William Kirkland and Chris Bray formed the Billy Kirk company on the West Coast (CA) in 1999, the brand name came from William's father calling him “Billykirk”, melding first and second names, highlighting the southern roots. In 2005, they set up on the East Coast.

They design all of the products themselves before they are handmade by a group of Amish leather workers in Pennsylvania. 'Working with these Amish leather workers for a week will really open your eyes. They are not distracted by anything the worlds marketing machine is currently pumping out. They have no idea who the Rolling Stones are or that we are at war. It’s is essentially the 1870’s aside from the hum of a large Honda generator looking out of place in one of the corners. They are allowed to use gas since it is from the Earth. We bring the kids gum and they will literally chew the same piece all day. I asked one of the boys what his favourite flavor was and he said, taking it out of his mouth and pointing to it, “the brown kind.”'

'Most of the leather used is domestic or Italian in origin and is vegetable tanned in the tradition of the old West. It is ideal for our designs because of its durability and how it changes and ages over time. The leather is also hand treated with natural oils and bees wax so overtime the patina the leather achieves is beautiful. Working with leather reminds me of my youth and learning how to ‘season’ my winter boots and baseball glove. We would also get all sorts of old leather things from our Uncle from old knives with leather sheaths to his old Vietnam boots. We both have always liked leather and its many uses.'

It's fair to say that these boys take their work very seriously and their products are some of the most unique and desireable items we've come across of late...

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