Ken Boroski
← Biographies · Leather 2013 exhibitor
This page is a biography of Ken Boroski. The Society’s own record of Ken Boroski — the offices held, the standings conferred and the awards won — is on the register page.
From the exhibition brochure for Leather 2013 — Creative Versatility, the Society’s show at the Woodstock Art Gallery, 12 January to 2 March 2013, for which each exhibitor supplied an artist statement, a biography and a note on every piece shown. Set out here as printed.
I started leatherwork in 2001. After riding in the mountains of Arizona, I ripped my chaps on the rough terrain. The trail boss repaired the chaps with an initialed and stamped round patch which he glued and hand sewed over the rip. My leatherworking career began.
I mostly do western leatherworking, such as holsters, sour straps, saddles, breast collars, chaps, and belts, but have also done sword scabbards, fly fishing rod and reel cases, purses, and pretty much anything in leather.
My greatest joy in leatherworking is producing a specific piece for someone and having them fully appreciate the finished product, to be fully satisfied with the piece and to use the item as it was meant to be used.
The pieces shown at Leather 2013
"John Wayne" Belt and Holster with Replica Toy Handgun. This is a replica of the belt and holster the "Duke" wore in many of his Westerns. It is a 3.5 in belt, covered in premium suede, with 19 bullet loops to accommodate.44 or.45 caliber ammunition. The holster fits a 4.5 in or 5.5 in barrel length Colt Peacemaker.
Shoulder Scabbard with Captain Barbosa Replica Sword. This is a replica of the shoulder scabbard worn by Capt. Barbosa in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The sword is also a replica of the one used in the movies. This scabbard is made with 8/9 oz European single bend leather, hand-sewn and dyed with Fiebing's black oil dye. It is completely handcrafted and all edges burnished smooth.
Saddle Rifle Scabbard. The rifle scabbard is a fixture of the Old West. It is used to carry a cowboy's rifle on the saddle. It can be fitted butt forward, or reverse, left side, or right, upright or inverted, whatever suited the saddle, horse and cowboy. This scabbard is fitted for Winchester repeater, with an overall length of about 39 inches. It is completely handcrafted, hand sewn, and hand stamped. It has a premium suede lining and is shown in Fiebing's light brown oil stain.
Stamped, Carved Breastcollar. Breastcollars are used in western riding to prevent the saddle from slipping forward or backward while going up or down hilly terrain, and in the sport of rodeo. Another purpose is cosmetic in that it looks good, and completes the overall effect of the western look. The breastcollar is completely handcrafted, and hand sewn. It is finished in natural coloring and all edges have been burnished smooth with black edging.
Bowman Roping Saddle. This 16in roping saddle is completed with 13-15 oz Chahin leather in natural coloring. It is bordered in barbed wire stamping, and all hardware is stainless steel. It is completely hand crafted and took approximately 80 hours to complete. The padded seat, and oiled leather will ensure many years of comfort and wear.
From the exhibition brochure for Leather 2013 — Creative Versatility, preserved in the Society’s archive. The brochure is the source for every word above; nothing has been added to it.