Like magic or something

Whether he'll admit it or not, my buddy Ben Riddering played no small role in my departure from corporate to establish Calavera Tool Works. Without doing a thing more than going about his daily work, he helped me understand the importance of prioritizing happiness. Every minute of every day.

And while I don't claim to have it all figured out, I'm at least moving in the right direction. If you've been following along, you know this to be true.

One other thing I figured out...? Once you put this apron on, your own priorities will shift. It will help you forget the chaos outside your shop and bring the good stuff into sharp focus. That's not marketing. It's the truth. And a little bit of magic, perhaps...?

About the goods

We've taken a fresh round of that gorgeous, feels-broken-in-out-of-the-gate bison and figured out how to make it even awesomer with our patented hand-dying technique. It seems we can't make these fast enough though, so get on the list now if you want it soon!

Description:

We like to take a few liberties with our Walnut Work Aprons, so you can expect that no two are the same and that yours will start off with a character very much its own. Some are darker, some are lighter and some even feature the hide's original brand (those are our favorites) or scars from pesky varmints or barbed-wire. They are designed for an easy break-in for many years of comfortable wear.

Main Panel: Hand-dyed Walnut Bison
Thickness: 4-4.5oz whole hide leather
Front pocket: Hand-Dyed Walnut
Back Pocket: Black as standard, but... now you've got options
D-tabs: Walnut Bridle
Straps: Walnut Bridle

Hardware: Nickel, Vintage Brass

Length Options: Short version below.

26" - 5'6" and below
28" - 5'7"-5'8"
30" - 5'9"-5'10"
32" - 5'11"-6'
34" - 6'1"-6'2"
36" - 6'3"-6'4"
38" - 6'5" and above
40" - For the really big kids

Please use this as a guide. If you want more coverage, go with the longer size. If you sport a large bay window or for some other reason require a bigger fit, go with the larger size.

Long version over here

Pocket Options:

Streamlined Plain Front: This is the classic Calavera style... no muss, no fuss. Still, all aprons come with a standard-issue upper pocket for pens, pencils, small rulers and such.

Lower Pocket (with or without flap): A traditional rectangular pocket style that hews tight to the main apron panel to prevent accumulation of dust and debris, with or without the inclusion of the optional upper flap.

Paolini Pocket: Generously sized, side-entry pouch design prevents dust and debris from collecting, without the need for flaps. If we were going to rock the pocket, this would be our choice. Named after Gregory Paolini, who is a fantastic woodworker and teacher, as well as one of our favorite human beings.

Strap options:

X-Back: For an incredibly comfortable fit, choose the adjustable 1" harness-style straps with quick-release.
Y-Back: Combines the comfort of the harness style straps with a sturdy, adjustable belt for a perfect, secure fit. We strongly endorse the Y-Back.

Tape Measure Clips and/or Towel Rings

Apron w/ Plain Front - See gallery for options

Apron w/ Standard Pocket - Upper positioning matches gallery. Lower positioning will go to the lower front of the pocket.

Apron w/ Paolini Pocket - Upper positioning will be on the front of the pocket, near the top. Lower positioning will be on the front of the pocket. See gallery for visual.

And if all that is way too confusing, just drop an email to michael@calaveratool.com and we'll walk you through it.

A note on caring for your work apron:

In the shop, we finish all our work aprons with Dr. Jackson's Conditioning Cream. A modest application will do good things to worn or dry areas. For hotter, dryer regions (or applications), we recommend modest doses of Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner with Beeswax. Don't apply too much or it'll get a little sticky.