About Aetolus

The Workshop

I didn’t start leatherwork with the idea of building a business.

I needed a pouch for my binoculars and couldn’t find one made the way I wanted. So I decided to make it myself.

I had an old hand-cranked Singer sewing machine, some leather, and very little idea what I was doing. That first pouch was far from perfect. I made mistakes. Then I made more. But every mistake taught me something: how leather behaves when it is cut, how much pressure to use when forming it, how a stitch should sit, and how a good edge should feel in your hand.

I was hooked.

What started as something I needed for myself gradually became my life’s pursuit. I began making knife rolls, pouches, cases, and other functional pieces – spending years mastering traditional techniques and finding my own way of doing things.

In 2024, I decided to dedicate myself fully to the craft and build Aetolus Leather.

The name Aetolus comes from Aetolia, my homeland in Greece. Today, I work alone out of my workshop in the Old Town of Edinburgh, under the shadow of Arthur’s Seat, making everything by hand using tools and methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.

The Heritage of the Bench

I work without electric machines or laser cutters. My standard is pure, traditional handcraft.

Every piece is stitched by hand using the traditional saddle stitch and French linen thread. Unlike a machine-stitched seam – which can unravel if a single thread breaks – a saddle stitch relies on two independent needles locking together. It is an unhurried process, but it produces a bond that machine production simply cannot replicate.

I take the same uncompromised approach when choosing materials. I source full-grain, naturally tanned hides and solid brass hardware cast in a historic foundry down England.

That is what I love about true leather. It is a natural, living material. With time and daily use, a well-made piece develops its own character – the surface softens, the color deepens, and the marks of its owner become part of its history.

The Binocular case
Second Attempt at Leathercraft: A Cylinder Pouch

Lineage & Tradition

I have been fortunate to meet people who have shared their knowledge and encouraged me along the way. Fr. Luke, a master traditional bookbinder, continues to teach me and deeply influences how I approach precision and discipline at the bench. William at The Vintage Paper Co. has also been a constant source of encouragement.

I learn something new every day – whether from another craftsman, a complex hide, or simply from hours spent at the bench.

I enjoy the process: the weight of the tools, the smell of the leather, and, most of all, turning raw materials into something beautiful and useful that will outlast me.

What Leaves the Bench

”Crafted by Hand. Built for a Lifetime.”

Everything that comes out of my workshop is made one piece at a time. Whether it’s a bespoke commission, a briefcase, a knife roll, or a small daily pouch, it is designed for utility and built to endure.

Hand-stitched

Hand-stitching significantly enhances longevity and durability, providing bonding strength that exceeds machine stitching by 130%.

Quality leather

Our leather is ethically sourced and is tanned using natural tannins. A traditional process that takes up to two months.

Easily Repaired

Our products are designed for longevity. Rivets can be replaced, leather can be reconditioned, and threads can be restitched.

Endurance

Our leather goods have a distinct aesthetic and impressive durability. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.

Personalisation

Add a personal touch by choosing initials, a name, a phrase, or a date to be engraved on your item.

Attention to Detail

We strive for perfection through high-quality craftsmanship.

Solid brass hardware, cast in a historic Walsall foundry - built to darken with age and never chip or peel.

Sourced from historic tanneries in the UK and Italy, chosen for character, depth, and how gracefully it ages.

Principles of the Craft

”Through craftsmanship and integrity, we create timeless leather goods.”

I don’t follow trends or rush production. These are the standards I hold myself to every time I step up to my workbench.

Integrity

As a family business, we prioritize integrity in all our dealings.

Authenticity

Our products feature real leather, unique designs, and adhere to our traditional work ethos.

Trust

Transparency and communication are key values that guide our business practices.

Hand-Crafted

All our products are and will always be hand-crafted, maintaining the personal touch.

100% Recyclable

Our packaging is plastic-free and easily recyclable, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.

All Natural

We use only leather, brass, steel, canvas, and paper in our workshop, ensuring that our materials are natural and high quality.

Crafted for Those Who Value Simplicity and Strength

This work is for those who want to own fewer, better things. For those who carry tools with care, who recognise the feel of true leather, and who choose to invest in tradition.
When you choose Aetolus Leather, you’re not just buying a product. You’re supporting an independent workshop. You’re choosing something made with thought, made to last, and made to be passed on.

Christos
Aetolus Leather, Edinburgh

Glory to God, for all things!

Notes & Journal

I occasionally write about new pieces, behind-the-scenes work in the workshop, and practical advice on caring for your leather. You can read those stories on my journal.

Visit the Journal