Need Saddle Hardware

[Doug Mclean]

This is the first time on this site for me. I'm a part time saddle maker from Miles City, MT. Looking for some quickchange buckles for 3" stirrup leathers called Fast Buckle. They are a two prong buckle with the prongs horizontal from each other. A customer has requested these on a new saddle and I'm having trouble finding a source. I would appreciate some ideas.

Thanks

DMac

[oldgringo]

I believe I have seen them in the Weaver catalog.

OG

[bruce johnson]

Doug,

Just a point of clarification. I think you are describing the Superior Quick Change buckles that Sonny Felkins is making. A post set up and a flat strap on the other side you lock the pins into? If so that is made by Sonny Felkins in Monticello, UT. Sheridan Leather Outfitters is where I got my last ones from. Weavers did have them in the catalog, not sure if they still do.

The Fast Buckles were made by/for Ben Veach. They were a made from round rod. They had a hook for the top post and a straight post below that. You need to use a keeper to keep the bottom pin in there? If that is what you are looking for - bad news. Ben sold the rights to someone who has still not come forward that I have heard. I used a fair amount of them, good for some uses. I asked Ben, and he would not or could not say who bought the rights, and whether they would ever be available for sale to makers again. I know Circle Y used a lot of them on some saddles, but according to someone who knew a guy high up there, they were not the buyers. Leaves a few other potentials, but again - no word who.

[Doug Mclean]

Doug,

Just a point of clarification. I think you are describing the Superior Quick Change buckles that Sonny Felkins is making. A post set up and a flat strap on the other side you lock the pins into? If so that is made by Sonny Felkins in Monticello, UT. Sheridan Leather Outfitters is where I got my last ones from. Weavers did have them in the catalog, not sure if they still do.

The Fast Buckles were made by/for Ben Veach. They were a made from round rod. They had a hook for the top post and a straight post below that. You need to use a keeper to keep the bottom pin in there? If that is what you are looking for - bad news. Ben sold the rights to someone who has still not come forward that I have heard. I used a fair amount of them, good for some uses. I asked Ben, and he would not or could not say who bought the rights, and whether they would ever be available for sale to makers again. I know Circle Y used a lot of them on some saddles, but according to someone who knew a guy high up there, they were not the buyers. Leaves a few other potentials, but again - no word who.

Thanks for the reply Bruce. This is pretty much what I'm finding out. Sonny is sending me some of the buckles that he has been selling. The fast buckles are as you described them and my customer purchase them out of the Western Horseman several years back. We may be out of luck! Or maybe not they looked a little bulky to me.

[bruce johnson]

Doug,

Nope, not too bulky. The advantages are they are shorter lengthwise than a coupled Blevins with the sleeve. The shorter length lets them twist easier, good for short legged riders. The round rod rides over a latigo easier than a Blevins slide. Especially a Blevins slide that is worn a bit and that metal corner is sticking out. They are quickly changed. Disadvantge is that you need to make a keeper to put below the buckle to keep the bottom pin in the leather or it hinges from the hook on top. I think the ad said they were good for twisted stirrup leathers, they are not. My happiest customers with them are barrel racers. They are shorter legged riders, and compete at a high level. They have given them acid test, and I am hanging onto what I have for them. When I first got them, I changed out buckles on some flagging and grand entry saddles for a contracter too. They work good for that. No slide to drop off into the mud when you are doing a quick arena change.

[ryan]

Bruce,

Seems to me someone knew who bought the patent to the Veach buckles; was it you? Maybe someone should try and contact them and try to persuade them to either start manufacturing them or sell the patent to someone who will. I believe they are missing out on some sales don't you? I am fairly new to this site and it seems to be a hot topic.

Just a thought

Ryan

[bruce johnson]

Ryan,

When this topic was going precrash, I talked to a few guys who had listed using them on their website or I knew were using them. It kind of hit a few guys at once. Sounds like Dennis and Randy George got some of the last ones from Ben. When I went to order more, Brackney's number was not working. In talking to other guys, all anyone knew was that someone bought the rights from Ben, and nobody knew who. Word was they were going to use them for their own use, and not sell commercially. One guy is friends with someone at Circle Y, they used a bunch and apparently was not them that bought it. Leaves a few other players.

I talked to Ben, hadn't talked to him in quite a while. He wouldn't or couldn't say who bought them. I am sure there is a confidentiality deal with the sale, and it may not have all gone through yet. I can respect that. It is not the end of the world for me. These buckles are good for what they do, but I made it without them before and the rock will still be spinning in the morning. It will eventually come out who has them, and I can't beleive they think exclusivity in a stirrup buckle is going to be key to their product sales.

[ryan]

I agree whole-heartedly! It's just too bad that there are great products out there and no one can get their hands on them!

Ryan