Our Process
We are a father-son duo, Stratton and Kap Smith, hand crafting all-leather custom backgammon boards that blend old-world tradition with modern luxury. After 20 years of making boards for family and friends, we turned our passion into a business. What began in a garage in the Texas hill country is now based in our studio at Folly Farm, north of Boulder, Colorado. Each board is completely unique and can be customized to buyer's preferences.
The Materials
Every board starts with a full side of vegetable-tanned leather. We source 3-4 oz leather specifically for its balance of flexibility and durability. Veg-tanned leather ages beautifully, developing a rich patina over time that makes each board more distinctive with use.
We hand-dye each piece using Fiebing's Professional Dye, carefully layering colors to achieve depth and character. This process can't be rushed. The leather needs time to absorb the dye, and we need time to understand how each hide will respond. No two pieces are ever exactly the same.
All stitching is done by hand with Ritza Tiger Thread, a waxed polyester thread known for its strength and clean finish. We use traditional saddle-stitch techniques that have been around for centuries because they work. The result is both functional and beautiful.
The Process
Each board takes two full days to complete. We've tried to speed things up, but certain steps simply require patience. The leather needs time to condition, the dye needs time to set, and the stitching can't be rushed if you want it to last.
We start by cutting the leather to size and preparing the surfaces. Then comes the dyeing process, which often involves multiple applications to achieve the right tone. Once the leather has dried and been conditioned, we begin the assembly and stitching. Every stitch is placed by hand, ensuring even tension throughout.
The final step is finishing and quality control. We examine every board carefully, making sure the points are crisp, the stitching is tight, and the surface is smooth. If something isn't right, we start over. After two decades of making these, we know what a good board should feel like.
Why Leather
Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in the world. We wanted to make something that honored that history while feeling contemporary. Leather was the natural choice. It's durable enough to last generations, tactile in a way that connects you to the game, and it improves with age.
Most backgammon boards use leather as an accent. We decided to go further. Our boards are entirely leather because we believe in the material. It's how we've always made them, and it's what sets them apart.
Self-Taught, By Design
Neither of us went to school for leatherworking. We learned by making mistakes, experimenting, and paying attention to what worked. Being self-taught meant we weren't constrained by how things are "supposed" to be done. It gave us the freedom to develop our own methods and our own style.
Twenty years in, we're still learning. Every board teaches us something new about the leather, the process, or what's possible. That's what keeps it interesting.