Top quality belts

I had the impression ABP-Paris also did belts.

Maybe you could get a Phoque Belt.

Actually, I'm sure Montblanc's leather goods used to be decent, as they were made by Seeger. Its continuing expansion probably means that corners will be cut. But my problem with them is their wretched logo-ing.

And I don't have a problem with DuPont; their stuff seems nice although it's incredible they haven't gone out of business yet as they make huge losses.

ABP Paris does do belts. I recently took delivery of a shagreen travel frame from them since the person making them for Aubercy went out of business, and the Aubercy shagreen frame was much nicer both in quality of leather and of make. Someone told me Duret makes most of Aubercy's non-shoe/glove leathergoods, but apparently shagreen is handled by someone else. Correction: was.

Still, most of the other ABP stuff I've seen looks pretty good.

I was happy with my Edward Green belts, although they've somehow tripled in price the last few years. Hermes is nice... Anthony Delos will do bespoke belts, with the antiquing you wish for... I like my RJ patent leather belt as well and Longhi makes a good belt too.

ST.Dupont is going the way of Dunhill--vaguely cheesy goods aimed at Asian businessmen.

Sorry to get defensive so quickly RJman, I wasn't aware of this. I think the logo is prominent, but also subtle, and at least it isn't highly recognised. I prefer that to the kind of flashy crap that people my age tend to carry.

Matt, I've seen the older laquered lighters, they are beautiful in good condition.
I seem to be collecting plenty of lighters, but have yet to add a laquered one to my collection. I see what you mean - I've handled the newer ones and they just don't feel right. The metal ones are ok, but i prefer to have items with a "story" behind them.

I like Dupont's early aluminum lighters.

SoCal2NYC is selling a Cartier belt if you're so inclined.

After you.

Originally Posted by iammatt

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. . . IMO, Dupont jumped the shark years ago. I used to be a fran of their lacquered lighters, but now they are just another brand.
I have a lacquered one in what I suspect is club stripes I bought used years ago and a silver one given to me as a gift by my now wife. Even when I was a regular user I found filling them to be a bit of a pain and preferred wooden matches where possible and a zippo, stink and all, where not. Apart from your general view of the brand as it is today, do you have any reason to criticize the lighters? Have those changed?

Originally Posted by dopey

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do you have any reason to criticize the lighters? ?
He's just being the iammatt we know and love.

Originally Posted by dopey

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I have a lacquered one in what I suspect is club stripes I bought used years ago and a silver one given to me as a gift by my now wife. Even when I was a regular user I found filling them to be a bit of a pain and preferred wooden matches where possible and a zippo, stink and all, where not. Apart from your general view of the brand as it is today, do you have any reason to criticize the lighters? Have those changed?
I haven't purchased one for years, so I can't give a thorough review, but all of the James Bond series **** makes me think they have gotten super cheesey.

Originally Posted by LLRJ

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He's just being the iammatt we know and love.

The Dupont lighter refills are both costly and a hassle.

They're rather tiny and come in color-codes, and cost about $6 unless you buy bulk.

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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Nobody's mentioned Jay Kos's crocodile belts.
Oh yes, those 1k tubular jobs that one fran flipped over before he flipped out over JK's less than stellar customer service.

Originally Posted by iammatt

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LLRJ
Hey, I have my own "RJ Lounge" sweater vest, from Ballantyne...

Originally Posted by

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Oh yes, those 1k tubular jobs that one fran flipped over before he flipped out over JK's less than stellar customer service.
ABP Paris is more than that...

Originally Posted by RJman

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Hey, I have my own "RJ Lounge" sweater vest, from Ballantyne...

I was thinking more


than

Originally Posted by iammatt

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I was thinking more

I will never fit that in my media room. Plus where will I find styrofran cups big enough?