Crafted with the Same Tools as Hermès (Vergez Blanchard)

We use the finest leather in the world and only the highest-quality materials.

But what about the tools used to craft the bags?

 

In this post, we'll cover:

✅ What tools Hermès artisans use

✅ How and why these tools are essential in luxury craftsmanship

✅ The tools Thierry Studio uses to ensure the highest quality

Vergez Blanchard: The Gold Standard of leather working tools

 

Vergez Blanchard is a legendary French leather tool manufacturer, established in 1823.

For nearly two centuries, it has been known for producing the finest leather tools

trusted by master craftsmen and used by Hermès to create their iconic bags.

 

Luxury handbags go through countless steps in the production process.

Instead of explaining every single one, let's focus on the most critical steps.

 

1️⃣ Cutting and Skiving the Leather

 

Once the bag pattern is prepared (a flat template drawn on paper before assembly),

the leather must be precisely cut and skived.

 

For this, Hermès artisans use

Vergez Blanchard’s Skiving Round Knife or Fourreau Knife.

 

The blade must be razor-sharp, so it is regularly sharpened on a whetstone.

 

Why is precise cutting so important?

If the leather isn’t cut cleanly, the edges become slightly uneven,

lowering the overall quality of the finished bag.

 

This step is the foundation of bag-making.

If done incorrectly, the entire bag’s fit, structure, and finish will suffer.

 

This is why the Skiving Round Knife or Fourreau Knife is so crucial in luxury bag craftsmanship.

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2️⃣ Saddle Stitching – The Signature of Hermès

Hermès bags are hand-stitched using the saddle stitch technique.

Before stitching, tiny holes must be punched at the perfect angle to guide

the needle and thread.

 

This is where the Griffe (pricking iron) comes in.

 

Each part of the bag requires a specific size of Griffe.

 

Using the wrong size results in inconsistent, unrefined stitching,

which is why expert artisans must precisely select the correct

Griffe for each section of the bag.

 

The spacing of these holes must be perfectly even.

 

Not too close, not too far apart, and completely straight.

This is a handcrafted process,

making it one of the most difficult skills to master.

 

The process goes like this:

1. Place the Griffe firmly on the leather

2. Strike it evenly with a mallet

3. Repeat the process with absolute precision

It’s a slow, painstaking technique that

requires years of training to perfect.

 

As you can see, luxury craftsmanship is

incredibly detailed and labor-intensive.

 

Aside from the Fourreau Knife and Griffe,

there are many other specialized tools involved in high-end leathercraft.

 

End Punch – Used for precise rounding of strap ends

 

Marlin Spike – Used to create holes after marking with the Griffe

 

Iron Tip – Used to create decorative lines on the leather

 

Each tool has a specific purpose and

plays a crucial role in achieving a perfect finish.

 

These Tools Are Extremely Expensive, but worth it

Griffes in the photo costs between $150–$400 PER TOOL.

 

Why are they so expensive?

Because luxury craftsmanship requires precision.

The difference in finish between using premium tools vs. standard tools is huge.

That’s why Hermès doesn’t compromise and neither do we.

 

Although Vergez Blanchard is the most commonly used brand,

other high-end leather tool brands are also used in luxury bag-making.

 

At Thierry Studio, we use Vergez Blanchard and

other premium imported tools for every step of production

all of which we can certify.

 

We never compromise on quality.

Each bag is handcrafted with skill, passion, and the finest tools available

so you can simply enjoy it.

 

You don’t have to worry about a thing.

We take care of every detail for you. 😊