Handmade Boots and the American Dream | JK Boots Factory Tour
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Жыл бұрынMany thanks to everyone at JK Boots for allowing us to document their craft.
These are the exact boot Tim is making in this video 👇
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@jkbootsusa Жыл бұрын
This was a lot of fun Nate! Thanks so much for coming out, it was a pleasure. Thanks for watching guys!
@andydsimmons Жыл бұрын
Great stuff you guys are doing there. Keep up the good work!!
@jkbootsusa Жыл бұрын
@@andydsimmons Thanks!
@SuperAWaC Жыл бұрын
Make me a 3" safety toe boot that fits me properly and pulls out all of the stops on durability and comfort I will pay $1000 for a pair. I don't need the ankle support of taller boots in what I do, I need the flexibility for squatting and kneeling and crawling around, but I also need the durability and features and rebuildability of a high end leather boot. I am sick of a pair of work shoes lasting a couple months and I am sick of 3" boots being built like cheap steel toe tennis shoes.
@KimballPrecisionRifles Жыл бұрын
@@SuperAWaC so what you want is a steel toe dress shoe...? A boot is not going to have 3” uppers
@taslaoanumarius Жыл бұрын
Nate says your father came from Ukraine. You mention something about Moldova. Let me guess you were in that area called Transnistria? (which is now an enclave between Moldova and Ukraine).
@zachariahmelchisedeck2244 Жыл бұрын
Hey! I'm the Fella in the green shirt! Been a big fan of this channel for 4-5 years. To see y'all come through the shop was a celebrity moment for sure! Ha! Ha! And to get a shout-out as a fellow craftsman on the channel was really a very cool thing for me, my friend! Almost like an achievement! Gon bless you and the whole family and crew! My only regret was that I wasn't able to meet Scott! -Zachariah(the fella in the green shirt) 🤣🤣
@essentialcraftsman Жыл бұрын
Zachariah! Thanks for chiming in and thanks for your loyal support! Keep up the good work!
@mrboatshoe Жыл бұрын
Tight work, Green shirt! 💪💪💪😂
@brandonin_ny Жыл бұрын
Zach, I’m a huge fan of JK boots as I have many pairs. Not sure if you’ve personally helped build a pair of mine or not, but just wanted to let you know I have a lot of respect for you and what your fellow coworkers do. Thanks for your talent and hard work, sir!!!
@InGrindWeCrust2010 Жыл бұрын
Zachariah, you do wonderful work! I was surprised that they didn't sew the turnout welt to the mid-sole separately before putting the sole on. Not a criticism, just wondered if you know the reason. These boots are absolutely stunning looking pieces of craft!!
@zachariahmelchisedeck2244 Жыл бұрын
@@InGrindWeCrust2010 the McKay stitcher attaches the middle to the insole. The lug sole goes on and than is stitched through the welt,midsole, and through the outsole Than is fastened down with screws. Edit: timestamp for McKay stitching at 13:54 and rapid E stitching at 16:11
@VCGConstruction Жыл бұрын
*_Awesome inside look at JK Boots, thank you!_*
@lonniechartrand Жыл бұрын
When I ordered my JK Boots I actually got to speak with Tim, as HE answered the phone! I had to have my boots custom made due to having lymphedema in my lower legs and makes for a permanently swollen foot. Because of this, I was not able to find ANY boots for over twenty years that would FIT! After several conversations and filling out their "fit" template, and a short wait, I received my boots and COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAPPIER!!! It actually brought me to tears when I put them on. They were worth every penny, and I wear them every time I am at my farm doing any kind of timber work. Thank you Tim, and JK Boots!
@essentialcraftsman Жыл бұрын
Very cool story. What a great endorsement for time time and care that JK puts into their products.
@wehrwulf4299 Жыл бұрын
So glad to hear that you found something that works! I also have a wider foot than the other and find it difficult to wear any two shoes the same. I might check them out!
@lonniechartrand Жыл бұрын
@@wehrwulf4299 You won't be sorry! They can custom fit to almost anything! Bunions, deformities, swollen ankles, etc. Their "fit sheet" is very detailed as to all of the measurements, yet it is very easy to fill out. These are the BEST boots I have owned in my 66 years!
@bradleyhagen6407 Жыл бұрын
I appreciate these videos showing other Craftsmen on the Essential Craftsman channel. I’d like to see more videos like these.
@essentialcraftsman Жыл бұрын
Great to hear, thanks Bradley!
