Fitzwater Leather

Fitzwater Leather Handmade leather goods by Kansas City artist and firefighter Justin Fitzwater
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06/03/2026

Had the privilege to make a new concept for a retirement project for one of the best truckmen to do the job for KCFD.
I’m calling this a “Retirement Poster” and I couldn’t be more excited about it! Fully customized with a picture of the man himself. (You’re seeing it right, he’s rocking two axes)
Congratulations, sir. We here in the shop hope your last day has served you well. Anyone who knows you knows you’ve earned your retirement!

05/31/2026

In this episode, Odin and Magnus are on the road in Sheridan, Wyoming for the Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show. A stop in Billings on the way in led to a hat maker's studio and a high-end interior design shop, and the conversation about pricing and audience that followed is one of the more useful things they have put on record. Back at the show, the debut competition delivers, the community proves more accessible than most people expect, and both hosts close the episode at the airport one year to the week from the Sheridan recap that started the podcast.

If you make things and have ever wondered whether you are in the right room, this one is worth your time.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1YAq2Vkx5EU

Beyond the Workbench | Episode 24

Conversations about leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.

Hosted by Odin Clack and Michael Magnus

05/30/2026

Here’s my unboxing and promo for a new and creative tool!
So excited to see what limits we can push with this badass machine from and !

Go getcha one!

05/25/2026

Sheridan recap, ask me anything etc

05/23/2026

Name a more eco-friendly front!

05/22/2026

It’s more than just a carving or a shield. It’s pride, respect, and a symbol of gratitude.
Thank you, Firefighter Crockett.

05/20/2026

THE SYMBOLISM:
“It’s a supernatural battle between two lives.” Untitled.
-Two white flowers for my wife and daughter.
-Two twin skulls for my badass twin sons.
-Left side is fire themed, complete with hook
-Right side is leather themed, complete with my favorite painting tool and the hat from Chris LeDoux’s “this cowboy’s hat”
-the Camino del Santiago shell, in Catholic lore representing all paths leading to one unified destination
-Seigaiha background pattern, representing good luck and peaceful fortune, Kitsuni for broken and made better with flaws.
-winged UFO and pyramid because aliens certainly helped build the pyramids
-the two careers collide in the center. One western, one fire service, in what feels like riding a fire breathing bull.
- “33” on the helmet shield, because I made this piece at the age of 33, and my lucky numerology number based on my name is 3- so why not double my luck? (Not even the least ironic that I won 3rd place)

05/20/2026

Try not to catch a contract trip!
Gotta be one of the wildest fronts we’ve done! 3D embossed forward and tooled down all around. This thing is jumpin’ out at cha!

05/17/2026

Chipping away a spot for ourselves, and all fire service Leathercraftsmen alike one competition at a time. What a rush this weekend was. I’m still trying to soak in all the new connections, friendships, and meaning.
I bet on myself and made something I liked. Something from the heart that is unique to me, and represents the combination and struggle of operating in a dual life experience like my fellow firefighter leather workers.
Oh, and it dampens the sting to know we only succumbed to the great and powerful with his TWO mind bending works! I’m coming for you, Jurgen! 😆





Now back to KC in a straight through marathon to get at this order list and drum up some more momentum!

05/14/2026

Just dropped off my entry this year into the World Leather Debut in Sheridan, WY.
Juggling this along side an insane docket, plus full time firefighting and a wife and three kids was nuts. The title isn’t present. I couldn’t think of one. It’s felt like more of a bookmark in time and a titled work.

So much growth in a year. So much symbolism of my internal struggles and interests. I leave all explanations as simply that….except for one bit- No, it’s not the illuminati 😅

Here’s to some new friends and old, learning new trade techniques, and taking a moment to breathe and be present before returning to KC and our valued (and so damn patient) customers.

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Kansas City, MO

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+18166785303

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