Our materials are stronger and last longer. The man-made microfiber materials, unique to our gloves, have twice the tear strength of leather. Leather fibers will stretch, compress, and break down more rapidly. This is why leather gloves become floppy and end up laying flat without a formed pocket. Man-made microfibers, by contrast, hold their shape longer without compressing. Since we began making gloves in 2001, we have yet to see a Carpenter glove that has gone flat. Additionally, we have always offered to re-lace our gloves free for life. No one yet has yet needed this service because of the greater strength and longevity of the nylon lace we use.

Our custom work is unequaled. A common complaint with mass-produced leather gloves is the thumb loop, pinky loop, and wrist adjustment all stretch and distort with use. Additionally, the knots that hold them become difficult to keep tied or to readjust. These adjustable parts exist because it allows big companies to mass-produce identical one-size-fits-all gloves. We have done away with these problems because Carpenter gloves are custom made for a true fit using material that won’t stretch or distort. We cut all of the parts of your glove, both the outer shell and the inner lining, in proportion to the dimensions of your hand—something no other company does. Consequently, no two Carpenter gloves are identical.

Our craftsmanship is unrivaled. The difference in skilled craftsmanship can be seen by comparing our padding to one that is typically used in mass-production. Our padding has been cut and sewn by hand. We round out the edges, punch holes at different angles, cut in different thicknesses, and combine different densities. We use three layers: a urethane memory cushioning in front, pure wool felt in the middle, and rigid synthetic felt at the back. The many holes (26 here) permit the lace to bind the padding, inner lining, and outer shell all together for an integrated construction that performs better and lasts longer. The mass-produced pad, by contrast, is stamped out by machine using a "cookie-cutter" method that leaves the edges cornered, only one thickness, only one density, and only four holes. These shortcuts are just a few examples of how mass production seeks to hurry manufacturing while reducing craftsmanship at the expense of quality and performance.

Scott Carpenter created the Carpenter Trade Company because he knew from experience what big glove companies were like. He learned how it feels when a factory town gets the news that management has decided to shut down and rely on foreign contractors for their product. He learned first-hand how poor quality will result from rushed production on large assembly lines. Scott is proud to be doing all of the things the big companies do not.

Carpenter Trade Company has been making gloves since 2001 for people all across the United States, Canada, Japan, and Europe, from Little Leaguers to the Major Leaguers. Customers range from old to young and from casual to serious. We cherish their responses. It is tremendously satisfying to know that we’ve provided people with a prized possession unlike any other.

Be reassured in knowing how your glove was made, by whom, and where. Play your game with pride.

MY CATCH
The standard flat rate for a custom-made glove is $250.