Celebrating over 50 years of leathercrafting (1952 - 2004)
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Hidden in the Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio is the village of Wimberley. A village loaded with artisans and craftspeople. Small shops with unusual arts and crafts abound featuring the work of glass artists, stone and iron sculptors and wood workers. In addition there is one outstanding leather craftsman who has been tooling and designing leather since 1952.
K. W. Allen began crafting leather while in the U.S. Navy. He continued throughout his military career, retiring in 1971. As a City Inspector in Austin, Round Rock, Port Lavaca and Victoria, Texas he continued his leather business on the side.
In 1997 he and wife Ellen "retired" to their second home in Wimberley, Texas where they opened their own business, Custom Leather by KWA. The shop is located next to the house at 405 Leveritts Loop.
"We specialize in custom orders only." Belts, holsters, knife sheaths and law enforcement rigs are all made to customer specifications. In addition, repairs on most leather items can be accomplished. "We have access to most luggage handles and items for minor bag repair." Tooled leather items in various patterns, including basketweave can be ordered.
K. W. fitting gun to double western holster.
Catalog/pricing
There is no catalog or price list. Price is determined for each individual order. Your order is discussed with you and estimates are made prior to start of each project. A down payment is required on each order. If the completed project does not meet with your expectations you do not have to accept the completed project. We build leather products to your standards.
Quality of workmanship
Belts are measured and made for each individual. All styles from regular to taper tip and Ranger belts are made to order. If a name is desired, then the belt is measured for proper name placement. Belts can be basketweave, hand tooled or plain in natural black, brown or saddle tan. Other colors by special order.
K. W. has been constructing knife sheaths for knife makers not only in Texas but across the United States for over 30 years. Many custom knife makers who do not make their own sheaths send them to Wimberley for a KWA sheath.
Specialty items include motorcycle chaps, sewing patches on motorcycle vests, even making leather items for motorcycles and motorcycle enthusiasts.
K.W. has made cowboy chaps by order for many years. His access to colored and exotic leathers and silver conchos has helped in the creation of many beautiful chaps for many a proud cowboy.
Hand tooled leather is a work of art. K.W. is an excellent artist in his hand work and has retained patterns for as many years as he has been working in leather.
His holster and gun belts range from re-enactment to current day law enforcement styles. Over the years he has developed molds for mag pouches, cuff cases, radio holders, asp holders and flashlight holders. He has made molds for special features and products and has an extensive library. Each holster is fitted to each individual gun. The reason for this is to insure the gun is seated in the holster for proper fit.
In 2000 one of K. W.'s tooled and hand sewn holsters received a First Place award at the International Exhibition of Leather Guilds competition in Kansas City, Kansas.
Members of:
Oh by the way, are you wondering what Ellen does? She takes care of all the paper work and developed and maintains this website.
e-mail:
contact@customleatherbykwa.com
512-847-3732Now please take a look at a sample of work from Custom Leather by KWA
Basket Weave BeltWestern belt in solid basket weave. Customer provided Mexican silver dollar concos and personal belt buckle. Ranger star backed with dyed red leather circle.
Simple Barbwire tooling around both holsters and Ranger style belt. Belt features 12 cartridge loops. Holsters are single Mexican Loop. All dyed in saddle tan color.
Assorted knife sheaths and slide holsterEach fitted to individual knife some with sharpening steel holders attached. Slide holster fits 45 auto on belt for concealed weapon purposes.
Motorcycle ChapsZippered black sheepskin motorcycle chaps with leather basketweave tops dyed black, tooled name plate in back. Scalloped Cobra skin insets.
Re-Enactment holsters7 1/2 inch single action peacemaker holsters in dark and medium brown. 4 5/8 Bisley gun in light brown holsters with cut away bottom. This holster will accommodate several different barrel lengths. It is also cross draw and decorated with copper stars. Belt is light brown with cartridge loops and ranger style closure.
Various styles of knife sheaths Assorted designs for straight knives with total closure to protect the handles. On right is an open top with thumbreak type closure. All have some basket weave.
Watch for new and different photos of our projects. Photos will be changed from time to time.
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