Project description
The strap is cut from a single piece of vegetable-tanned full-grain leather, 3.8-4.2mm thick, sourced as one continuous hide panel so there are no splices along the length. Width runs 32mm, 35mm or 38mm depending on the trouser loops you wear — tell me the loop width and I will match it. For a dress belt I skim the flesh side and back it with a thin veg-tan liner for structure without bulk; for an everyday belt I leave it as a single thick layer with a burnished edge for a chunkier look.
Stitching is done entirely by hand with a saddle stitch using two needles and waxed linen thread, which means the seam will not unravel even if a single stitch is later cut or worn through — a real advantage over a machine-sewn lockstitch. Stitch spacing sits at 7 stitches per inch along both edges of the keeper and tip, and I pre-punch every hole with a pricking iron so the line stays even. All edges are beveled, sanded through several grits and burnished with gum tragacanth until they take on a smooth, slightly glossy finish that resists fraying for years.
For hardware you can choose solid brass, nickel-plated steel or stainless steel buckles, in a classic center-bar, a roller buckle for lower friction, or a quick-release snap buckle that lets you swap the whole hardware later without restitching — I build the strap end to accept the snap system even if you start with a fixed buckle. Keepers are hand-cut to match and secured with the same saddle stitch as the rest of the belt.
Personalization is available as a discreet initials or short-phrase engraving on the inner face near the buckle, or a hand-tooled monogram on the tip if you prefer something more visible. Send me your waist size in the units you use, loop width, preferred leather color (natural, dark brown, black or oxblood) and hardware finish, and I will confirm the cutting plan before starting. Turnaround from confirmed order to finished belt is typically 10-14 days depending on the queue, with photos sent at the cutting and stitching stages so you can see progress before it ships.