Custom belt recommendations
I recently impulse bought a vintage silver belt buckle, and now I need to turn it into a belt and I'm feeling a little lost.
I have a local leather repair person who I've worked with before and I know he makes belts, is that a good place to start or should I try to find someone with a more established reputation? If I work with the local person is it fair for me to ask to see the leather or work samples beforehand so I know it's good quality? Any other screening questions I should ask?
Any recommemdations for leather makers I can send this to to make a western belt?
What is a resonable amount to expect to pay for this?
Also, I know that this will need a little bit of restoration beforehand, since it's silver I should be able to fix the dent myself.
9 Replies
@havensk might be able to provide insight
a local shoe repair place where i am quoted $40
they said the leather they had access to wasn't great quality tho?
naragansett charges $53 for a 1.25" belt strap no buckle.
they use english bridle leather
Hey @Please Go Away that is an awesome set. I’m always on the hunt for cool sets like that myself. I don’t think it’s rude at all to ask for samples of your local persons work. Might not be a bad idea to ask what kind of leather they work with and then this is more for you to think on, but consider how you’d like the edged finished. Some folks will paint the edges. Some will burnish.
Pricing is always hard to guess at, but I personally charge around $125 starting for my belts and sometimes that can be more expensive depending on finishes, leather requests,etc.
I would consider how worth it restoration is, I think the set looks awesome as is and you might run the risk of damage if you try yourself. Your local person might be able to clean the set up for you. But again, I think it looks cool as is.
Thank you so much! Restoration might be the wrong word, it needs some cleaning and to straighten out the one dent on the leftmost piece. I like the patina, and it's not like I'm gonna be able to prevent tarnishing once it's on a belt haha.
Is there anything I should consider related to painting vs burnishing other than the aesthetics?
Just aesthetics really, both look good
Thank you! As far as restoration, I'll take your advice and hold off until after I consult with the leatherworker. If this seems to be beyond what they or I can do, I also know jewelers that can help me with the silver.
I had a custom belt made by dunrite leather based out of LA. He does great work and can really make something fancy if you want him too. I think i paid $250 for mine all said and done
Thank you! I've seen this belt in some of your fits and I love it, honestly $250 is a great price for that level of detail.
@Please Go Away I use cellar leathers. Good price and MiUSA buy a single dude.