Responsible Cowhide Sourcing

The cowhide leather used by Bucking 90 Leather Co. is primarily a byproduct of the food industry, meaning the hides are repurposed rather than discarded. This ensures that materials already entering the supply chain are respected and utilized fully through craftsmanship.

We source most of our leathers from trusted Alberta suppliers, including Buckskin Leather and Longview Leather. Working with local suppliers allows us to maintain a high level of transparency and accountability throughout the sourcing process.

This local approach enables us to:

  • Support Canadian and Alberta-based businesses
  • Reduce transportation and handling impact
  • Select hides intentionally rather than blindly
  • Maintain consistent quality and ethical standards

By sourcing closer to home, we retain control over quality while strengthening the regional leather industry.

Our Leather Suppliers

At Bucking 90 Leather Co., where our materials come from matters. We work closely with trusted Canadian leather suppliers who share our commitment to quality, transparency, and responsible sourcing. By sourcing locally whenever possible, we’re able to select leathers intentionally, support Alberta-based businesses, and ensure the materials we use meet the standards required for long-term durability and craftsmanship.

  • Buckskin Leather

    Buckskin Leather has been a trusted Canadian supplier within the leather industry for decades. Based in Calgary, they provide a wide range of high-quality leathers and materials while maintaining strong relationships with reputable tanneries. Their commitment to consistency, transparency, and quality allows us to source leather we trust for both everyday and heirloom-level projects.

  • Longview Leather

    Located in Okotoks, Longview Leather specializes in premium vegetable-tanned leathers and traditional leathercraft materials. Their focus on quality, craftsmanship, and dependable sourcing aligns closely with our values. Working with Longview Leather allows us to access leathers suited for tooling, carving, and long-term durability—materials designed to age with character and purpose.

This tanning process uses natural plant-based tannins, such as bark and botanical extracts, instead of synthetic chromium salts. While vegetable tanning takes significantly longer to complete, the result is a leather that is stronger, more breathable, and capable of aging beautifully over time.

Vegetable-Tanned vs. Chrome-Tanned Leather

  • Vegetable-Tanned Leather

    • Tanned using natural plant-based materials
    • Develops a rich patina with age and use
    • Holds structure well for tooling, carving, and shaping
    • Can be repaired, reconditioned, and refinished
    • Designed to last decades with proper care

  • Chrome-Tanned Leather

    • Tanned using chromium salts for faster processing
    • Softer and more uniform in appearance
    • Commonly used in mass-produced goods
    • Limited ability to be retooled or refinished
    • Often wears out rather than evolves over time

While chrome-tanned leather has its place in the industry, it is typically produced for speed and volume. Vegetable-tanned leather is produced for longevity and craftsmanship.

Why We Choose Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Vegetable-tanned leather offers:

  • Reduced chemical impact compared to chrome tanning
  • A natural patina that develops with wear
  • Superior structure and rigidity for tooling and carving
  • The ability to be repaired, reconditioned, and refinished

Rather than wearing out, vegetable-tanned leather evolves—becoming more personal and distinctive the longer it is used. This makes it the foundation of our approach to sustainable, heirloom-quality leather goods.

At Bucking 90 Leather Co., we operate on a small-batch and made-to-order model. This approach allows us to avoid excess inventory, unnecessary waste, and overproduction.

Our process emphasizes:

  • Careful hide layout to maximize usable surface
  • Intentional design placement to avoid waste
  • Full utilization of hides whenever possible
  • Thoughtful production timelines—never rushed

Every cut is planned, every stitch has purpose, and every piece is made with longevity in mind.

Built to Be Repaired, Not Replaced

True sustainability means creating products that can be maintained, repaired, and carried forward rather than discarded.

Vegetable-tanned cowhide allows for:

  • Stitch repair and reinforcement
  • Conditioning and rehydration
  • Structural maintenance over decades of use

Rather than hiding wear, our products are designed to show their history. Scuffs, creases, and patina are part of the story—not flaws.

This philosophy reduces waste while preserving the personal connection between the maker, the product, and the owner.

A Long-Term Approach to Sustainability

We believe sustainability is not a single decision—it’s a long-term mindset built into every stage of our process.

By combining:

  • Responsible cowhide sourcing
  • Predominantly vegetable-tanned leathers
  • Local Alberta suppliers
  • Small-batch craftsmanship
  • Repair-friendly construction

Bucking 90 Leather Co. produces leather goods that respect the material, the environment, and the legacy they are meant to carry forward.

Our goal is simple: create fewer, better pieces that last.