Anatomy of a Bag
The Anatomy of a Bag
Each piece created at Persecuted Truth is not merely a bag—it is a narrative, a work of art, a testament to craftsmanship that revolutionizes what luxury leather can be. This is the sacred process of bringing vision into reality.
1. The Vision
Every masterpiece begins with a story. We decide on the design and what will go into the bag—capturing the essence of a moment, a feeling, a narrative that deserves to be immortalized in leather.
2. Gathering the Elements
The materials are chosen with intention: hardware colors and thread that complement the vision, leather thickness determined for the desired weight and properties, the finest liner leather selected, and precious metals accumulated when the purpose calls for such distinction.
3. Cutting and Imprinting
The bag is carefully cut, and designs are imprinted into individual panels. This is where the narrative begins to emerge from the leather itself—each mark deliberate, each impression meaningful.
4. Edge Preparation
All edge beveling and sanding is completed to prepare the edges. Holes for stitching are meticulously marked and punched, or determined for machine stitching. Precision at this stage ensures longevity and beauty.
5. Staining and Finishing
The bag is stained with carefully chosen leather dye, and the proper finish is applied to preserve the life and finish of the piece—sealing in the beautiful, rich color that will endure through the years.
6. Hot Stuffing and Conditioning
The bag undergoes hot stuffing during edge finishing—introducing conditioning waxes and oils into the leather for preservation and to prevent cracking. Neatsfoot oil is used before dyeing, but hot stuffing ensures the bag stays healthy longer. Properly hot stuffed, a bag can go a full year before needing conditioning.
7. Liner Installation
After proper conditioning, the liner leather is glued in with high-strength adhesive and then fully stitched for long-lasting durability. This interior beauty matches the exterior excellence.
8. Edge Burnishing
The edges are touched up with sandpaper and fully burnished with Japanese burnishing gum to completely seal them—creating that signature smooth, polished finish that speaks of true craftsmanship.
9. Hardware Preparation
The hardware is prepared—whether handmade specifically for this piece or carefully selected from premium sources. Every buckle, every rivet, every clasp is chosen to complement the whole.
10. The Sacred Stitching
The bag is hand-sewn and machine-stitched depending on the strength, location, and needs of each stitched area. This is where over 150 hours of meticulous work can go into a single piece—every stitch a prayer, every seam a commitment to excellence.
11. Final Perfection
Any final touch-ups or refinements are completed at this stage. A final conditioning and buffing with cloth and horsehair brush presents a beautiful, masterfully made, and long-lasting product worthy of becoming an heirloom.
12. Protected for Eternity
A specialty bag is crafted for long-term storage and protection of your heirloom piece by our experienced seamstress of over 50 years. Your investment in artistry is safeguarded for generations to come.
This Is Not Just a Bag
This is a narrative captured in leather. This is 200+ hours of devotion to excellence. This is museum-quality artistry that opens doors to share the Gospel at unreachable tiers. This is Persecuted Truth—where every piece tells a story to the glory of God.