Our Story
Why We Exist
When you shop for leather goods today, you're forced into a false choice:
Mass-Market Gear
Made overseas, made cheap, and built to be replaced. It might have clever features and a modern look, but the "leather" is stretched thin, the stitching only needs to hold until the next upgrade cycle, and they're often made with synthetics, plastic, or metal. Yeah, no thanks.
Artisan Heirlooms
Handmade here in America, one at a time. The construction is bulletproof. The materials are legitimate. The craftsmanship is real. But they're priced so high that only a few can justify them. And their designs are stuck in the past: same century-old shapes that no one's dared to rethink.
Neither path felt right to us.
So we cut a third path:
McKay Provisions designs leather goods so that American craftsmanship can be what it used to be: the standard for all, not a luxury for the few. We combine modern design with heirloom-level craftsmanship by making new things the old-fashioned way—by hand, right here in America, and at a price that doesn't punish you for wanting both.
The Legend of Donald McKay
We trace our roots back to legendary shipbuilder Donald McKay. In 1851, he launched his most audacious design yet: The Flying Cloud — a clipper ship built for one thing and one thing only: extraordinary speed through the world's roughest seas.
Within six weeks of her christening, she sailed from New York to San Francisco in just 89 days and 21 hours, setting a world record around South America's infamous Cape Horn. Her navigator? Eleanor Creesy — one of the first women to command a transatlantic passage, defying every convention of her time.
Three years later, in 1854, The Flying Cloud broke her own record. It would stand for 135 years.
Every captain who tried to chase her only ever saw one thing: her stern disappearing over the horizon. That escaping silhouette lives on today as the McKay Provisions logo, stamped into every piece we make — not just as our promise of everything we stand for, but to remind you to never stop chasing your own horizons.
The design of our handcrafted leather goods echoes the spirit of McKay's workmanship: precise lines, purposeful material selection, prudential use of space, and fastenings that stand the test of time. And perhaps, beneath their seams, you'll discover the ambition of Donald McKay, the resilience of his Flying Cloud, and the bold defiance of Eleanor Creesy.
It is our hope that these provisions inspire such things in you.
Our Vision
To make well-designed, American-made leather accessories common again — not rare, not precious, not reserved for a few — but trusted, relied on, and lived with by everyone. From handcrafted leather wallets to premium full grain leather belts, we're making heirloom quality leather goods accessible.
We want to see good leather back where it belongs: In pockets. On belts. Out in the world. Used every day. Broken in slowly. And passed along when the time comes.
American craftsmanship used to be the standard for all, not a luxury for the elite. We're working to make it that way again.
Our Mission
We design full grain leather goods for modern life, but build them the good old-fashioned way.
We draw, cut, stitch, carry, adjust, and rebuild each design until it's perfect — and until the way we make it is efficient enough to keep the price honest.
Here in America, with methods that have already proven themselves over time.
We spend time in design so we don't compromise in production. No shortcuts on quality. No cutting corners on materials. Just thoughtful planning that lets us build right and build accessibly.
When it finally leaves the bench, we stand behind it.
What We Stand For
These aren't taglines. They're the principles we hold when no one's watching.
Called to Create
God has given us this calling — a desire not for pride or gain, but to create beautiful, lasting things in reflection of the Creator Himself. Every decision we make flows out of that.
Design Smart, Build Right
We innovate in the design process so we never have to compromise in production. Thoughtful planning means quality without the premium.
The Best Materials, No Exceptions
Premium full grain leather from Horween. Vegetable tanned leather from Wickett & Craig. Maine Thread Company stitching. We source only the best American leather suppliers for our handcrafted leather goods, even when it costs us more.
Made in America
We build in America because quality and accountability matter. Every piece is crafted right here, where we can stand behind our work.
Priced Fair
We design our process so quality doesn't price people out. American craftsmanship should be accessible, not exclusive.
Lifetime Heirloom Warranty
Every piece is backed for life. If it fails because of how it was made, we'll make it right. These aren't meant to be replaced. They're meant to be passed on. Guaranteed You'll Die First.
How We Build
We don't rush. But we don't waste, either.
Most prototypes don't make it. Patterns get redrawn. Pieces get rebuilt. Details get refined again and again.
Prototypes are easy. Production is hard.
By the time a design is ready, we know exactly how to build it — efficiently, consistently, and without compromise.
What remains is built here in America, from full grain leather meant to age honestly and thread meant to hold when it matters. Each handmade leather wallet, belt, and bag is crafted with Horween leather and American craftsmanship.
Strong enough for real work. Beautiful enough for everyday life. Priced so it can actually get used.
Our Heirloom Warranty
Every McKay Provisions piece is backed for life. If it fails because of how it was made, we'll make it right. These aren't meant to be replaced. They're meant to be passed on.
Guaranteed You'll Die First
Who This Is For
You're done replacing gear every two years.
You want something that gets better with age, not worse. You'd rather invest once than repurchase forever. You believe quality shouldn't be reserved for people with unlimited budgets. And you don't want to carry something that looks like it belongs in a different century.
You're not chasing trends — you're building a collection that lasts.
If you're willing to cast off anyway. To make for the edge. To go at it quietly, and go at it true.
You'll fit right in.
Welcome aboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes full grain leather better?
Full grain leather is the highest quality leather available. Unlike corrected grain or split leather, full grain leather retains the complete natural grain with all of its original characteristics. This means it develops a beautiful patina over time, is more durable, and ages gracefully. We use premium full grain leather from American tanneries like Horween and Wickett & Craig in all our handcrafted leather goods.
Where are your leather goods made?
Every McKay Provisions product is handcrafted right here in our dreamy San Diego, CA workshop. Our leather wallets, belts, and bags are made by skilled artisans using American-made materials—Horween leather from Chicago, Wickett & Craig hides, and Maine Thread Company stitching. When you buy from us, you're supporting American manufacturing and craftsmanship.
What is your lifetime warranty?
We call it our Lifetime+ Heirloom Warranty—and it's simple: if any piece fails because of how it was made, we'll make it right. These aren't meant to be replaced every few years. They're meant to be passed on. Our American-made leather goods are guaranteed for life, and made to be passed down. Guaranteed You'll Die First.
Do you use vegetable tanned leather?
Yes! Our handcrafted leather products feature vegetable tanned leather from Wickett & Craig and Horween, two of America's last remaining tanneries. Vegetable tanned leather is eco-friendly, develops a rich patina over time, and is ideal for heirloom quality leather goods that last generations.
Why are your prices fair compared to other American-made leather goods?
We spend time in design so we don't compromise in production. By innovating our process and building efficiently, we can offer premium full grain leather wallets, belts, and bags at accessible prices. We believe American craftsmanship should be the standard for everyone, not a luxury reserved for the wealthy.
100% Made in America
Crafted right here in San Diego, CA.
Full Grain Leather
No "genuine" junk.
Backed Forever
Lifetime+ Heirloom Warranty
Free shipping
On orders $75+
Handmade
In our San Diego workshop.