Bobs Brassware

Right. It also depends where you are, it's also called a "loop".

Nicely done! Sand casting can be a challenge at first, but you’ve got those conchos looking clean. Appreciate you sharing the process.

Thanks, @AlZilla — I thought about your comment again and went ahead and added domestic shipping options. Really appreciate the tip — that was super helpful! John

@Mulesaw Hi Jonas, Thanks a lot for your thoughtful reply — and apologies for the late response! I’m still getting familiar with the forum and hadn’t seen this earlier. I really appreciate your detailed feedback, especially about the finish and the prong dip. It’s great to hear what matters most to someone who actually works with tack and belts — that’s really helpful as I refine the designs. Best regards, John

This thread’s a bit older, but for anyone still looking — I make hand-cast solid brass hardware (buckles, rings, loops) from my small workshop in Kenya under Bob’s Brassware. Small-batch, solid brass pieces made for other makers: bobsbrassware.com — John

@AlZilla Thanks, AlZilla — really appreciate the warm welcome! Yes, that’s correct — we’re working with a micro-fulfilment partner in the U.S. who helps us consolidate shipments from Kenya and distribute them locally. That setup lets us offer free domestic shipping (and a small bag of medium-roast Kenyan coffee ☕) to U.S. customers who place pre-orders before November 30th. All orders are tracked and protected through PayPal Buyer Protection. Thanks again for checking out the site and for the kind words! John

@OdinUK Hi Paul, Apologies for the late reply — I’ve been busy with the website. Thanks for the compliment! Sounds like you're off to a great start with your propane furnace and aluminum scrap. It's a great material for practicing sand-casting. Take your time with the molds, and best of luck with your practice! Looking forward to hearing how it goes. — John Bob’s Brassware

@Darren8306 Hey Darren, Apologies for the late reply — I didn’t see your message sooner! I’ve been busy building the website for Bob’s Brassware, but I’m back now. Thanks for the suggestion about the lost wax and lost PLA methods — it’s something I’ve been looking into. 3D printing for casting blanks is a really cool idea, and definitely something I’d like to experiment with down the road. Right now, I’m focused on perfecting the sand-casting process, but I’ll keep you updated as I try new techniques. Appreciate the insight! — John Bob’s Brassware

Hello Leatherworkers, Some of you might remember me from Origibelts, where I used to make handmade leather belts. As I looked to expand my product offerings, I realized Origibelts was too limiting — I wanted to create more than just belts. So, I began hand-casting my own brass buckles and fittings. What started as a way to meet my own needs quickly grew into Bob’s Brassware — a line of hand-cast, solid brass hardware made in small batches here in Nairobi, Kenya. Each piece is poured, finished, and polished locally using traditional sand-casting methods — designed for makers like you who appreciate quality and craftsmanship. To celebrate our launch, all pre-orders will come with a small gift of Kenyan coffee — roasted locally as a way to share a taste of the country where your hardware is made. ☕🌍 You can check out the full range at bobsbrassware.com. If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or hardware requests, I’d love to hear from you! Thank you for taking the time to read — I’m looking forward to connecting with you all. — John Bob’s Brassware

@Dwight Hi Dwight, Yes sir, I could definitely work from a pattern like that. If you sent me a plastic cutout of the buckle you had in mind, I could use it to build the mold and cast it in brass. Western-style buckles are a bit bigger and often carry more detail, but that’s all part of the fun. I’d just want to know how heavy-duty you’d like it, and whether you prefer a polished finish or to let the brass age naturally. Sending over a physical template should be simple — a flat plastic piece in a padded envelope can usually be mailed to Kenya for around $20 or so. Once I see the pattern or a picture of the buckle you have in mind, I’ll be able to give you a clear idea of cost and the best way to approach it. If you’d prefer to share details more directly, feel free to message me here or reach me through my site at origibelts.com Thanks for the idea — projects like this are what keep the foundry interesting. May God bless, John G. Origibelts – near Nairobi, Kenya

@dikman Hi Dikman, Good question — you’re not missing anything obvious. The prong/tongue area where it pivots is what tends to give out first on a lot of buckles. That’s what DieselTech was flagging. I’ve been beefing up that joint in my castings so it holds up better under stress. Best, John

@DieselTech Hi DieselTech, Thanks for pointing that out. The prong and the joint where it nests in the frame is definitely the area I’ve focused most on reinforcing during casting and finishing. I’ve been testing different thicknesses and alloys to make sure that part stands up to stress, since I know that’s where buckles usually fail. Best, John

@Mulesaw Hi Jonas, Thanks so much for the thoughtful feedback — that’s exactly the kind of perspective I was hoping to hear. I’m glad you noticed the little “dip” for the prong; that was something I experimented with to make the buckle both more solid and a bit easier to use. I’ll definitely take your points on board: strength and solidity first, then style and sizing in the 1.25" and 1.5" range. Roller and center bar buckles are already on my sketch pad, so it’s encouraging to hear those are useful for your work as well. And I hear you on finish — a straightforward brass look is also my preference, no plating or “bling.” It keeps the buckle honest, and it develops a patina that works well with leather over time. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your view. It helps me make sure what I produce is actually useful to makers like you. Best, John

Hi everyone, My name is John, I’m writing from Nairobi, Kenya. I’ve been fascinated with leatherwork and metal casting for a while, and recently started experimenting with sand-casting solid brass buckles and hardware in a small foundry and workshop. I’m still at the beginning of this journey, but my goal is to create strong, character-filled pieces that makers can use in belts and straps. Along the way, I’m also hoping to learn more about what leatherworkers actually look for in their hardware — things like finishes, dimensions, or styles that make your work easier. Outside of casting, I enjoy exploring traditional crafts and finding ways to combine them. I came across leatherworker and I’m looking forward to being part of the community, learning from you all, and (hopefully) contributing something useful as I go. Thanks for having me! — John M. near Nairobi, Kenya

Hi everyone, I’m new here and just getting started with a small project I’ve been working on for some time: hand-cast solid brass buckles and hardware. I run a small foundry and workshop near Nairobi, Kenya, where I make each buckle in small batches using traditional sand casting. Right now I’m at the stage of introducing these pieces and learning what makers actually look for in their hardware. Strength and authenticity are my focus, but I’d love to hear what you value most — sizing, finish, style, or price point. Here’s a look at what I’ve made so far: https://origibelts.com/collections/wholesale Any thoughts or feedback would be really appreciated as I start this journey. Thanks for letting me be part of the community. Sincerely, John G. Origibelts – Nairobi, Kenya