Members iknowshaun Posted January 21, 2014 Members Report Posted January 21, 2014 Hi all, I've been trying out different leathers for belts and I'd really like to start making some belts from veg tan leather with a weight of 10 to 11oz (roughly about 4.2mm), I just like the actual weight of the belt and I'd like to do some tooling on it too. For the life of me I can't seem to find any UK suppliers that do veg tanned leather in this weight, it seems the butts are all oiled or put though some finish that means you can't dye or tool it, only cut the belt and setup the buckle... Does anyone know of any suppliers in the Uk that stock this kind of leather? Tandy have a 13oz saddle skirting russet but I don't think cutting belts from it would be economical, maybe someone could shed some light on a good area of leather for belt making? I've read that the butt is awesome for belts as it's thick and real tough wearing, anyone have any experience making belts of this weight and from this area of the hide? Is it economical to make belts from veg tanned leather of this weight? Many thanks for any advice Cheers Shaun Quote
Members celticleather Posted January 22, 2014 Members Report Posted January 22, 2014 (edited) You can buy natural russet (undyed) butts from J & F J Baker in Colyton, Devon (http://www.jfjbaker.co.uk/). Their leather is top-of-the-range, and pretty expensive, but the quality is unbeatable! A cheaper alternative would be J T Batchelor in Islington (http://jtbatchelor.co.uk/) . . . speak to Ted or Rocky, both very helpful! You can also use shoulders for belts, but the length of belt would be a little more restricted. Be sure to ask for natural russet veg tan, 4-4.5mm. In my experience, Tandy leathers are best avoided . . . they seem to be cheaply produced and expensive to buy! Edited January 22, 2014 by celticleather Quote
Members iknowshaun Posted January 22, 2014 Author Members Report Posted January 22, 2014 Thanks very much Celticleather, I've emailed J & F J Baker as i was at J T Batchelor yesterday and they didn't have anything over 3.5mm , I'll phone them today and ask if they're able to get it in though. Yeah I kinda figured it would be a little more expensive but I'd like to make some real nice belts with it that have a good heavy feel and hopefully can at least make my money back! Thanks for your reply Shaun Quote
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