Croots. British craft

The British label Croots is one of the leather goods manufacturers that have virtually earned the reputation of a traditional company in a short time. So it doesn't always take centuries of experience, but first and foremost you have to understand your craft and then use the right materials. This is what John and Margaret Smith had in mind when, in 1978, they produced the first bags and cases for hunting and fishing under the "Field Sports Products" label: in the traditional way and using solid materials such as strong saddle leather and robust cotton canvas. Later, travel bag and small leather goods are added. When daughter Jackie and son-in-law Allistair Croot took over the business in 2004, they changed nothing about it, except for the name. Since then, "Croots" has become a byword for British craftsmanship and solid bags worldwide; even the royal family owns a few Croots bags. The bags are designed and manufactured at the company's site in Malton, North Yorkshire. The materials also come from the island: the weaving is done in Keighley, West Yorkshire, the waxed cotton canvas is sourced from the traditional Scottish manufacturer Halley Stevensons, the fittings come from foundries in Walsall, West Midlands, or Sheffield. Only the zippers are sourced from RiRi in Switzerland. Finally, the leather is vegetable-tanned and processed in the best saddlery manner. Mostly it is so-called English Bridle Leather, which is mainly used for saddles, bridles and belts, because it hardly gives thanks to a special tanning.