcast, we sit down with Carmina Albaladejo from the legendary Mallorcan brand, Carmina Shoemaker. With a history spanning six generations, Carmina has set the gold standard for high-quality footwear, but they aren't stuck in the past. We dive deep into how the family business started, the specific differences between constructing men’s and women’s welted fo...

Stitchdown Boot Camp is in CHICAGO this year! Ben Robison from Stitchdown tells us why to come and shares some updates about the Patina Thunderdome. https://www.stitchdownbootcamp.com/ Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather. Check our Horween Leather. https://www.horween.com/ htt...

Dan Rigele is the former plant manager of the Wilson Sporting Goods factory in Ada, Ohio, where NFL footballs have been made for decades. Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather. Check our Horween Leather. https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast email questions...

Our most listened to guest is back! Jason Gregory from Makr disusses a wide range of topics from inspiration, AI impacts, architecture, creation, and more. This episode of the "Full Grain Podcast" features a conversation with guest Jason Gregory, founder of MAKR. The discussion covers a variety of topics, including the podcast's popularity and Jason's background in architecture...

In this exclusive interview, Wyatt Gilmore, CEO and founder of Grant Stone, shares his honest opinions on various boots and shoes. He's joined by industry titans Nick Horween of Horween Leather and Phil Kalas from Ashland Leather for a deep dive into footwear preferences, from his absolute favorites to those that just don't make the cut. https://www.grantstoneshoes.com/ Get a wallet that...

Get the exclusive scoop! In this interview, we're joined by Brett Viberg and Nick Horween. Brett shares exciting details about the upcoming Viberg NYC store, a major milestone for the brand. You'll hear about the new location at 262 Mott St., New York City, and the anticipated grand opening in July 2025. Find out what this new space means for the brand and what you can expect when you vi...

Nick Horween and Phil Kalas answer your urgent leather questions! Ashland Leather Everyday Belt in Black Illini Latigo: https://ashlandleather.com/products/everyday-belt-black Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather. Check our Horween Leather. https://www.horween.com/ https://link...

Skip Horween describes Horween's Latigo and Illini Latigo variants. Illini Latigo's originates as Horween's version of California Latigo and is best used in belts, straps, and harnesses.  Ashland Leather Everyday Belt in Black Illini Latigo: https://ashlandleather.com/products/everyday-belt-black Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has y...

Nick English (Stridewise) and Nick Horween (Horween Leather) discuss regulations and environmental impact of tanneries. Leather Working Group (LWG) audits and rates tanneries for responsible production and sourcing. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you co...

Our first ever in-person podcast at Stitchdown's Boot Camp 2024 in Brooklyn, NYC. Nick Horween (Horween Leather) and Phil Kalas (Ashland Leather) explain everything you need to know about leather in under 1 hour. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you...

Nick investigates the question of "why does leather stay relevant in some places and go away in others?". Also discussed: Leather care and Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome & Boot Camp NYC 2024. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. http...

Nick and Phil answer your most pressing leather questions from YouTube. Leave your questions for us in the comments. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather. Check our Horween Leather. http...

All Horween takeover. Nick and Skip Horween discuss the leather industry and trade shows. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather. Check our Horween Leather. https://www.horween.com/ https:...

Nick Horween explains why shell cordovan (and leather in general) is expensive. Cost breakdown includes hides, material, labor, regulations and more. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather...

Every year Horween performs scheduled maintenance on many pieces of equipment that are over 100 years old. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather. Check our Horween Leather. https://www.ho...

Shuyler Mowe (Nick’s Handmade Boots) and John Culliton (Horween Leather Sales) talk with Nick about boots, leather, challenges and more. https://nicksboots.com/ https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's fin...

Jonathan Ward (ICON 4x4) is an industrial designer and bespoke crafter of vehicles, clothing and leather goods. Jonathan shares his approach and philosophy when making things, and teaches us the importance of being passionate about what you do. ICON 4x4 https://www.icon4x4.com/ TLC 4x4 https://www.tlc4x4.com/ J Ward Collection https://www.instagram.com/jwardcollection/ Campfire Coats https://campf...

Horween Tanner, Esteban Perez, explains drying methods and leather finishing. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather. Check our Horween Leather. https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/...

Stitchdown's writer, Zaid Hintzman, asks the best questions for boot fans interested in Horween leather. Nick and Phil explain the features and characteristics in many Horween leathers including shell cordovan, Horsebutt veg, CXL, Predator and more. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guarantee...

Horween Tanner, Esteban Perez, explains leather tanning and retanning. Leave your tanning and finishing questions in the YouTube comments. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather. Check our...

Dean Delray is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, design lover and jacket collector. https://www.deandelray.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deandelray/?hl=en https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest lea...

Nick Horween and Phil Kalas answer your most pressing leather questions. https://www.ashlandleather.com/ https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullgrainpodcast Get a wallet that is made for patina and is guaranteed for life.  Ashland Leather has you covered. https://ashlandleather.com/ The world's finest leather. Check our Horween Leather. https://www.horween.com/ https://linktr.ee/fullg...