America was founded on the back of hard-working men and women who knew how to make just about anything. At Wilderman Outdoors, my goal is to carry on the tradition of the hard-working American craftsman by creating unique items from raw steel and leather. I love getting outdoors and working out on the land, and I am passionate about creating gear for people who love these things too. I particularly enjoy building items that embody the American spirit of hard honest work and adventure. I am based in the pineywoods of East Texas and am thankful to God for allowing me to carry on an American tradition of craftsmanship.

I first experienced the art of leatherwork at a Church camp in Southeastern Kentucky. I loved it, and a couple years later my Mom purchased a basic leathercraft kit for my Dad and I for Christmas. I enjoyed completing the projects in the kit and slowly started learning where to purchase leather and tools so that I could make my own items to use for my outdoor adventures. I have always enjoyed learning about American history, and I soon became interested in blacksmithing because I realized it would allow me to make my own historical iron pieces to go along with the leather work I was doing. My Dad built me a forge for Christmas when I was 13, and I started forging that afternoon. The first items I forged and crafted from leather were crude, but God has blessed me with skilled mentors who have helped me refine my craft and improve my skills. Fast forward to now, and I have a fairly well equipped shop and I am able to use my hands to create high quality items full time. I hope you enjoy looking around on the site, and that you won’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you!

Jon W. Keen

 So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10