The Spirit of the West in Every Stitch: American West Purses at Thorn Ridge

At Thorn Ridge, we believe a good purse isn’t just something you carry, it’s something that carries a story. That’s why we’ve partnered with American West, a brand that’s been handcrafting Western leather handbags and tooled leather purses for over 30 years. Together, we’re bringing that authentic frontier artistry right to your hands.

Where Craftsmanship Meets the Cowboy Spirit

Each American West purse starts the old-fashioned way, by hand. Skilled artisans cut, tool, dye, and stitch each bag using full-grain leather and traditional Western techniques. You’ll see the marks of that craft in every swirl of tooling, every laced edge, and every silver concho that catches the light. No two are ever exactly alike, just like the people who carry them.

And it’s not all looks. These purses are built for real life, roomy enough for everyday use, organized with thoughtful compartments, and tough enough to handle a little dust and adventure. Whether you need a Western tote bag for work, a hand-tooled leather crossbody purse for weekends, or a cowgirl shoulder bag that matches your boots, these bags are made to stand up to heavy daily use.

Bags with Grit and Grace

From fringe-trimmed totes to compact crossbodies, concealed carry handbags, and foldover clutches, the American West collection at Thorn Ridge has something for every kind of Western heart. You’ll find pieces like:

• Colorful Sacred Bird Tote — vibrant hand-tooled detail, feather motifs, and a secret compartment for when you want a little extra peace of mind.

• Mohave Canyon Tote — a classic everyday leather tote bag with turquoise accents, silver concho, and a silhouette that never goes out of style.

• Gypsy Patch Crossbody — a boho-meets-Western favorite with patchwork leather, contrast stitching, and just the right amount of wild charm.

• Lariats & Lace Tote — bold, functional, and detailed with lacing and soft tooling, featuring a discreet concealed-carry compartment.

• Grab-and-Go Foldover Crossbody — for light-travel days, it transforms easily from Western crossbody purse to clutch.

Every piece tells its own story, whether you’re drawn to soft desert hues, rich saddle browns, or the classic black-and-turquoise combination that’s pure cowgirl energy.

Built to Last and Age Beautifully

American West purses are made from vegetable-tanned full-grain leather, so they develop a rich patina over time, softening, darkening, and taking on the marks of your own travels. That’s part of their magic. A tooled leather handbag that looks too new has no stories yet.

With a little love (a good leather conditioner, a dry resting spot, and a sense of adventure), these bags last for years, maybe even decades. And because every one is hand-tooled, no one else’s purse will ever look exactly like yours. Whether you’re carrying a Western fringe purse, a hair-on-hide handbag, or a vintage-style cowgirl purse, it only gets better with age.

A Shared Spirit

Our partnership with American West isn’t just about selling handbags, it’s about celebrating the artistry of the frontier. At Thorn Ridge, we see these pieces as part of the larger story we’re telling: one of craftsmanship, independence, and authenticity. The same values that shaped our brand in every product we offer and every company we partner with. 

So whether you’re heading out to the rodeo, the farmers’ market, or the beach boardwalk, carry something that feels like you: bold, beautiful, and built to last.

Shop the full American West collection at Thorn Ridge and find a purse that speaks your language, the language of leather, legacy, and the untamed West.