Ashland Leather Co. was founded in 2011 by two long-time tannery workers: Dan Cordova and Phil Kalas. We make all of our wallets right here in downtown Chicago, Ill.
Both guys worked for Horween® Leather, where they developed a deep passion for the hides themselves and for the American tradition of leathercraft.
At Ashland, we use exclusively the world's finest Horween® Leather, made in Chicago since 1905. We're dedicated to making a wallet that will live up to the time-honored Horween name, pieces you carry for life and pass on.
Our goal is to make you a wallet that will last forever, in terms of construction, quality and style. If your wallet ever rips or if the stitching comes undone (it won't), we will fix it or replace it for free, forever.
That's our lifetime guarantee to you. The leather deserves nothing less.
FAQ
Are your products made in America?
Yes! 100% of Ashland's products are made in Chicago, Ill., U.S.A., right down to the leather itself, which is manufactured exclusively at Chicago's oldest operating tannery, Horween® Leather.
Can I come visit your wallets and workshop in person?
Absolutely. We allow in person visits by appointment only. The best times to visit are typically Monday-Friday from 11-5. Please email info@ashlandleather.com to schedule an appointment.
Can I get a custom wallet? (Style, colors or leathers)
Yes! We try to stick within our patterns and have the ability to customize wallets via unique leathers/colors, utilizing multiple colors within a wallet, different thread colors, stamp/branding etc. There is a 10% custom fee and potentially additional fees depending on the customization.
Do you offer hand stitching?
Yes, we are able to accommodate hand stitching for an additional fee. Prices are subject to change based on the item but most wallets have a $100 fee. Hand stitching would require us to make the item to order as well. Please email info@ashlandleather.com to get your order started.
Do you do repairs?
Yes, we are able to repair any of our products. Please email info@ashlandleather.com with a photo of the issue and to schedule a repair. We do not repair items outside of Ashland Leather Co. products.
What's your return/exchange policy?
We accept returns or exchanges as long as the item is in the same condition in which it was received. Personalized items cannot be returned.
Can I return a personalized item?
No. We cannot accept returns for personalized or monogrammed products.
What does "irregular" mean?
Ashland sometimes sells wallets we have deemed Irregular or Blemished, but rest assured, our Blem items are better than our competitors' regular stock.
We have incredibly exacting standards for leather textures, stitch regularity and quality control, so you can be confident that if you order one of these items, it will last just as long as a standard Ashland stock wallet and be covered by the same Ashland Lifetime Guarantee.
It'll just have a little more character!
Is my belt size the same as my pants size?
No. The easiest way to select a perfect-fitting Ashland belt is by measuring your favorite current belt.
How To Measure:
Take off your belt and measure from the buckle bar to the hole you wear. This is the size to order.
Our belts are measured true to size, meaning the listed length is the true length in inches from the buckle bar to the middle adjustment hole. Therefore, you should typically purchase a belt one size (2") longer than your standard jeans waist size. (If you wear a 34 waist jean, buy the 36" L belt.)
How do I care for my Ashland Leather product?
Our wallets, belts and watch straps will last a lifetime, but to get the most beautiful patina over the years, a simple leather conditioning regimen will keep your stuff looking its best.
Here's a video of Phil Kalas explaining how to use Tanner's Blend to clean and condition Horween® leather.
What is Shell Cordovan (and why is it more expensive)?
Shell Cordovan is the world's most luxurious and sought-after leather, and it's what Chicago's Horween® Leather Company is most famous for.
Shell Cordovan is smooth and supple to the touch, incredibly durable and possesses a unique luster that only gets better with age and use. Made from the "shell" -- the layer of strong connective tissue below the hide of a horse's hindquarters ("butt").
Because of the complex production and tanning process, as well as the discriminating selection of the highest quality hides, Shell Cordovan costs more. But trust us, it's worth it!