Balancing Tradition and Innovation w/ Ryan King, King Saddlery | Beyond the Workbench #9

How does a craft rooted in tradition adapt to a changing world? Ryan King of King's Saddlery joins Odin and Magnus to explore the tension between honoring the past and embracing the future of leatherwork.

In this conversation with Ryan King, we explore timeless lessons passed down through generations at King's Saddlery, while confronting the realities of a changing industry—from the decline of custom saddles to the adoption of new digital tools.

Guest: Ryan King

Craftsman at King's Saddlery, carrying forward generations of saddle-making tradition while adapting to the evolving landscape of modern leatherwork.

Topics discussed:

• Timeless lessons from King's Saddlery (respect for customers, paying employees first, quality work)

• The decline of custom saddles and industry changes

• Adoption of new digital tools in traditional craft

• Shift from guarded secrets to open teaching culture

• What values remain important as the craft evolves

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HOSTS:

Odin Clack - https://www.instagram.com/odinleather

Michael Magnus - https://www.instagram.com/magnusopus

Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather marketing expert and founder of www.learnleathercraft.com), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making.

New episodes are released on the first and third Thursdays of every month.

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Edited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media/

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