In The Shop - Shop Spotlight: Our Favorite Artisanal Strap Maker Returns

You may recall back in 2019 when we launched our first limited-run strap with Rochester-native David DeMarte of David Lane Design. Now, we're back, expanding on the collection with two new colorways and a few other subtle updates that make this limited-run even better than the last. Two years ago, we had the privilege of visiting David in his shop to learn more about his process. This time around – in typical 2021 fashion – we did the next best thing and hopped on Zoom to chat with David about how his business has evolved over the past couple of years and what went into creating his latest collection of straps to hit the HODINKEE Shop . HODINKEE x David Lane Design stamp David The Photographer And The Leathersmith David is a multifaceted artist, teaching high school photography in addition to running David Lane Design. For the most part, he has to shift his creative mindset between the two mediums, metaphorically "picking up one suitcase" when he heads out in the morning to teach. Then "putting it down and picking up another" when he arrives at this studio in the afternoon. Between the two, there's a symbolic change of clothes from his button down and blazer for teaching to a more casual t-shirt and flannel for his studio. David's workbench Yet, despite seeming like such distinct art forms, David actually finds many parallels between the two, for instance the process of developing film and the process of developing a pattern for a strap. Both involve problem solving fueled by an insatiable desire to learn. In one instance, David gets to be the teacher, but in the other, he's more of the student, always doing extensive research on new methods, tools, materials, or even types of glue – always honing in on the details and keeping things fresh. The famous weighted mallet! While perfecting his craft is a never-ending journey, David has picked up a few tips and tricks over the years. His number one piece of advice for a budding strap maker? Buy a good mallet! For years, he used a very standard rubber mallet, but, as you might expect, it always bounced a bit at impact. Once he finally invested in a solid, weighted mallet, it was game changing. The real lesson here: Quality matters, from the tools to the leather itself, and you should always buy the best possible materials you can afford if you want to produce outstanding results. Strap dies Materials And Care Speaking of materials, it comes as no surprise that David believes in sourcing the best. For our Museum Straps, he opts for a full grain calf leather, often used in high-quality shoes. This leather is from the outermost skin of the animal, making it robust and dimensional. After being tanned and hand-dyed, the result is a beautiful depth of color, particularly in different light. In addition to our original HODINKEE Grey Museum strap, we welcome two new colorways: Chelmer, a handsome earthy brown tone and a multifaceted navy that plays between deep blue and dark midnight depending on the light. Look at those luscious rolls of museum leather! Like a pair of shoes that might also be constructed from this museum leather, David suggests you care for your straps in a similar way. His most obvious piece of advice: Don't shower in your strap! His potentially less-obvious tip: Give your strap a day off, especially as we head into the warmer months. Perspiration is naturally going to accumulate under your strap, and just like a pair of shoes, this can build up and cause wear over time. As long as you don't submerge your strap in water and give it a breather every now and then, you shouldn't have to use any products to maintain your strap. If you want to spruce it up, give it a gentle pass with a horsehair shoe brush. The Evolution of David Lane Design And The Museum Strap Over the past couple years, David – staying true to his belief in always continuing to refine his craft and his business – has taken some steps to improve upon the design of the Museum Straps. First, he's added more stitches per inch, for a sturdier and tighter construction. In addition, the tail and buckle are finished with a single piece of thread to virtually eliminate the possibility of a thread coming loose. Next, he's improved on his edgework techniques, which are always hand finished. And lastly, he's added more spacing between the holes for greater versatility. Edging iron This last piece has been one of the cornerstones of David Lane Design from the very beginning. With an eight-inch wrist himself and a wife with a five-inch wrist, David knows the struggle and frustration of trying to find the perfect strap for your unique proportions. This new approach to hole punching is just one more step David is taking to make his straps accessible to everyone and every wrist. David's thoughtful and heartfelt approach to strap making hasn't gone unnoticed, even in the midst of a global pandemic. Since we spoke to David in 2019, he's nearly doubled his bespoke strap business, producing 500-600 straps by hand each year. And yes, we truly mean by hand. David has his hand in every element, from the edgework to the sewing. His biggest barrier is simply struggling to meet the demand for his remarkable wares without expanding his business, which is exactly what he hopes to do in the future. Browse All Three Variations Of The Museum Strap In The HODINKEE Shop When it comes to investing in a timepiece, you often want to know the backstory of the brand or model. Whether you're looking for historical context or cultural significance, the story of a particular watch is part of – sometimes a large part of – the draw. Yet, when it comes to the accessories that accompany watches, this desire to dig deeper into the backstory isn't always as prevalent or even available. But we think it's pretty incredible to understand how these accessories – ones that help make your watch beautiful and versatile – are made and who made them. Head on over to the HODINKEE Shop to check out our full line of straps from David Lane Design.A closer look at David Lane and his Museum Straps.