Let’s talk about something that makes a lot of people uncomfortable: “Made in China.”
Yeah, I know. For some, it triggers images of mass production, low quality, and faceless factories. I used to think that too. Until I actually did the work and went behind the scenes.
Here’s the truth: I designed every Gaucha tool belt right here in New Zealand. With my hands, my sketchbook, my brain half-fried on espresso and late nights, and an obsession for creating something both beautiful and practical. But when it came to actually bringing that vision to life, I needed a manufacturing partner who could deliver. And that’s where China came in.
Now, let me be brutally honest: I didn’t jump straight to China. In fact, I actively avoided it at first. I went on a supplier safari—reaching out to over 100 manufacturers in Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and even right here in New Zealand. You know what I got? Silence. Or a quote... after four weeks. Sometimes one. If they even replied at all.
Then I tried China.
I sent out an inquiry and got a quote—in ten minutes. TEN. That’s less time than it takes me to locate my car keys. And it wasn’t just the speed that blew me away—it was the clarity, the professionalism, the detail. They sent specs, feedback, samples, and timelines... all before other countries had even opened my email.
The truth is, Chinese manufacturers are in a league of their own. We’re talking about decades of experience, infrastructure built for precision, and a cultural mindset that’s laser-focused on mastering the craft. Leatherwork included.
Yes, leather.
People love to think Italy or Argentina are the holy grail of leather—but let me tell you, the level of consistency, stitching perfection, and flawless finishing I’ve received from my manufacturing partners in China is something I didn’t find anywhere else. These folks don’t just produce—they engineer quality. With a level of attention to detail that would make your grandmother’s quilting group blush.
And before you say it—no, it’s not just about price. Premium production in China is not cheap. At all. When you’re not cutting corners (and I don’t), you're paying for a premium service. You’re just not paying for five months of radio silence and three rounds of "Sorry, we lost your order."
What you get instead is reliability. If they say it’ll be ready in four weeks, it’ll be ready in four weeks. No drama. No fluff. No "Sorry, our leather guy’s on a goat-farming sabbatical." You also get communication—real-time, constant, clear. If you’ve ever emptied your savings into a production run, you know how terrifying it is to sit in silence wondering where your products are. My partners in China never leave me hanging.
And let’s not forget—China’s been playing the long game. While the rest of us were chasing the next viral app or crypto boom, they kept doubling down on physical products. You know, the stuff you actually need to access digital things—like phones, computers, microphones, cameras... and yes, garden tool belts. They knew the world would still need well-made, tangible objects—and they became the best at it.
So yeah, I make my leather tool belts in China. Not because it’s trendy. Not because it’s cheap. But because it’s the only place I found that matched my standards for quality, speed, reliability, and detail.
Would I love to manufacture them in Argentina one day? Hell yes. But right now, if I did that, each belt would cost over $600 USD—which, let’s face it, no one’s paying for a gardening holster unless it waters the plants and folds the laundry.
So here we are. A New Zealand design. A Chinese manufacturing partner. A whole lot of love, grit, and transparency in between.
I think that’s something to be proud of.