@praiseYAHalways Жыл бұрын
I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate the way you do your videos, you use the same skill and attention to detail in your videos as the crafts you show in them...A mindset that transfers to all aspects of life...If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing well. Well done sir!
@Job.Well.Done_01 Жыл бұрын
I agree with this. Very interesting and always makes me happy.
@scottf6604 Жыл бұрын
Bravo
@essentialcraftsman Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Chris!
@shanesouza4303 Жыл бұрын
WestCo, Nick's, and all the logger boots always get my attention. 🤘😎✌️
@nicksboots Жыл бұрын
🤘
@eladlutz Жыл бұрын
They're expensive but you get what you pay for, I'm betting these are some of the most durable and comfortable boots you'll ever wear. Great American Dream story. What an honor to have a multi generational family of craftsmen. Loved the video!
@rainman6080 Жыл бұрын
Yes they are worth every penny and customer service is awesome. Also less lead time than nicks, whites or franks. All are close to the same boot and good. To me they are more comfortable out the box than the others. Only downside is the weight but you forget about it after a few days. They are without a doubt a great purchase.
@sungear Жыл бұрын
I hope JK boots continues to thrive and it warms my heart to know people can still make a living working with their hands.
@KimballPrecisionRifles Жыл бұрын
Did you even look up Jk boots on KZfaq...lmao
@sungear Жыл бұрын
@@KimballPrecisionRifles d'oh! And they have 149k subs too... I'll have to edit my post.
@stevew9207 Жыл бұрын
I ordered a pair of boots from these guys a couple years ago and was blown away when Tim actually called to go over the order. The boots took a bit of breaking in, but they're the most durable pair of boots I've ever had. I chalk both of those things up to the fact that they're not stuffed full of foam that breaks down in six months. If you're on your feet all day and need solid boots (especially if you need non-steel safety toe like I do), JK is worth the money, hands down.
@tumbleweedfarm Жыл бұрын
Wow! As a leather worker myself, I have profound respect for this company and the workers. Great video!
@PhotonFlightTeam Жыл бұрын
always a pleasant shock to have YOU featured in an Essential Craftsman video Nate. It's good to see how the channel will eventually segue from father to son, years down the line. It's a family thing. Family First. Keep up the Good Work. well done, Sir Darrell
@essentialcraftsman Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the support!
@gregz7159 Жыл бұрын
Love JK Boots story of the American Dream here. These boots are worth every penny - made by true craftsman. WE GOT IT MADE IN AMERICA!!!!!
@jkbootsusa Жыл бұрын
Yes! Thank you!
@KitnerT Жыл бұрын
That’s right, Love my JK’s best boots ever
@erp65 Жыл бұрын
A stunning celebration of human ingenuity, not just the incredible craftspeople at JK but the long-gone people who invented, manufactured, & perfected the machinery, still in use a century or two later, that instead of replacing human beings, enhanced their expertise. Thanks for this.
@brandonin_ny Жыл бұрын
I have 6 pairs of JK’s and I truly and sincerely recommend them to anyone who needs a pair of tough boots that will last them way longer than any other boot they’ve ever had. They are simply incredible boots built by a tremendous company. I’m proud to support them and wear their boots. I’m just one man with one opinion, but I honestly think they are absolutely top notch.
@mv7967 Жыл бұрын
My wife and I really enjoyed this video and this family's story. Very well done.
@PabloEskimofo Жыл бұрын
This felt like a more in depth episode of “How It’s Made”! It’s also nice to see everyone so hands on and honing their skills on a profession that is seemingly overtaken by machinery. Glad to see they are handmade from start to finish, that’s how you know a product is very high quality and built to last a lifetime.
@jfbeam Жыл бұрын
This is orders of magnitude better than How It's Made.
@AustinDWoodruff Жыл бұрын
I have literally been researching workbooks for a year now… I have followed EC for years and have been looking into Carolinas and some other makers. JK Boots is something I have been researching as of late… this video has been a game changer for me!!! I went to Ukraine as a kid in the mid 90s for Ministry, so this family company has a special place in my heart. Of all the hand made boot options, this boots bring something special.
@urgamecshk Жыл бұрын
It's now called THE Ukraine
@annaschmanna1 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for highlighting another good Essential Craftsman in the northwest. Beautiful story. 👍
@edwinmondragon3762 Жыл бұрын
I love when two of my favorite channels come together.
