Quality Leather Unfinished Belts

Hi folks--
After a few days with dismal replies on my thread over in MC, I realized that I may have posted it on the wrong place.

MC Thread: Quality Belts

So here's the skinny:
Besides Epaulet, any suggestions where I could find a 1.25-1.5" wide belt made with 10-12-oz quality leather in the same finish as the ones pictured below? I like the ones in the picture except:

1. I wish they had it with a brushed steel finish buckle and
2. They don't have my size.
3. They won't be re-stocking either of them.



I particularly like the understated character on this buckle:


To summarize my findings from the other thread, I've also looked at Tanner Goods, but I HATE the big, stupid stamped logo on the outside of the belt. I've called them about getting one without it, but they categorically refuse to accommodate me, so I categorically refuse to become a customer.

Please no pretentious fashion brands, and preferably shops in the U.S.

Equus Leather makes great belts. They have one colour, Russet, that is similar: http://www.equusleather.co.uk/index.php/Leather-Colours.html. You can choose the width and buckle style, and I think they have a matte buckle style too. Even better, there's a SF discount, and they're great to deal with. Have a look at their thread on MC.



bubba04 said:

I've called them about getting one without it, but they categorically refuse to accommodate me, so I categorically refuse to become a customer.

Click to expand...

Sheesh , settle down.

http://corterleather.bigcartel.com/product/standard-utility-belt

http://shop.hollowsleather.com/product/belt



thirdman said:

Even better, there's a SF discount, and they're great to deal with. Have a look at their thread on MC.

Click to expand...

Hmmm, that's a good reason to overlook the fact that they are overseas....



hobbes874 said:

Sheesh , settle down.
http://corterleather.bigcartel.com/product/standard-utility-belt
http://shop.hollowsleather.com/product/belt

Click to expand...

LOL, I'm not un-'settled', despite how I may have come across. Interesting suggestions -- the guy from Epaulet had suggested Corter Leathers too, but somehow I missed the fact that there was an online store with stock items (I got the impression that they only dealt with custom orders). I'm also liking Hollow Leathers, but I'll take a closer look when I get home. I appreciate the tips!

I recently bought one from Orion leather Co., might fit your bill

http://www.orionleathercompany.com/...ural_Edge_p/40mmhtanrawedgewdlp2686govblk.htm

http://www.leathergoodsconnection.com/brlebe.html

I have two from these guys--one raw/unfinished like your photos, and one black dress belt

The complete opposite of "pretentious fashion brand," I'm pretty sure it's just one or two guys working out of their garage/shed/whatever.

You'll have a hard time finding better quality leather for less money. Can get any length/width you can imagine.

Yes, the website has a definite lack of sophistication. Yes, his directions are a bit long-winded and oddly specific. Just use all the drop down menus at the end of the page and you'll be fine. If what you want isn't in one of the menus, he doesn't have it.

Wow! I'm amazed at the low prices on the belts at Orion Leather relative to similar belts elsewhere so far. They do seem high-quality, but without being able to use all your senses, it's hard to tell. I went ahead and ordered the exact belt afixedpoint posted, and will update the thread when I get it.



cthip said:

http://www.leathergoodsconnection.com/brlebe.html
I have two from these guys--one raw/unfinished like your photos, and one black dress belt
The complete opposite of "pretentious fashion brand," I'm pretty sure it's just one or two guys working out of their garage/shed/whatever.
You'll have a hard time finding better quality leather for less money. Can get any length/width you can imagine.
Yes, the website has a definite lack of sophistication. Yes, his directions are a bit long-winded and oddly specific. Just use all the drop down menus at the end of the page and you'll be fine. If what you want isn't in one of the menus, he doesn't have it.

Click to expand...

I like it. Thanks a lot for your suggestion as well. I will be ordering a brown 1.5" belt from there too tonight and will update the thread when it comes in.

I know you already ordered one but here's another place. http://www.tannergoods.com/collections/belts



lckychrmsbboy said:

I know you already ordered one but here's another place.  http://www.tannergoods.com/collections/belts

Click to expand...

Wow, buddy. Way to read that first post.

haha, don't know how i missed that...my bad !!

But i still don't understand why he doesn't like the stamped logo...you can't see it once the belts being worn

From the way they explained it to me at Tanner Goods, as long as you wear it in the middle hole, the logo can't be seen. I'm afraid that since I prefer to wear my belts on the last or second-from-last hole (such as in the model pictured in my original post), the logo would be visible. Plus, the way they handled the issue, as if they were offended by my request, rubbed me the wrong way. I mean, it's great that they have so much pride in their company, but I prefer to deal with companies that express their pride through the sheer quality of their products, not by a logo stamped on them.

Is it really that strange of a complaint of mine? I'd love to hear others' opinions on this...

firstly, i handmake leather goods similar to products shelled out by tanner, billykirk, kenton sorenson, and saddleback. i could easily make you a belt like the ones pictured above. unlike most leather workers i actually use the #1 choice leather sides. when i buy my leather i will only accept top notch stuff. i buy from a tannery in St. Louis called Hermann Oak. they have been the king of veg tan since 1931. i know there are some smaller leather goods companies out there that source only the best and won't take #2 or #3 stuff, but i just can't bring myself to trust the integrity of their (the larger companies) business tactics.

if you would be interested (or anyone else) i would be more than happy to post pictures. I'm beginning to grow as a business, so I've been quite busy, but i could make some time to indulge in some forum exposure.


as for your request, i understand where you are coming from... i hate big logos and try to avoid them at all cost. the Tanner logo isn't terrible, though. it has evolved a lot over the course of their history and I'm sure they are super proud of it. if you throw the thousands of leather workers together and have them make a natural veg tan belt, then compared them, what really sets them apart? the hallmark really... aside from that, there are very few visual differences. hardware, keeper, rivets or californias, burnished or not....



bubba04 said:

I like it. Thanks a lot for your suggestion as well. I will be ordering a brown 1.5" belt from there too tonight and will update the thread when it comes in.

Click to expand...

Did you ever get your belt(s)? What do you think? Are they double or single ply? Did you get the correct weight you desired? You mentioned "brushed steel" buckle.....did you find that? I only use 2 style of buckles on my belts, both of which are brushed, one is silver colored and the other brass. See pic.

Anyways, good luck, hope you got the belt you wanted.....I'll watch this thread for a pic of your belt!

Cheers, Ryan
anvilcustoms.com