Exotic Leather Goods

[chobochobo]

Apologies for thread hijack. I have this Kwanpen single piece alligator belt that was gifted to me many years ago when I was slimmer. I cut off about 7" back then to shorten it (it's a screw on buckle). I've not worn it much, but now my waistline has caught up and I need a longer belt

I know there's probably not much that can be done, but just wondering if anyone knows of any way of lengthening a croc/ alligator belt please?

 

[DWFII]

I laughed when I read this...how do you make a toothpick into a table?

But truth to tell, if the cut off piece is several inches longer than what is needed to bring the belt up to your waistline, it could be done.

You would have to separate both pieces of alligator from the backing, cut a refined point on one end of the cut-off and overlay that on the buckle end of the existing alligator. Ideally the existing piece would be skived so as to avoid a lump.

Then, cut a new backing a bit over-large / over-wide and sew both pieces of alligator...as one long(er) strip...to it, sewing the "splice" / overlay through the backing as well. Trim. And cut to desired length.

If done with some forethought , the splice would be under the "billet" end of the belt when worn and not seen.

 

[chobochobo]

Cheers, any suggestions for someone who may take this on please?

 

[Equus Leather]



Cheers, any suggestions for someone who may take this on please?

I think you might struggle. Anyone good enough to do it and not ruin the belt may well not do repairs or alterations unless its their own work, or at least be very very busy. Im sure lots of cobblers etc would offer to take it on but then butcher it, so be careful. Exotics are difficult to work with so definitely beyond the skill-set of most people you will come across

Perhaps @DWFII is volanteering!

 

[ParkerPierpont]



I think you might struggle. Anyone good enough to do it and not ruin the belt may well not do repairs or alterations unless its their own work, or at least be very very busy. Im sure lots of cobblers etc would offer to take it on but then butcher it, so be careful. Exotics are difficult to work with so definitely beyond the skill-set of most people you will come across

Perhaps @DWFII is volanteering!

Seconded. @DFWII is on the right track. A fairly simple operation, but it definitely requires skill to execute. Worth taking him up on it if you can twist his arm.

 

[DWFII]

Sorry, I am recovering from a medical procedure (with another scheduled for later on this year) and have more than than I can really handle on my plate just now.

And yes, it is fairly simple in terms of concept and mechanics, but it would take someone who is skilled and has the proper tools, materials and equipment...probably not a shoe repair, IOW...to not make a hash of it.

Any decent bespoke shoemaker...or someone who makes bags, wallets, briefcases, etc....could probably do the job well and quickly.

 

[Tony Yang]

Not exactly wallet related but from experience I feel this forum has the most knowledge on exotic leather.

Is suede croc/alligator waterproof??


I was looking the John Lobb Paris SS 2017 collection here: http://footwearnews.com/2017/fashion/designers/john-lobb-waterproof-materials-fall-2017-293449/

"The focus on water also translated into the materials used in the collection, which included a croc-suede turned inside out to ensure it is waterproof. It was featured across a series of buckled ankle boots in a muted palette of navy, khaki and black.

“It’s a naturally waterproof material. That’s how a lot of the leathers started to come around, which also means they get better with wear,” added Gerbase."

 

[ParkerPierpont]

Not exactly wallet related but from experience I feel this forum has the most knowledge on exotic leather.

Is suede croc/alligator waterproof??


I was looking the John Lobb Paris SS 2017 collection here: http://footwearnews.com/2017/fashion/designers/john-lobb-waterproof-materials-fall-2017-293449/

"The focus on water also translated into the materials used in the collection, which included a croc-suede turned inside out to ensure it is waterproof. It was featured across a series of buckled ankle boots in a muted palette of navy, khaki and black.

“It’s a naturally waterproof material. That’s how a lot of the leathers started to come around, which also means they get better with wear,” added Gerbase."

Typically alligator and croc need to be pretty thin to truly see the tiles of the skin clearly from the reverse side, which wouldn't be very waterproof.

I think that, compared to nubuked croc, this could be slightly more waterproof. (As the surface membrane of the skin hasn't been abraded).

I think that water is a nice theme for the collection, but she might be trying to tie in a bit too much at one time.

 

[ParkerPierpont]

The reverse croc looks really interesting. I like the look of the tiles being debossed rather than raised.

 

[DWFII]

Answered this question in another thread but as someone else said, no leather...short of chemical treatment...is truly waterproof.

Croc is water resistant and the only reason it is, is simply because the tiles are so dense and there are no pores or hair follicles.

I have wet and worked with lots and lots of gator and croc in my time...I love it but in order to block it, I have to wet it. It gets sopping some times, in some areas.

Sueded croc or reverse croc or fleshside croc would actually be far less water resistant, nevermind waterproof..

 

[chobochobo]

Cheers, looks like I'll have to just get my waistline back in order (which I should anyway).

@DWFII good luck with the surgeries.

 

[ThinkDerm]



Thread necro. Having a tidy up and just thought I would post a few photos of some wallets and accessories I came across:

Deadstock 50s French hand saddle-sewn wallet:

Vintage wallet, probably 20s or 30s

Mark Cross passport holder / travel wallet:

Another pre-war wallet, this time from Mappin and Webb:

The jewel in the crown, unused Cartier coat wallet and matching jotter in a stunning burgundy:

What became of these?

 

[chobochobo]

What about your tubo alligator belts?

 

[ThinkDerm]



What about your tubo alligator belts?

Still here - you interested?

 

[chobochobo]

Remind me what they are about again please.