1). Which top class shoe makers outsource there lasts? Who doesn't outsource there lasts?
2). What shoe makers have piece workers make the shoes?
3). Which shoe makers have the smallest workshop output?
4). Are there any master shoe makers that work alone (no apprentices)?
Any of the top makers use a high spi count when stitching on the welt and the soles? (spi = stitches per inch).
Last edited by The_Shooman (2010-03-27 08:03:32)
For what I know, the only makers that do everything on their own in the process are the three bootmakers in Abilene, TX. Tex Robin taught the other two (Alan Bell and another one I do not remember the name of).
As a result, it usually takes about 1,5 to 3 years to take delivery of your cowboy boots from the order, at best, and you gotta deal with the 'characters'
Ok, Bell used to have his wife making some stitchings on some of the uppers.