Two leather types form the core of the J.A.B. collection: full-grain leather and shell cordovan leather.

Full-grain is the highest quality cut of cowhide. It retains the natural surface of the hide — no sanding, no correction — and develops a rich, personal patina with use that makes each piece truly one of a kind over time.

Shell cordovan is rarer and more prized. It comes from the fibrous flat muscle beneath a horse's rump — an exceptionally dense, non-porous material with a distinctive lustre and a resistance to creasing that no other leather can match. Shell cordovan pieces are considered lifetime heirlooms.

Shell cordovan is one of the rarest leathers in the world. It is sourced from the shell — the fibrous flat muscle found beneath the rump of a horse. Only a very small area of each hide is usable, which makes it scarce and commands a significant premium.

What sets shell cordovan apart: it has no grain or pores. It is incredibly dense and uniform in structure, which gives it a mirror-like lustre that deepens over time. Unlike most leathers, shell cordovan does not crease — it rolls rather than folds. Properly cared for, a shell cordovan piece can outlast most other leather goods by decades.

J.A.B. Leatherworks sources shell cordovan for select pieces.

Most made-to-order pieces require 7 to 10 business days to complete before they ship. Many orders are finished sooner. If you have a specific date you need your order by, reach out before placing your order — Jason will let you know if the timeline is workable.

Yes. J.A.B. Leatherworks ships to Canada, the United States, and internationally. Once an order ships:

•     Canada and USA: estimated 5 to 10 business days

•     International orders: delivery times vary by destination and customs processing

Note that shipping time is separate from production time for made-to-order items.

Made-to-order items are crafted specifically for you after your order is placed. These require 7 to 10 business days of production time before they ship. Ready to Ship items have already been made and are available to ship much sooner — often the next business day.

Yes — personalization is a core part of what J.A.B. offers. Options vary by product and include:

•     Embossed initials, monograms, names, or short messages

•     Custom logos (for corporate and branded orders)

•     Choice of leather colour and thread colour on many pieces

•     Custom laser engraving and full-colour UV printing on select products

For complex or bespoke requests, contact Jason directly to discuss what's possible.

Yes. J.A.B. Leatherworks works with businesses, event organizers, and teams on branded leather gifts, corporate gift sets, onboarding packages, and event swag. Products available for bulk and corporate orders include leather wallets, card holders, valet trays, luggage tags, key chains, field notes sheaths, and a wide range of custom engraved or UV-printed pieces.

Every bulk order receives the same handcrafted care as a single piece. Contact us directly for bulk pricing.

Full-grain leather care:

•     Keep away from prolonged moisture and direct sunlight

•     Condition periodically with a quality leather conditioner (a little goes a long way)

•     Wipe clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth — no harsh cleaners

•     Allow to air dry naturally if it gets wet — never use heat

Shell cordovan care:

•     Use a shell cordovan cream or horsehide conditioner specifically — not general leather conditioner

•     Polish occasionally with a soft cloth to maintain the lustre

•     Store in a breathable pouch or cloth when not in use

With basic care, J.A.B. leather goods are designed to last decades and only improve with age.

Because most pieces are made to order and personalized to your exact specifications, returns on custom orders are not available. That said, your satisfaction genuinely matters. If something is not right with your order, contact Jason directly and we will work to make it right.

For non-custom items, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order to discuss your options.

Every piece is made by Jason Buike — the founder, artisan, and the only person behind J.A.B. Leatherworks. Jason started leatherworking in 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, during the pandemic, and what began as a hobby became a full-time craft. He personally handles every order, communicates directly with every customer, and finishes every piece by hand.

When you order from J.A.B., you are buying directly from the person who made it.

Yes. All J.A.B. orders are shipped with tracking. Jason will send you a shipping confirmation with tracking details once your order is on its way. Throughout the production process for made-to-order pieces, Jason is available to answer questions and provide updates directly.

Quite possibly. Jason carries more materials and is capable of more than what is listed on the site at any given time. If you have something specific in mind — a custom piece, a particular leather, a bespoke gift — reach out and describe what you're looking for. The answer is often yes.