Since 1999, brothers Chris and Kirk Bray have been producing handmade leather goods under the name Billykirk. The name comes from their father’s nickname for Kirk (William Kirk Bray), and well before they ever hit upon leather was the moniker for their dream company. The move to leather came from a fruitful trip to the thrift store. There Chris picked up a leather watch strap. And, in that object, a firm idea was born.

After a few years in LA, Billykirk moved east to Jersey City, and grow from watch straps to include wallets, bags, belts, and more. The goods are stripped to their essential needs and still inspired by vintage finds. As we’ve previewed earlier this week, the expansion also includes footwear (by way of collaboration with Sebago). Still, an emphasis on hand finishing remains and the brothers relish the discovery of new (to them) vintage machinery.

Intrigued by the process (both creative and craft) behind Billykirk products, I made the short drive up from Philadelphia to explore their studio. What follows are a series of photographs granting preview of new product, a sense of manufacture, and a glimpse into some of the amazing bits and pieces that scatter the work space