Our Workshop

A great belt begins long before the first cut. Between us, we have 50 years’ experience working with tanneries, and we choose them for the particular qualities of the leather they produce: its strength, feel, grain and the way it develops with use.

When a hide reaches our workshop, we take time to assess its grain, texture and character before measuring and marking it for the design. Starting with exceptional leather gives us the foundation for all the work that follows.

Once the strap is cut to width, we shape the ends and measure and mark each hole and hardware position. That is only the beginning. We work every edge to suit the design: rounding and softening some for comfort, or thinning the edges of two layers before joining and trimming them to create a gently raised, padded profile.

These often unseen steps combine traditional saddlery techniques with modern manufacturing skills. Every profile is considered so the belt looks refined, feels good, sits comfortably and is made to last.

Only after the shaping work do we bring the belt together. We fit the buckle and keeper, add any stitched details the design calls for, and check that each element sits as intended.

The cut edges are rounded to remove sharp corners, then buffed smooth before the inking begins. We build up the finish in four to six thin layers of edge ink, buffing between each application to refine the surface.

It is one of the most time-consuming parts of our making process. We take that time because a carefully finished edge gives the belt a smooth, comfortable feel and a clean, even outline. The ink finish also helps protect the exposed leather edge from moisture.

Before a belt leaves the workshop, we check its measurements, hardware, construction and overall feel. If something needs another pass, it goes back to the bench. That final care is part of making a belt ready for years of wear.