StoRex
There’s nothing quite like the smell of genuine leather. When designing the San Francisco wallet, I sought out experts because I wanted to create a product that would stand the test of time. I was fortunate to find Western Storex; not only did Craig help advise me on the type of leather, but he also guided me through the various components of the wallet to ensure it had the right construction, hardware, and weight.
Every time I visit Western Storex, Craig is incredibly generous with his time and answers any questions I have—no matter how random. It's clear he knows his craft. I caught up with him to learn more about the history of Western Storex, and I’m truly amazed at the legacy of leather craftsmanship in his family. Talk about history!
Here's my interview with Craig Storek, owner of Western Storex:
- 1909 is a long time ago. How did Western Storex begin? Who started it?
Wencil C. Storek founded Western Manufacturing in 1909 and incorporated it in 1948. His eldest son, Wencil C. Storek Jr., was an integral part of the company, ultimately running the office while Wencil Jr.’s younger brother, Fred, ran the factory.
Wencil Sr. was born in Czechoslovakia and came to the U.S. as a very young boy. His family settled in the Chicago area. Wencil Sr. had family that had come to San Francisco well before the 19th century and were doing saddlery work.
As a young boy, Wencil Sr. set out from Chicago in the 1890s to find his family connections in San Francisco and begin his lifelong craft. Traveling alone, he journeyed west by train but ended up in Seattle, Washington. From there, he took a ferry down the coast (keeping in mind that the Golden Gate Bridge wouldn’t be built for about 40 years) to arrive in San Francisco. He reached the ferry building and disembarked in a strange and wild town, pre-1906 earthquake. Feeling a bit lost and scared, he approached a large Irish cop who took him under his wing and ensured he reached his destination safely.
As a young boy, he began his apprenticeship in the leather trade and eventually, in 1909, formed his own company, which would become a significant part of the booming San Francisco economy.
Storex Craft Supply, which sells leather, tools, and supplies to individuals, industries, schools, and others, was established in the late 1930s and early 1940s, just in time for the returning service personnel who flooded back into a post-WWII peacetime economy.
Much later, the name Western/Storex was adopted as a DBA by Craig Storek, Wencil Jr.'s son, for the company's various activities.
- Why leather?
Absolutely! Leather is natural, strong, durable, versatile, and visually stunning. At the turn of the century, leather played a significant role in the economy. It was a vital component of saddlery, and horses were a major part of life during that time. Although saddlery was never a major focus of Western manufacturing, it provided Wencil Sr. with the foundation to build his company.
What work did Western Storex originally specialize in? How has it evolved over the past century and more?
While saddlery was a mainstay of most leather businesses at the turn of the century, Western Mfg. incorporated canvas goods, case goods, and other items as major parts of its line. Over the years, we have produced an extensive range of leather and canvas products, including canvas leggings and leather puttees for WWI military personnel, holsters, leather bags for mail delivery, and various sporting and recreational products. Although we have supplied a wide variety of leather products to the government throughout all military conflicts since the First World War, we no longer engage in government contract work.
How has Western Storex served the Bay Area? What was the original location and why did it move?
Western has been located in the San Francisco area since 1909. Its first location was on New Montgomery St. (now the financial district). Outgrowing that site and with the evolution of San Francisco, Wencil Storek Sr. found a property on 9th Street that originally had a stable and later a structure that was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. In the early 1920s, he had a state-of-the-art brick and steel frame building constructed to accommodate his growing company.
While the new building would be about 40 percent occupied by Western, the remainder was rented out to various tenants over the years, including what is believed to be one of the first locations for Wilson Sporting Goods.
Western and Storex Craft have supplied products to nearly all Bay Area municipalities as well as schools, churches, and organizations. The management of Western has always been very community-minded. Wencil Sr., who was born in Europe, was a driving force behind San Francisco’s SOKOL Hall, which was a significant part of the Czech community in the area. He was also key in attracting a skilled staff of “old world” craftsmen. Wencil Jr. was active in the Lions Club, Sokol, church, and YMCA. Craig Storek, Wencil Jr.’s son, has supported and participated in several youth programs.
- How did you get started at Western Storex? Did you grow up in the Bay Area? How have you seen the industry change?
I was born in San Francisco and attended school until I was 10, when my parents moved to the peninsula. I would go to work with my dad on Saturdays when the shop was in half mode and also spent a fair amount of time during the summers. The factory foreman, my Uncle Fred, would find odd jobs for me to do in the shop. In its heyday, the Western employed about 40 craftsmen, and I always looked forward to my visits. It would hum like a well-tuned machine. The landscape of leather manufacturers in San Francisco has changed dramatically. It is just a shadow of what it once was. My grandfather was instrumental in forming the first organization for the benefit of his workers (union).
- What originally drew you to leather work?
Having a trade in my blood has its advantages, and I’ve always been drawn to well-crafted products made from quality leather designed for a genuine purpose. There's just nothing like the feel and smell of fine leather.
If I had a dollar for every person who walked into my shop and said, “I love the smell,” I’d be a rich man.
- What do you see in the future for leatherwork?
Leather products are primarily handmade, so the industry hasn’t changed much over the years. While there are various machines utilized in the production process and some technical advancements have been made, many of the most effective machines are the older models. Recently, there have been improvements in the types of cutting machines used, but they essentially function the same as the older machines.
- What is your favorite part about leatherwork?
Handling the leather! Pulling the hide out and using the patterns or dies to create something of quality. PVC has nothing on leather.
- What is your most popular type of leather?
There are several types of leather, and they all have their place. With rare exception, it has to be top grain leather, but different applications call for different types. There are many types of leather (cow, goat, lamb, pig, etc.), and the tanneries can impart a wide variety of characteristics depending on how the leather is tanned and finished.
- What advice would you give to manufacturers wanting to do leather work? Or to last in the leather world?
Go for it. Leather is a wonderful material, and if well cared for, it can last a lifetime. There is nothing more rewarding than having a case or product you made come back in for a minor repair…well, that is a 40-year-old product! My feeling is to design the product well. Don’t skimp on materials or hardware, and keep it simple.
- What advice would you give designers wanting to work with leather pieces?
Once again, simplicity holds great value. Develop as many prototypes as necessary to achieve the perfect fit and finish, then proceed to production. Designers must understand what construction is required and why. Utilize suitable leathers and expert craftsmanship, and you will contribute to a product that can endure for years. It's often said that older, well-used leather items possess character, and I would agree if the item has been properly maintained.
Thank you, Craig, for providing such an insightful look at a San Francisco institution! Check out Western Storex for your own leather supplies or craftwork here.
A Personal Note from Robin
For many years, I shopped at StoRex at 6th and Market in San Francisco. I must agree with Ms. Eche's article. Craig was always willing to talk about the advantages of leather and/or to give advice about any project I might be working on.
External links
- Archived from Behind the Scenes: Leather talk with Craig Storek of Western Storex (by Stephamie Eche, November 25, 2013)
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