C&J belts ... worth it?

[Doc4]

I'm thinking that I'll be ordering a pair of C&J shoes soon, and am wondering if the belts they make are worth ordering as well?

 

[Doc4]

bump for posterity ...

 

[teddieriley]

I guess what you want to hear is if anybody has any negative experiences with them (i.e. poor leather quality or buckles). I don't own one, but I think you will receiving a high quality belt that will likely match whatever shoes you are buying. IIRC, these belts are around $125 or so. The only questions are, does C&J offer the belt you want and do you want to and have the means to spend that much on a high quality belt. Sometimes for me, I'll throw down a few extra bucks if I see something I like and want to avoid the hassle of bargain hunting and waiting to find something on the internet.

I'm not inclined to spend more than $100 on a belt, but if I ever do, it will probably be a Santoni or Lobb belt since those things are beauts, but on the other hand, I wouldn't spend $400 for a belt.

 

[Tarmac]

I remember someone posted they were somewhat disappointing, but I cannot find that thread now. I have no personal experience with them.

 

[blofeld]

I have one, because I have never found another belt that matches their antique brown calf handgrades. It's a nice belt, not the best I've ever seen, but certainly nicer than most. If you have the antique calf shoes, I'd recommend one

 

[Douglas]

I've personally never understood paying a fortune for belts. I've had perfectly serviceable CK belts from TJ Maxx last me years of reliable service. Of course, if you're anal about a perfect match to your shoes, then go for it, but I find a perfect match of belt to shoes to be a touch OCD. My current belt rotation consists largely of 3 belts I bought for about $40 each off STP that are Italian-made, look fine, and seem to be holding up great. I can't imagine ever spending more than $80 for a belt, but maybe that's just me.

Shoes are different because they're more noticeable, they take infinitely more abuse, and because the difference between good craftsmanship and poor craftmanship is instantly obvious.

 

[Avebury]

Originally Posted by blofeld

I have one, because I have never found another belt that matches their antique brown calf handgrades. It's a nice belt, not the best I've ever seen, but certainly nicer than most. If you have the antique calf shoes, I'd recommend one

Out of interest, what are the buckles made of? I take it brass? Personally, wear an R.M Williams one. Lovely thing. This is also available in chestnut (mine is in black). Link:

http://www.denewear.co.uk/component/...mart/Itemid,2/

Simple, not fussy.

 

[Collector23]

Originally Posted by blofeld

I have one, because I have never found another belt that matches their antique brown calf handgrades. It's a nice belt, not the best I've ever seen, but certainly nicer than most. If you have the antique calf shoes, I'd recommend one

+1. I have a C&J belt in dark brown to macth my Audleys.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Try Nordstrom Rack. I found a Martin Dingman $85 belt (made in the USA, great quality) for $25. I don't get paying a ton for belts...

 

[Collector23]

Originally Posted by Avebury

Out of interest, what are the buckles made of? I take it brass? Personally, wear an R.M Williams one. Lovely thing. This is also available in chestnut (mine is in black). Link:

http://www.denewear.co.uk/component/...mart/Itemid,2/

Simple, not fussy.

The chestnut belt buckle is brass, silver for black and dark brown calf.

 

[Josef Seibel]

I own one. BLK Scotch grain with a solid brass bucke. I'm very satisfied with the quality of skin and workmanship.

+ C&J delivers the belt in a really nice green box.

Go for it !

 

[Texasmade]

I own a chestnut CJ belt for $130 and a dark brown Brooks Brothers belt for $100. The BB belt is a lot better. Only reason why I bought the CJ belt is because I was looking for a chestnut color wich BB didn't carry. I'd say if you're just going to get a basic color belt like black or dark brown then don't go with CJ. If you want a specific color then get a CJ or Edward Green belt if you have the money.