Saddler" finishes: how to recognize them?
French know-how, our signature
Phi 1.618 models are made in a workshop of French craftsmen and masters of art, in Touraine, 200 kilometers from Paris.
Our finishes are the rarest "saddler" tradition because it requires the most expertise. It is also and you'll find out why.
There are three clues to identify this type of finishing, which is carried out on clean edges (i.e. cut cleanly, simultaneously the outer leather, the leather lining and the pieces in between):
. a thread marked 2mm from the edge. This is achieved with a threading iron heated to over 100°.
. oblique stitching. Each stitch is slightly tilted, even when the seam is straight.
. stained, heated and repeatedly sanded clean edges to ensure an ideal, long-lasting finish. This step also ensures that the edge is watertight.
Saddle stitching: a solid stitch
It can be done by hand or by machine. Hand sewing is done with two needles on the same thread, which intertwine to ensure the strongest possible stitch.
There are two main types of finish: saddlery and padded
For padded finishes, the leather is folded over the edge and sewn with a hem. The dyeing, heating and sanding stages are omitted, as they are covered by the leather.
