The Art of Inlay: Why Leather, Brass, and Copper Belong in Golf

Beyond function lies form. And beyond form — legacy. Welcome to the art of inlay, where golf gear transforms into heirloom artifacts.

In a world of polymer plastics and AI-designed club faces, a different kind of golf renaissance is taking root. One built not on optimization but on artistry, tactility, and legacy.

At Kraken Golf, we don’t just build golf tools. We craft stories in metal and leather — tools that outlive trends, spark conversation on the green, and evolve with every round you play.

In this deep dive, we explore the history, functionality, and aesthetic significance of leather, brass, and copper in the world of golf — and how we inlay these elements into everything we make.

🛠️ Chapter 1: Inlay as a Philosophy — Not Just a Feature

Inlay, by definition, is the art of embedding one material into another — often as a decorative or structural enhancement. But at Kraken, inlay is more than a technique. It’s our approach to design.

We believe the tools you carry on the course should reflect the same soul, grit, and craft that you bring to your game. Whether it’s a ball marker with a exotic leather or a colorful, pebble-grain goat leather inlay or a divot tool featuring a faux damascus etched brass pattern on the grip area — every piece of contrast and texture tells a story.

⚜️ Chapter 2: Leather — The Human Element

Why Leather Belongs in Golf

Leather has been a staple of premium golf gear for generations — think handcrafted headcovers, bags, and gloves. But where we take it further is in **micro-inlays**. Adding full-grain, hand-dyed leather into compact tools isn’t just a flex — it’s a tactile and emotional choice.

Leather feels alive. It breaks in. It changes color. It holds your fingerprint. And when paired with cold metal, it creates an irresistible contrast — warmth against precision.

How We Use It

We use precision laser-cut leathers and inlay them directly into select copper and brass ball markers, creating a two-tone aesthetic that screams refinement. We also use it in our Fred tool holders, sometimes hand-painted with motifs like “Scully” or stitched with personalized initials for high-end storage solutions.

Why It Matters

• ✔ Ages beautifully with patina and use
• ✔ Offers premium hand-feel and grip
• ✔ Evokes a sense of vintage golf elegance

Leather inlay isn’t just about looks. It adds meaning. It marks your presence with every use.

🔔 Chapter 3: Brass — The Bold Traditionalist

A Material Made for Makers

Brass has been used in golf for centuries — particularly in putters and early irons. At Kraken, we revive this tradition through our signature divot tools, ball markers, and collectible drops.

Why We Love It

• ✔ Durable yet soft enough to engrave and shape
• ✔ Develops a deep, natural patina over time
• ✔ Reflects light in warm, golden tones — perfect for eye-catching detail

From Raw Bar to Final Tool

Each brass item starts as solid bar stock. We machine, bevel, and finish it by hand. For our faux Damascus tools, we laser engrave them to emulate layered steel — adding visual texture and complexity.

When paired with leather or copper, brass becomes the perfect base. Strong, reliable, and undeniably bold.

⚡ Chapter 4: Copper — The Material of the Moment

The Craze is Real

Walk any high-end green this year and you’ll see it: copper is everywhere. From wedges to watches, this reddish-gold alloy is stealing the spotlight. But why?

Because copper is alive. It reacts to skin. To weather. To time. Every patina, every fingerprint, becomes part of the story.

Our Signature Copper Line

Kraken Golf’s copper markers feature hand-hammered edges, sometimes torched for deep hues, and often inlaid with leather or paint. Each one is collectible and distinct.

Performance Benefits?

While the science is debatable, many golfers report copper feels warmer in hand, holds weight better, and “feels more expensive.” For us? It’s about the aesthetic richness and storytelling value.

🎯 Chapter 5: Inlay = Identity

The real reason we use leather, brass, and copper? Because they’re personal. They’re not sterile. They carry imperfections — and that’s the beauty.

Kraken Customers Know

When someone pulls out a Kraken tool, it starts a conversation. A leather-inlaid marker or brass divot tool says:

“I care about the details. I play bold. I don’t buy what everyone else buys.”

And that’s not marketing. That’s energy.

💡 Chapter 6: Caring for Inlaid Tools

If you’re lucky enough to carry one of our inlaid tools, here’s how to keep it beautiful for decades:

• Wipe it dry after use — especially in humid or wet rounds
• Use mineral or gun oil lightly on copper/brass monthly (avoid contact on the leather inlays if present)
• Condition the leather with saddle soap or natural balms if needed (be gentle)

Each material is made to evolve. Don’t fear the change — embrace the patina.

🚨 Chapter 7: Limited Inlay Drops — Gone in Minutes

Because of the intensive work required, our inlay tools are only released in small batches — often under The Den drop series.

Each piece has a certificate of authenticity, LTD 20 or LTD 50 language to indicate the total number in the drop, and is never repeated.

→ Join the Early Access List to be notified before the next inlay collection drops. These usually sell out within hours.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Why We Keep Crafting

Inlay isn’t just a design feature. It’s a philosophy.

It’s about bringing beauty into utility. Bringing art into sport. Bringing legacy into a game that often forgets its soul in the race to modernize.

At Kraken Golf, we’ll keep hammering copper, stitching leather, torching brass — and crafting gear that means something.

Because golf deserves more than performance. It deserves passion.

Disrupt Tradition. Play Different. Mark with meaning.

🛒 → Explore All Kraken Tools