Inside Mack Provisions: Baseball Gloves, Canvas, and Craft

 
Leather Shop Podcast episode with Mack Provisions founder KC discussing handmade baseball gloves, Horween leather, and traditional craftsmanship.
 
 

Guest: KC Mack, founder of Mack Provisions
Host: Matt Roach | @leathershoppod

Inside Mack Provisions: Craftsmanship Beyond the Field

In this episode of The Leather Shop, Matt Roach is joined by KC of Mack Provisions, a handmade baseball glove company rooted in old-school leatherworking and modern craftsmanship. From glove relacing as a teenager to launching a full-time custom glove brand, KC shares his journey, philosophy, and what makes his gloves truly unique.

Whether you're a leatherworker, player, or lover of timeless design, this is your behind-the-scenes pass into glove-making at its finest.

🔍 Episode Highlights

  • Why Chrome-Tanned Leather Reigns Supreme

  • How KC Learned Craftsmanship in an Alaskan Tent Shop

  • The Horween Leather Advantage

  • Canvas vs. Leather: What You Need to Know

  • The Great Glove Break-In Debate

  • Tools of the Trade: Cylinder Arm Machines, Tex 135 Thread, and More

  • Why Suede Welting is Making a Comeback

About KC & Mack Provisions

KC started relacing gloves for teammates at age 13. After stints in Alaska sewing canvas tents and marine gear, he transitioned into building premium handmade baseball gloves using materials like Horween’s Ball Glove X leather, real shearling padding, and custom welting techniques.

His approach blends nostalgia with durability, favoring rugged, vintage aesthetics and minimal synthetic components. Each glove is made to order, emphasizing craftsmanship over mass production.

📷 Follow KC on Instagram: @mackprovisions

Craft Tips from the Episode

The Truth About Glove Construction

“Sewing a baseball glove is the hardest thing I’ve ever sewn—and I’ve worked on yachts, tents, and boat canvas.” – KC

Why Thread and Machine Choice Matter

Use UV-rated nylon thread like Tex 135, and invest in a cylinder arm machine for maximum control.

Break-in Methods

Skip the water dunk. Use a mallet and play catch for best results—especially when using wool padding.

Related Episodes

  • 🎙️ How Scott Makes Gloves: The Deep Craft of Baseball Leather

  • 📚 Breaking In Gloves: Myths, Tools, and Traditions

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