@AJFixie Жыл бұрын
Great to see there is still some old world boot making going on in the US.
@MIIIB Жыл бұрын
Being using Nick's Boots and White's for years here South Texas. I'm a general contractor and those PNW last a lot more than any other brands
@nicksboots Жыл бұрын
👍🏼
@prometheusunbound1781 Жыл бұрын
I bought a pair about a year and a half ago.love the old world feel and the comfort of having a boot made to you. Family owned and American made.I loved buying a pair of boots from craftsmen.
@monsterq6 Жыл бұрын
Love the awesome skill that goes into something small like a boot. Just as much as building a house or crafting a knife. Very cool vid
@mcbridecreek Жыл бұрын
I grew up watching my father and grandfather wear Whites boots. I’ve had them make and rebuild a number of pairs over the years. Seeing and hearing John’s story is very moving. As an old carpenter I love watching craftsmen who can truly use a hammer! Spokane is the boot capital of the US. Thanks for this excellent video and hats off to JK Boots! Thanks again EC.
@ike7909 Жыл бұрын
I can't imagine that sort of quick life change from one side of the world to the other. Impressive that they can adapt so quickly.
@jfbeam Жыл бұрын
They brought an old world skill "back" to the new world. This kind of craftsmanship is a dying art these days. (As a textile engineer - by education - I watched virtually all textiles disappear in a matter of years.) It's nice to see someone still taking pride in a job well done.
@gavinlake5915 Жыл бұрын
I’m a carpenter and have been wearing JKs for the last 6 months. Great video and company. Thanks
@handsandfeethomestead9116 Жыл бұрын
Watching this, wearing my JK’s. There really is nothing like handmade leather boots. Great job guys.
@jkbootsusa Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@aerialrescuesolutions3277 Жыл бұрын
Like you said " There is nothing like handmade boots"
@slynn5138 9 ай бұрын
The amount of physical labor required to construct each pair of boots is simply astonishing. After reviewing the prices J/K charges for their products, I would say that we’re getting a great deal.
@deveryminor1824 Жыл бұрын
As a daily wearer of this type of boot, I have watched several other videos of these processes. They are much appreciated to watch the work. Thank you for the narratives to go along.
@craigmccall7450 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the boots, guys!
@jontaylor3112 11 ай бұрын
This is so interesting! Thanks for showing us the shop and the way the boots are made! A lot of Spokane was very familiar to me as I spent 2 weeks there visiting relatives in 1976. My grandmother's cousin built quite a few buildings in Spokane.
@behindthewolfseyes Жыл бұрын
I do sharpening and custom knives by hand. This by no means looks easy. Getting that kind of aesthetic perfection by muscle memory and visual measurement is the highest level of skill. Hats off!
@jeffreyspilker2209 Жыл бұрын
What an art definitely takes time to master a craft like this .thanks for sharing
@z06doc86 Жыл бұрын
Wow! Such exemplary craftsmanship. Thanks Nate.
@tc9148 Жыл бұрын
Wow, fascinating to watch. Love seeing how the BEST BOOTS are made.
@tapperdb Жыл бұрын
What a great episode!
@royordway9157 Жыл бұрын
That was really interesting. It's cool to see the old-world way of making just about anything. I don't live to far from the original LL Bean store in Maine. Every time I go, I have to watch the shoemaker showing how they hand sew one of their original shoes. Unfortunately, even LL Bean has some of their shoes made overseas. but they still do make some right here in Maine still.
@AuslanIz Жыл бұрын
I don't actually need them, but i REALLY want them!! Im in love with this boots and this company!!
@edelm6062 Жыл бұрын
Nate that was great!! I could watch that craftmanship being done every day.
@tommywilliamson2103 Жыл бұрын
While living in northeast California particularly in Modoc County my neighbor was a saddle making who had been making saddles and other leather goods used by the ranchers all over the area. He had been at it for years and was still going strong well into his 70’s. His shop is a separate building that sets in front of their home and the only heat he has in the winter is his wood stove which kept his shop nice and toasty. I wish I could have spent more time around him and learned from him.
@jchasew342 Жыл бұрын
This was great. I thoroughly enjoyed learning how it goes together. Thanks.
@KitnerT Жыл бұрын
Love my jk boots!!! Best boots I’ve ever had, I’ve had em all! Great video
@Gzus Жыл бұрын
Fascinating! I know where I'll be buying my next pair of boots once my current ones wear out.
