A Peek Inside the Process (and Philosophy) of The Lille Bjorn
It might not be something that you think about a lot, but an important part of pet ownership is making sure that the accessories your dog wears every day feel just as good as they look, and last for a long time!
For us, a leather dog collar isn’t just a standard piece of pet gear, it’s essentially a close companion for everything from foggy morning walks to days at home to afternoons chasing leaves in the sun. On top of that, a dog brass tag needs to serve the double purpose of both identifying your pup in times of emergency and representing them in the fashionable way that they deserve.
At The Lille Bjorn, we have no interest in mass production. Instead, we don’t compromise on quality and comfort and make sure that every handmade dog collar, leash and tag we create is the absolute gold standard.
Keep reading to find out all about the different elements of our manufacture process that make our products the perfect combination of craftsmanship and style.
Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Is the Heart of Every Collar
Not all types of leather are created equal, and some of them definitely don’t belong anywhere near your precious pup’s skin. Every leather dog collar we make is crafted solely from vegetable-tanned leather, following a time honored process that uses plant based materials like chestnut and tree bark to tan.
This is unlike much of the mass-market leather that you will see on shelves that has been treated with harsh chromium salts. The difference is in the skin kindness, with vegetable-tanned leather being hypoallergenic and safe for even the most sensitive pooches.
Vegetable-tanned leather also develops a wonderful patina over time, a natural deepening in tone and sheen that acts as a marker of all the adventures the collar has accompanied your dog on. In other words, it becomes one of a kind!
The most alarming fact to remember about chrome-tanned leather is that it usually contains traces of chromium VI, which is a carcinogen that can leach when it is exposed to things like heat, moisture and sunlight. You don’t need us to tell you how much of a risk that can be on an accessory like a leather dog collar that is always in such close proximity to your pet’s neck!
In making the choice to go for vegetable-tanned leather, you are not only picking a material that is kinder to the environment, you are also picking a material that is kinder to your furry friend’s body.
Rust-Resistant, Recycled, Reliable: The Case for Brass
We may be talking about simple pet accessories, but that doesn't mean that every tiny detail shouldn’t matter! One such tiny detail is the buckle that fastens your pup’s collar, as well as the tag that carries all your important information too. For such important elements, we think that brass is best for both its beauty and its integrity.
All of our hardware and dog bras tags are crafted from solid brass, which compared to alternatives like coated plastic and zinc alloys is a much stronger, safer and long lasting option. The great thing about brass is that it doesn't rust and it doesn’t snap. It can pretty much stand up to anything your energetic pup wants to throw at it!
An engraved dog ID tag that includes all of your vital contact info is one of the most immediate safeguards you can have in place if your pet ever strays from sight on a walk, and with brass, you are also getting a material that holds its shape well and develops a lovely, rich patina over time just like the vegetable-tanned leather. It literally gets more elegant the more it is used!
Even better, brass is also hypoallergenic and totally recyclable, making it the perfect choice for any pet owner who is committed to buying sustainable dog accessories only. It’s safe for your canine companion, and it’s kind to the earth. Win win!
We have chosen brass for so much more than just its timeless aesthetic. It’s one of the most trustworthy materials around, and will never break under pressure and fail you mid-walk. When enhanced by our deep laser engraving, you really can’t go wrong.
Laser-Etched, Never Faded
When you think about it, the name and phone number engraved on your dog’s tag essentially becomes their voice if they should ever get lost. That’s why you can’t afford to leave anything to chance!
Our engraved dog ID tags utilize deep laser engraving techniques in order to permanently etch the surface of a brass dog tag. This isn’t just surface printing, this is irreversible engraving that is going to hold no matter what.
In contrast to hand-stamping techniques that can distort the metal, or surface level laser etching that can rub away over time, our deep laser engraving guarantees that your contact info is going to remain sharp and legible no matter the year and no matter the situation your pup finds themself in!
Pros and Cons of different options:
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Hand Stamping
It can look traditional and handmade, but it will fade and distort quickly, potentially being too shallow. -
Surface Laser
It is a clean and fast process, but its lack of depth means it can wear off over time. -
Deep Laser
Provides a permanent, crisp, precise finish with no cons at all. The best option for any dogs who long to roam freely and still feel safe and secure.
Whether your own pup is a chic city companion or an energetic off-leash explorer, there is no doubt in our minds that deep laser engraving is the way to go. Any small element that gives you pet ownership peace of mind is a plus. One less thing to worry about!
Handmade, Start to Finish - By People Who Care
At The Lille Bjorn we take great pride in the fact that our accessories don’t just roll off the conveyor belt. Each piece is crafted by hand, one a time, in order to raise them from good to exceptional.
Here’s a rundown of how a handmade dog collar comes to life with us.
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Leather Selection & Cutting
We start with full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, never using split leather or bonded substitutes. We inspect each hide for quality, and then cut pieces by hand with a keen eye on minimizing any waste. -
Shaping & Punching
Our collar patterns are then carefully traced and cut, making sure to manually add the adjustment holes that guarantee a perfect fit as your pup’s neck grows, no matter their coat type. -
Edge Finishing
The edges of each collar are then burnished by hand and buffed using natural wax. This helps to create the most professional, polished look possible, preventing fraying and offering a wonderfully smooth feel against your dog’s neck. -
Conditioning
We then treat the leather with natural oils that will help to keep it supple and resilient. The magic here is that the conditioning allows the collar to get even softer over time without losing any of its crucial strength. -
Hardware Fitting
Every buckle, rivet and loop is made from solid brass, and is attached by hand. We don’t take any shortcuts here, no press-fit fasteners in sight. This gives secure, long lasting quality. -
Final Inspection
On completion, each collar is then checked individually, by people rather than machines! After all of the above process, we want to make sure that every item meets the standards that we have promised. Your dog deserves the best!
Your Dog Will Outgrow Many Things - But Not This
Puppies grow, we all know it!
Over time, coats will thicken and shed, and height and width will increase. Your daily adventures will start to take on new shapes quicker than you realize, but the good news is that Lille Bjorn accessories are designed to adapt to all of this change, not be outgrown by them.
Our premium leather dog collars soften over time and conform naturally to the shape of your pup’s neck, all the while never losing their original integrity. And on top of that, our brass hardware will never rust and degrade. The wonderfully warm patina that develops will be a testament of the time you have spent together.
Adjustability is at the heart of our design. Lille Bjorn collars offer flexible sizing options which make them ideal for both growing puppies and breeds whose neck size can change with age or the seasons.
Each and every component is truly built to last. Think about it this way, our gear doesn’t wear out, it actually wears in!
Quiet Design That Lets Quality Speak
Trends come and go, with things like glitter, neon patterns and rhinestones popping up for a few months and then disappearing out of sight. Here at The Lille Bjorn, we prefer to let the true quality of the materials shine and speak for themselves.
With the beauty of natural grain vegetable-tanned leather and the warm glow of brass, our commitment is to clean lines, minimal fuss and functional form.
The sustainable dog accessory movement is one that is rooted in longevity rather than cheap fast fashion, but let that fool you into thinking that our products are boring! We don’t chase trends, but we do produce collars that transcend fads and remain chic and stylish forever.
Accessories That Match the Bond You Share
The bottom line is that at The Lille Bjorn, we craft accessories that will become constant companions for your furry friend’s daily life. From sprinting through the park to napping on the couch at home, our products are perfect for every element of a happy pup’s existence.
Head over to our online store where you will find the very best examples of handmade god collars, engraved dog ID tags and brass dog tags. There really is something for every kind of pooch in our collection. We can’t wait to share the quality and improve both yours and your pet’s daily routine!
