Photo essay on Britain's last oak bark tannery - Page 7

Hi Think,

Prices aren't finalised yet but will likely add about £120 to a belt. We will have 1 1/4 West End and Kensingtons initially with other widths and styles as we get them developed, but they aren't available yet, I'll keep the forum posted. To the best of my knowledge they will be the only solid slver buckles combined with a belt of our quality available in the UK.

I'm afraid there isn't going to be a snap closing or a lined and raised made in the Bakers leather this time round, I'm sticking to the standard belts as the deal was offered originally so it's fair to all concerned, there's a limited supply and I want to be able to get a belt to as many people as possible who want one. We will do Chicago screws, but I know they aren't your cup of tea.

Charlie

can you post a photo of the model belt you plan to offer this go round? thanks

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
We're going to use this leather
[=http://www.jfjbaker.co.uk/equestrian_a.php][/]

And make it into one of our standard pattern of belts. There are quite a few choices of buckle etc, but just for eg have a look at this page
[=http://www.equusleather.co.uk/index.php/Belts/West-End-Bridle-Leather-Belt/flypage.tpl.html][/]

Hope this clarifies,

charlie

I'm interested in one of each if there is still availability. I'll PM details

Charlie, for the uninitiated: what are the differences between this Bakers and the Sedgwick you normally offer?

Hi Wes,

The primary difference on first glance is visual. Take a look at this page here

[=http://www.jfjbaker.co.uk/equestrian_a.php][/]

The Bakers leather is far more varied in colour across the butt, the dye is more aniline so the nature of the underlying leather is clearer. this doesn't make it better than Sedgwicks, who make good, strong consistent colours, it's mire that Bakers have a totally different approach. There are a number of more technical differences as well, but it's the visual side most will notice straight away.

If anyone hasn't looked at the photo story that started the thread I'd highly encourage them to, it's a really good way of getting a feel for what makes the leather unique.

Charlie

If you'll make a Barker's in London Tan, 1½'' with white stainless steel West End Roller buckle and matching white ss Chicago Screws (non stitched strap), count me in.

*edit: If you get around to offering a 3rd color, you should consider russet/natural. The SW&D crowd will eat it up.

Hi Wes,

Good point re Russet, Bakers do do it so it's something we could do.

regarding the choices above, We can certainly do that for you. the only very small caveat is the Chicago screws would be nickel plated brass, but would match the buckle well as nickel plate is much whiter than solid nickel.

Drop me a PM with your details and we'll add you to the order list.

Charlie

Hi All,

Just an update to all who are interested

London Tan is well subscribed but there is plenty of space left for those still to order a belt.

Australian Nut is getting very close to being fully subscribed, if you want a belt in Aus Nut and you haven't booked it yet you need to fairly quick or you may be disappointed.

I'm going to canvas opinion on the SW&D forum about a Russet/natural edition - If people are interested it seems a shame for us not to buy some at the same time really.

Once more a big thank you to all subscribers. I will keep everyone updated as the project continues.

Charlie

how is the snaps project coming along?

Hi Think,

There aren't going to be any snap fittings on this one I'm afraid. We're going to checkout where we can get the from and what the quality is like and do some testing, but our testing process takes months, we use any fittings we're unsure of on test pieces that get used properly in the real world day in day out for at least three months. It may seem excessive but we aim for decades rather than years of use so the fittings have to be something fairly special. I'll let you know when we something to report on this but I don't anticipate it being before the winter at the earliest TBH

Charlie

This sounds very good. I respect the testing process and hope to be a part of it. PM sent.

Charlie,

Natural colour sounds good. I'm interested, if you're counting.

Uber,

Thank you, I am

Charlie

Couple of Baker's leather pics... (first two courtesy of Terry Dear)
Andrew working:

Ultra-thick oak-bark butt:

^ Pretty much sets the standard for me
Ages very well too: