Natural leather belt from competent saddler or tack maker?
September 2, 2010 6:27 AM   Subscribe

Ruined my 25 year old leather belt. For some years I've been looking for a duplicate, but no joy. I'm looking for a plain, flexible, natural-cowhide belt, made well and unadorned.

Yup, it's wrecked, I put it through the dryer and it cracked all over.

The maker was John Egenes, Santa Fe, NM. I checked five years ago and he was out of business. The belt is an inch wide, made of several thin pieces of leather sewn together, and the bit with the holes is 3/4" wide so it necked down. It is plain and of very high quality without being couture-precise. Mr. Egenes was a saddler and I've looked for such work in tack shops without finding anything like it. Any leads appreciated.
posted by jet_silver to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (16 answers total) 6 users marked this as a favorite
 
Could you go to a high-end tack shop and have them make you one from scratch?
posted by notsnot at 6:31 AM on September 2, 2010 [1 favorite]


Ditto notsnot. Any leather worker can easily make a basic belt. I found good belts when I was in Brazil but could probably find something similar at a craft market here.
posted by JJ86 at 7:00 AM on September 2, 2010


I got my favourite ever belt at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto many years ago. They had a few saddlers selling their stuff, so maybe one of your larger, local horse shows will have more selection than the shops you already checked? Bring the belt and get an estimate.
posted by bonobothegreat at 7:06 AM on September 2, 2010


There always seem to be leather workers at craft fairs and markets, have you tried one of those?
posted by tommasz at 7:24 AM on September 2, 2010


The International Internet Leathercrafters' Guild is just *full* of people who could make one of these for you. If you check their members websites you may find someone who makes just what you want.

If you don't see it already made and you don't see anyone you'd like to contact directly to ask for a commission, you can contact the IILG itself and they will send a message out over their members' discussion list to see if anyone is available to take on the project.
posted by galadriel at 7:29 AM on September 2, 2010


Best answer: Maybe you can ask these guys. I might buy a wallet from them.
posted by snowjoe at 7:32 AM on September 2, 2010


If you're in New Mexico, I suggest you go to any flea market here; most have leather craftsman who do belts but also things like saddles and saddle bags.
posted by answergrape at 7:43 AM on September 2, 2010


I've never used them, but I've seen Put This On recommend Narragansett Leathers.
posted by jocelmeow at 7:55 AM on September 2, 2010


Gfeller Casemakers makes great belts: http://www.gfellercasemakers.com

The field belts are here: http://gfellercasemakers.com/geoscience/attachments.html#BB
posted by j.edwards at 7:57 AM on September 2, 2010


Go to etsy.com and search men's leather belt. Lots of options there.
posted by dobbs at 8:04 AM on September 2, 2010


Lanny Tewell makes great belts (and handbags). My family has some of each and all are incredible. He's likely on the craft show circuit now, though, so might take some time to get back to you. It's worth the wait.
posted by so at 9:00 AM on September 2, 2010


Best answer: Getting it custom made is going to be your best option.

Will it cost more than just buying something from Target? Sure! But be sure to pro-rate that cost over the projected lifespan. Your last belt lasted 25 years before falling prey to an error. Your next belt could easily be handed down to your heirs, for pity's sake.

In order to make SURE you get what you want, take your old belt with you. You should be able to hand it to any competent leathermaker, explain that "I want it just like this but not broken," and I bet they can fix you right up.

Start by going to the best tack shop in your area. Explain the situation, and ask who does their custom work. Every tack shop has someone on tap to customize the gear (there is a surprising amount of customization and repair involved in saddlery).
posted by ErikaB at 11:29 AM on September 2, 2010


Filson has you covered. I have had one of these belts for 19 years and it looks better than the day I bought it. Maintain it like a saddle, or a good pair of shoes/boots. A lifetime of use. It's seriously crafted stuff, made at their one factory down the street from me. They come in a number of thicknesses and widths.
posted by nickjadlowe at 11:50 AM on September 2, 2010


Take a look at the belts by Tanner Goods.
posted by Mendl at 11:57 AM on September 2, 2010


Go to etsy.com and search men's leather belt. Lots of options there.

Yes. Many people on wtsy will do custom as well.
posted by oneirodynia at 12:51 PM on September 2, 2010


Response by poster: Thanks, folks, lots of good ideas here.
posted by jet_silver at 8:11 PM on September 2, 2010


« Older Suggestions for low-key things to do in London?   |   Does Germany have its own LinkedIn? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.