How refined is the hardware installation craftsmanship of Hermès bags at the Shebag workshop? Today, we will demonstrate our craftsmanship with detailed high-definition pictures and written explanations, showing you the standard of our top-tier flawlessly replicated handcrafted bags.

First of all, we must fully master the original hardware installation techniques of genuine Hermès bags.

Standard hardware installation craftsmanship of authentic Hermès bags made in France, applicable to Birkin, Kelly and Constance styles

Preparatory procedures, with hardware fitting being the second-to-last step in bag production

Each bag is crafted entirely by one single artisan. Hardware is only mounted after all saddle stitching, leather skiving and edge painting on the leather body are fully completed.

The hardware is made of solid brass with thick gold or palladium plating, pre-covered with protective films before delivery that remain intact throughout production to prevent scratches.

Steel dies are used to mark positioning points for hardware on the leather. Special tiny punches sized 1.2–1.5mm create precise holes. For stacked multi-layer leather, holes are punched layer by layer to ensure perfectly vertical openings without tearing the leather.

Required fittings include custom extended solid permanent brass rivets, brass gaskets, steel concave rivet setting punches, solid copper shock-absorbing backing plates, size-specific bench hammers, mini flathead screwdrivers and rivet cutters.

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Finished original Kelly lock hardware

Installation procedures for core lock hardware at Shebag, including Kelly locks and Constance H clasps, featuring the signature Perlage bead rivet technique central to luxury leatherwork

Place the lock plate on the front side of the leather body. Feed four long solid rivets through the leather from front to back, then fit brass gaskets on the reverse side to distribute pressure and stop the leather from splitting under long-term tension.

Set a thickened copper backing plate against the reverse leather, rest a concave punch on the rivet tails and tap gently with a hammer for preliminary fixing. Check that the lock plate is perfectly centered and symmetrical horizontally and vertically with a tolerance no greater than 0.1 millimetres.

Once positioning is confirmed secure, strike firmly to fasten the lock plate without wobble. Trim excess rivet shafts on the reverse with rivet cutters, leaving a 0.8–1 millimetre rivet tail.

Switch to a rounded punch and tap the rivet tails in circular motions to form smooth rounded bead finishes known as Perlage. The finished rivet tails sit flush against the interior leather with no rough edges that could scratch the lining.

Flip the bag to inspect the front: the lock plate must lie flat without warping, the leather surface must show no indentation from compression, and gaps around the hardware must be consistent. Peel back a small section of protective film to inspect the plating for scratches, then reapply the film for protection.

Installation of swivel axles, handle hardware and base feet studs at Shebag

For metal handle axles: punch layered holes on leather tabs, position the axle so the side with limit screws faces outward. After threading the axle through the tabs, lock the end with miniature anti-slip screws sealed with specialised thread-locking wax to prevent loosening from repeated opening and closing over time.

Four-corner base feet: punch single-layer holes and tap short solid rivets straight into place. Rivet heads sit recessed into the base leather to avoid scuffing the hardware when set down, with double-layer leather reinforcement at all weight-bearing stress points.

Strap adjusters and clasp hooks are secured with concealed lock nuts hidden beneath the interior leather, leaving no visible fasteners on the exterior.

Final quality inspection procedures at Shebag

Every piece of hardware on the completed bag is tested for smooth opening and closing with no rattling when shaken. Full inspections cover symmetry, gap uniformity and the smooth finish of bead rivets. Any bag with minor imperfections is completely disassembled and refitted, and defective products are never released from the workshop.