About Us

Nelson & Forge is a hand made leathergoods business based in North Somerset, UK.

We create durable handmade leathergoods with passion and authenticity using traditional methods.

Who's this guy?

Steve is the guy that runs things day to day with the help of his wife, Katharine and labrador, Bella.

Creativity has always been a part of Steve's life. His dad, an artist and animator, whilst very strict, planted the seeds of creativity and imagination.  This environment fostered Steves love for craftsmanship and design, and over time, he knew he wanted to create something of his own.

Steve has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. He earned a Marketing degree with the goal of one day running his own business, blending his passion for creativity with the practical knowledge of building and growing a brand.

Entrepreneurial roots run deep in his family’s history. His Great Grandmother, a farmers daughter, borrowed £10 to purchase a chip shop to prevent his Great Grandfather from going back to coal mining after he became ill.  They successfully ran the chip shop for many years until 1948 when they sold the chip shop and purchased a local farm at a pub auction.   Steves family run the farm to this day rearing beef cattle.

It’s a combination of his family’s farming heritage, his father’s creative influence, and his own desire to build his own business that led him to leathercraft.

Today, he takes pride in blending tradition with craftsmanship, crafting products that are not only functional but tell a story of heritage, hard work, and creativity, values that have been passed down through the generations.

Why we're called Nelson & Forge

The name Nelson & Forge isn’t just a brand—it’s a
tribute. Nelson is Steve’s middle name, shared with his late father, David.
It’s a way to honour his memory and carry forward his spirit of perseverance
and creativity. “Forge” speaks to the act of creating, shaping, and
building—values at the heart of what we do. It’s a nod to the hands-on approach
we take with every piece we craft, forging something unique and meaningful with
each creation.

David’s life and legacy live on in Nelson & Forge. He
taught us the power of saying “yes” and figuring things out later. He once
secured a job by claiming he could use an airbrush, then taught himself how
from a library book. This tenacity, this spirit of figuring it out and making
it happen, is woven into every stitch of our products.

Why Choose leather?

Leather is one of nature's most remarkable materials, valued for centuries due to its durability, strength, and unmatched character. When you choose a leather product, you are investing in something truly unique. Each piece of leather carries subtle marks and scars, reflecting the life of the animal from which it came. These perfect imperfections are what make leather so unique. Every mark tells a story, turning your product into a one of a kind heirloom.

As an organic material, leather ages gracefully. Over time, it develops a rich patina, a sheen that enhances its look and feel, only growing more beautiful with use. Unlike synthetic materials, leather evolves with you, becoming more personal and distinct with each passing year.

When crafted with care, leather items are built to last a lifetime. These are not products that need replacing; they are heritage goods, designed to be cherished and passed down. From its natural origins to the hands of a skilled craftsman, every leather product represents a blend of tradition, artistry, and longevity.

By choosing leather, you’re not just purchasing a product, you’re embracing the durability, elegance, and individuality that only this time honorued material can provide.