Our Story

Chapter 2: Trailblazers of the Bison Leather Industry.

Eventually, a friend out West suggested they try bison leather. At the time, most folks thought it was too rough, too unpredictable. The hides were often tossed aside. But they saw beauty in its scars—strength in its wildness. And they ventured that others might see this too. They worked with tanneries across the U.S., developing formulas that made the leather supple without losing that bison toughness. They didn’t hide the imperfections. They leaned into them. Each hide had a story to tell, and they let it speak. Their yield went down, but the quality—and character—went way up.

Dakota Sweet Grass Bison Ranch

And then, after years of working with this incredible material, Bill & Lauri figured—why not raise a few ourselves? So they founded the Dakota Sweet Grass Bison Ranch. Tucked into a corner of South Dakota just below Ted Turner’s spread, it’s probably one of the smallest bison operations in the country. They picked up some fine heifers at the Denver Stock Show and turned them loose on native prairie. They eat well, roam free, and live as nature intended. It’s a full-circle effort—stitching they’re values into the land as well as the leather.

Chapter 3: Smithsonian-Recognized Craftsmanship

Somewhere along the trail, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History caught wind of their work. They sought out the Buffalo Billfold Compnay, looking for an American leathersmith to showcase at their gift shop. They were looking for a leathersmith to recognize as part of the American story, a leathersmith that actually handcrafted their leather goods entirely in the USA. The Buffalo Billfold Company was honored—and frankly, Bill and Lauri were a bit surprised. They’re just doing what they’ve always done: good work, by hand, in the heart of the country.

Chapter 4: Built by Hand, Built to Last

You won’t find conveyor belts or giant machines in our shop. What you will find is a team of people who take their time. We cut, stitch, edge, and burnish every piece like we’re making it for a friend. Because we are.

Our full grain bison leather gets better with age, like a good pair of boots. We design with utility in mind—pockets where they belong, stitching that doesn’t quit, and a finish that stands up to a hard day’s work. Some items, like our leather flight bag, are still made entirely by hand. We choose the hides ourselves, panel by panel, making sure every piece of that bag has a purpose.

Chapter 5: From the Road to the People

For the better part of thirty years, Bill & Lauri packed up their wares and hit the road. They traveled from Milwaukee to Tucson, showing our goods at art festivals and Native markets. Sometimes they were the only non-Native vendors invited, a gesture that humbled them. They met people who’d become lifelong customers—and friends. They played music with fellow artists, fixed each other’s rigs, and swapped stories under desert stars. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was rich in spirit. They wore through a few tires, a few guitars, and more than a few coffee pots. But it shaped the spirit of the Buffalo Billfold Company – Made to Roam.

Chapter 6: The Future of Made in America

These days, the reins have mostly been handed to the next generation— Noah & Hannah, who’ve grown up with stitching awls in their pockets. They’re smart, grounded, and just as committed to doing things right.

We’re still making everything here in Worthington. Still using the same tools, same bench, same bar of beeswax. But now we’re also reaching more folks through our website and storytelling. We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re just trying to be the best—for the long haul.

Buffalo Leather Trifold Wallet

If you like a trifold, this one’s for you. It’ll hold your ID and more.

Women’s Slim Leather Wallet

Graceful and built to last—just like the women who carry it.

Chapter 8: A Legacy in Every Stitch

We’ve spent half a century building this thing—cutting, stitching, laughing, packing, and starting over again. We’ve tanned leather, tuned guitars, sold wallets in blizzards, and raised bison in the dust. And we’ve done it all with the belief that community and good work matters.

We’re living proof that you can build something real in America—something small, strong, and full of heart. No need for overseas factories or gimmicks. Just steady hands and a bit of grit. As I like to say: “We’ve never forgotten the most important part of this journey: our customers, and the craftspeople who make it all possible.”