My Story.
I am
Kyle Rudolph
After serving in the French Foreign Legion, I returned to civilian life and spent several years working in security control rooms. In 2022, after months of searching for work without success, I decided to stop waiting for an opportunity and create one. Armed with the last R4,000 I had in savings, I bought a few basic leatherworking tools, some leather, and started building what would become RorkeStar Leather Customs.
The inspiration to start my own business came from my grandfather. He owned and ran his own business, and growing up I admired his independence, work ethic, and pride in his craft. When it came time to choose my own path, I wanted to honour that example by building something that reflected those same values.
After serving in the French Foreign Legion, I returned to civilian life and spent several years working in security control rooms. In 2022, after months of searching for work without success, I decided to stop waiting for an opportunity and create one. Armed with the last R4,000 I had in savings, I bought a few basic leatherworking tools, some leather, and started building what would become RorkeStar Leather Customs.
The inspiration to start my own business came from my grandfather. He owned and ran his own business, and growing up I admired his independence, work ethic, and pride in his craft. When it came time to choose my own path, I wanted to honour that example by building something that reflected those same values.
The name “RorkeStar” has its own story. During my time in the French Foreign Legion, “Rorke” was simply my surname. One of my fellow legionnaires jokingly started calling me “RorkeStar”—a play on “rockstar”—and the nickname stayed with me. When I launched my business on 1 September 2022, it felt like the perfect name. The gold star in my logo is inspired by my Legion beret insignia 13 below the Flamme De Légion – became the letter “R” proudly at its centre.
The early days were filled with small leather repairs until I was trusted with repairing a number of saddles. That opportunity introduced me to South Africa’s horse riding community, and since then I have repaired and restored hundreds of saddles, riding boots, bridles, and countless other pieces of tack.
The name “RorkeStar” has its own story. During my time in the French Foreign Legion, “Rorke” was simply my surname. One of my fellow legionnaires jokingly started calling me “RorkeStar”—a play on “rockstar”—and the nickname stayed with me. When I launched my business on 1 September 2022, it felt like the perfect name. The gold star in my logo is inspired by my Legion beret insignia 13 below the Flamme De Légion – became the letter “R” proudly at its centre.
The early days were filled with small leather repairs until I was trusted with repairing a number of saddles. That opportunity introduced me to South Africa’s horse riding community, and since then I have repaired and restored hundreds of saddles, riding boots, bridles, and countless other pieces of tack.
My passion, however, extends beyond repairs. Leather tooling is a craft I’ve devoted hundreds of hours to mastering, and every personalised piece is another opportunity to grow as an artisan.
From the beginning, my goal has been simple: provide honest, fair pricing without compromising on quality. Every item is handcrafted, every stitch is sewn by hand, every piece of leather is personally dyed and finished, and every template begins as a sketch before becoming a finished piece tailored to its owner.
My passion, however, extends beyond repairs. Leather tooling is a craft I’ve devoted hundreds of hours to mastering, and every personalised piece is another opportunity to grow as an artisan.
From the beginning, my goal has been simple: provide honest, fair pricing without compromising on quality. Every item is handcrafted, every stitch is sewn by hand, every piece of leather is personally dyed and finished, and every template begins as a sketch before becoming a finished piece tailored to its owner.
Our motto, “Restoring Sentiment with Every Stitch…”, reflects what this business truly stands for. I’ve always believed that not everything should be replaced simply because it’s worn. Some items carry memories, milestones, and stories that can’t be bought again. Whether it’s a saddle that’s carried years of achievements, a well-worn pair of riding boots, or a custom piece made for someone special, I believe those things deserve another chapter.
At RorkeStar Leather Customs, I’m not simply repairing leather—I’m preserving stories, honouring craftsmanship, and restoring sentiment with every stitch.
Our motto, “Restoring Sentiment with Every Stitch…”, reflects what this business truly stands for. I’ve always believed that not everything should be replaced simply because it’s worn. Some items carry memories, milestones, and stories that can’t be bought again. Whether it’s a saddle that’s carried years of achievements, a well-worn pair of riding boots, or a custom piece made for someone special, I believe those things deserve another chapter.
At RorkeStar Leather Customs, I’m not simply repairing leather—I’m preserving stories, honouring craftsmanship, and restoring sentiment with every stitch.