@elu1 Жыл бұрын
very nice documentary, pro-level👍
@tryonco Жыл бұрын
Super vlog Nate… very educational and fun… love these explorations of craft outside of the immediate construction industry… but still love all things construction!! Thank you, and thank you JK Boots!
@Jc-bo1uu 6 ай бұрын
I got a custom pair of JK boots and to tell you the truth, I will never buy from anyone else. JK boots truly treat you good.
@Nathan-ow9dj Жыл бұрын
Thank you for showing that. It's good to see true craftsmen!
@xplicit4066 Жыл бұрын
Great video EC and great cobble work JK. Y’all are great!
@DKWalser Жыл бұрын
Very interesting process. Thanks to everyone involved for sharing it with us.
@ryanburbridge Жыл бұрын
Thanks for showcasing this company. Loving my resole they did on my nicks.
@gdietz2 Жыл бұрын
I watched a commercial for JK boots, and I loved it. American Made!
@andrewtrejbal7587 Жыл бұрын
Great video as with all your videos! I have a pair of JK’s that I’m wearing right now, they’re the best quality and fitting custom boots money can buy. I live close to Spokane and have multiple pairs of other Spokane companies boots that I’ve worn for the past 20 years. These are my go to favorites and who I’ll be supporting from now on!
@mamrotify 5 ай бұрын
Amazing!
@vawterb Жыл бұрын
Just beautiful and amazing!
@daleannharsh8295 Жыл бұрын
Dad had a pair of boots that he wore for years. They had to make the trip down into Mexico to be re-soled when that skill became obsolete here. By the time he died the inside of the boots had the impression of his feet! He loved those boots.
@kristianpeterson2571 Жыл бұрын
That grinding process reminds me of high end watch polishing. I tried it once in our watchmaker's repair room on one of my watches, just to remove some of the surface scratches....And I flattened one of my lugs! So my watchmaker had to go and flatten the other three lugs just so they would all match. Grinding and polishing is definitely a skill. Some polishers have to train for at least nine months before they are allowed to touch a customer's timepiece. Great video! Cheers!
@samuelharrison7629 Жыл бұрын
What a wonderful video. Besides the amazing craftsmanship by the people, the engineering in the machinery is fascinating too! Thank you!!
@keithreay Жыл бұрын
What an incredible story! Thanks for the mini doc. 🎉
@shemwayman1146 Жыл бұрын
AMAZING, THANK YOU.
@stantheman5163 Жыл бұрын
Nicely done! You're going to have fun wearing the "new" out of those fine boots.
@pedgaro49 Жыл бұрын
When working in sawmill maintenance on Vancouver Island, British Columbia I bought my construction style boots from Viberg Boots in Victoria. I remember MR. Viberg measured my foot before the boots were handmade. When working in the Vancouver area I bought Dayton Boots, they were handmade but not custom fit, they were about $400 a pair but I was able to have them resoled three or more times so not more expensive than buying a few pairs of cheap boots. Great video thanks!
@flemmingaaberg4457 Жыл бұрын
Good one Nate and JK boots - quality all the way!
@skidogallard Жыл бұрын
I love these industry videos, keep up the good work, Nate!
@battlegalaxy3246 Жыл бұрын
This comment was the most direct and succinct of the thread. I second!! Nate, these companion episodes are a great sidebar to the ongoing project videos. Your fascinated narration style and editing with subject commentary is really enjoyable to watch. And to learn from. Keep this coming!!!! (I’m not as succinct ;) )
@jrpefx Жыл бұрын
Thank You, I always wanted to see the process of boot making, well done.
@guitarmetaldemon Жыл бұрын
Awesome! I put in an order recently. Can't wait!
@PNWBootMan Жыл бұрын
JK makes excellent boots
@dickdavidson3616 Жыл бұрын
Impressive craftsmanship!
@markrice1549 Жыл бұрын
This video was fascinating!! Loved it!!
@carladelagnomes Жыл бұрын
Great job on the vid Nate! You caught the vitality of the operation, and the artistry involved. The music was perfect. Wish it was longer.
@adamfulford6423 Жыл бұрын
Their sewing machines are incredible, pretty good looking boots too!
@tombledsoe8880 Жыл бұрын
Just ordered me a pair thanks! Looking forward to them
@kornfedboy Жыл бұрын
This is great-makes me even more anxious for the arrival of my 2nd pair of JK boots!! (And contemplating what style I’ll order for my 3rd pair!!)
