Project Details
Every pixel tells a story, every line of code gives it life.
Leatherworks
Forge Control Bracer
Date:
May 2026
Client :
Hephaistos Lab
Project Duration :
2 weeks
Design Vision
The goal of this work is to design a leather bracer where leather, steel, and technology form one clear shape. The work combines leatherwork, a wrist-mounted ESP32 control unit, and a small tanto-shaped knife made from mosaic damascus steel.
Leather gives the piece its shape and supporting base, the control unit adds a usable function, and the damascus steel connects the work to the forge-made material side. The focus is on strong form, practical placement, and a clear connection between the materials.
Design Process
The design process started from the idea of a Lara Croft inspired bracer and a wearable object that combines leather, steel and technology. The first focus was the overall shape of the bracer, because the leather base defines how the piece sits on the wrist and how the other parts can be placed.
The ESP32 control unit and lithium battery were planned as a technical part of the object, fixed to a copper mount. The knife was designed as part of the same form, with the visible part shaped to follow the slightly curved line of the bracer. The leatherwork was developed around these elements, using wet forming to create the required holders and attachment points.
Process included:
Leather bracer form development
ESP32 and battery placement
Copper mount design
Wet-formed leather detail creation
Forging of the mosaic damascus knife
Strap placement and wrist fitting
Design Outcome
The final result is a wearable bracer that brings together black leatherwork, a mosaic damascus blade, and technology in one clear form. The bracer sits on the wrist and lower arm and is secured with three leather straps. The round ESP32 control unit is placed where it remains visible on the wrist, while the small tanto-shaped knife is connected to the overall direction of the bracer.
Wet-formed leather details create the holders for both the control unit and the knife. The visible part of the knife is placed in the same direction as the bracer line and relates to its slightly curved overall shape. The result is a strong and compact wearable piece where leather, blade, and technology form a complete whole.
Outcome highlights:
Wearable black leather bracer
Wrist-mounted ESP32 control unit
Wet-formed leather holders
Small tanto-shaped knife with a mosaic damascus blade
Three leather straps for secure fitting
Leather, blade, and technology in one complete piece
