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Captain's Cut: From Military Tradition to Artisanal Craftsmanship

Captain's Cut: From Military Tradition to Artisanal Craftsmanship

Apr 28, 2023

Keith Caruana

After proudly serving my beloved nation in the Armed Forces of Malta, both on land and at sea, the military rank I held, 'The Captain' or 'IL-Kaptan' in Maltese, became an integral part of my identity among friends. So, it was only natural for me to choose a brand name that reflects my story.



With the flaming grenade on my beret and leading a platoon of soldiers, my career ambitions reached their pinnacle. That's why I opted for the word 'Cut' in my brand name, as I wanted it to be rooted in the core artisanal skill of using a sharp blade on leather, a skill that has defined leather-craft throughout history.





Historically, the beret has always carried a revolutionary and non-conformist spirit. Think of iconic figures like Che Guevara, Ernest Hemingway, and exceptional military leaders, including heroes of World War II and the pioneers of special forces units who dared to think outside the box. They all embraced the beret as a fashion statement.



Over time, the beret transcended its military and political associations and became a symbol of high-end fashion in Paris and other major European capitals. Today, it is worn by military personnel worldwide, reflecting a sense of casual authority and comfort. Needless to say, I wore a beret every day and loved its aesthetic appeal and comfort, making it the inspiration for the base of my brand. Daring and crazy? Perhaps both!





Now let's talk about the needle. Just like the significance of 'Cut,' the needle is at the very foundation of all leather-crafting. Each stitch is meticulously sewn by hand, representing not just a romanticized approach to artisanal leathercraft, but the actual method used in creating every Captain's Cut creation. Yes, the 'saddle stitch' I employ today on most of my items is the same stitch found on the garments of an ice man from 5300 years ago.