@terryl7874 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video. The craftsmanship was amazing! I know now where my next working boots will be purchased.
@ScottAnders62 Жыл бұрын
We need more of this kind of manufacturing in the US, but sadly, so many people have no appreciation for this kind of quality and would rather buy cheap, foreign made crap. I'm saving the link and will buy my next pair of work boots from JK. Thanks for this great video!
@MAGAMAN Жыл бұрын
It's so bad that many products just aren't made in the USA anymore. Even if you are willing to spend the money, they don't exist. A lot of our products are made in a country that is hostile towards us and uses slave labor. The really sad part is that this stuff is made so cheaply and poorly that you will have to replace it several times, which will cost more that you would have had to pay for an American made product that would have lasted a lifetime or longer.
@Fubar000 Жыл бұрын
They are nice boots but not everyone can afford $600 for a pair of boots.
@jeremytegland6663 Жыл бұрын
I ordered from another maker, with the try on option (an extra $100.00) its pushing close to $800.00, and 18-35 week lead time. I've only ever wore Redwings, but it seems they are selling out to the lowest bidder (china etal.), I hope its worth the $$.
@kkknotcool Жыл бұрын
1:47 I love the wetted cigarette on the side of the stamper.
@ssboot5663 Жыл бұрын
I'm old enough to remember small town boot and tack repair 50 plus years ago and I can just about smell the glue and leather again!
@markericksonsr3130 Жыл бұрын
Great video, thanks for sharing.
@jsteifel Жыл бұрын
great stuff. I have recently been curious about the whole process.
@manbearpig2164 Жыл бұрын
Awesome video
@ianosborne188 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video
@gtbkts Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the awesome content and great video!
@anthonypiligno7618 Жыл бұрын
They look like really comfortable boot's.... ... JJ...
@k-nutl6386 Жыл бұрын
Dang awesome
@alive.off-grid Жыл бұрын
I still run heavy equipment and logging equipment and I fail a lot of trees and climb so I need a good pair of boots. Possibly these would work. Thanks for showing us this video made me decide on where I'm getting my next pair
@joyona7430 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this wonderful video. My mothers (grandfather was a "cobbler") in ]Wales/UK. I have always wanted to know more about this craft/art.
@James....... Жыл бұрын
Very nice boots!
@CanadianParamedic Жыл бұрын
Great Video!
@dmcginnis79 Жыл бұрын
I ❤️ how things are made
@jeffgough Жыл бұрын
Turns out this is close to where I live! I may have to get a pair and visit. Great video and great family story. Thanks!
@Kim-ek2mt Жыл бұрын
Great job Nate ! Fantastic story Very impressive
@essentialcraftsman Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
@p.s.murray4360 Жыл бұрын
Great! I worked at Tru-Stitch Footwear in Malone, N.Y. What you displayed was perfect. I enjoyed the way back machine.
@benjaminallen2370 Жыл бұрын
Great video thanks. Interesting the contrast of centuries old technique side by side an Apple watch. Dreaming of buying some JKs someday.
@gustolehmann7164 Жыл бұрын
Good content guys!!! 👌
@randys3010 Жыл бұрын
I’m a big fan of JK boots so needless to say it’s very cool to see this video.
@mikeisgettinupset Жыл бұрын
So knowing this information about JK Boots, and seeing that JK himself is still out there making boots, and that it's basically a family affair makes me want to business with them way more than the ones like Nick's and White's.
@danielabel3826 Жыл бұрын
really cool prespective, show casisng and commentary! loved the vid!
@jamescampbell720 Жыл бұрын
my goal is to own a pair of JK Boots one day. 2022 was going to be the year but with gas 2x and groceries 3x their normal price right now, I had to put that dream on the backburner just to keep these kids fed.
@Graveltrucking Жыл бұрын
I own a pair JK Superduty steel toe boots, I'm from BC Canada, we no longer have a producer of hand made work boots. Viberg boot who's been making work boots for the last 40 years no longer, they have switch directions now they only make high end designer boots and shoes. Work boots used to be their bread winner, since forestry and resource industries have dwindled in BC the demand isn't there. Once you wear hand made work boots you never go back to off the shelf work boots you spend 8 plus hours in. Bought my first pair of Viberg's in 1999 that sold me on handmade boots. I'm not scared to spend money on a pair of handmade boots, with the exchange rate the JKs I bought came to $700 and change.
@tomp538 Жыл бұрын
Cool video.
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