Duke Mantee

Yeah they stretch out quite a bit

That’s exactly what they are @Robroy - but you can also get or adjustable versions or sometimes I use an awl or craftknife

Thank you sir My machine is my left arm connected to a rawhide hammer and my right hand connected to a little fork like this … it’s a flexible machine because it allows me to swap hands

^ better!

Just realised I’ve not posted on this thread for a bit … Bootleggers Wavy and Lot 213, Freewheelers Jesse and Lot 601xx 1951, Tender and White’s

Stifel made more than just wabash …

Well if you’re being picky, they also issued a 1910 model in 2009 1930s version was a different cut (rightly so) - looser silhouette, wider sleeves, shorter length, no flap pockets (as you note), squared collar … but I doubt there would be much difference in warmth, the shell is doing the work here.

You don’t pay consumption tax so the coat is ¥36,000 - that’s about €280 I think. Also I’d estimate shipping to be around €35 using EMS. Hiroyoshi is (was) very flexible too, so I never had any customs ‘issues’

They’ve been reissuing this every 2 or 3 years … and you couldn’t blame them, it’s one of the best coats I’ve ever owned

One thing I’ve found with studs/spots is the accurate placing is both straightforward and difficult … the plans I make are very precise but leather isn’t a precise material. I’ve never been one to focus on something being so perfect that it becomes soulless but at the same time I hate sloppy work, so I try to walk the line by accepting the odd small misalignment if the whole thing looks/feels right. This vintage belt is fine but I’d be annoyed if I was this inaccurate …

@Thanks_M8 I’m certainly no master but I enjoy pulling the designs together and turning them into real belts. I’ve not really thought about the time in hours, and I tend not to try and finish in a rush, but I guess I could complete one in a couple of days without interruption. It really would depend on complexity and the leathers. Personally I’m less interested in stitching and/or embossing - stitching doesn’t bring me the same enjoyment, much as I appreciate the skill involved, and embossing is an art form if done by hand and not simply passing a strap though a machine. But I’d be very keen to see what you come up with.

Thank you very much

On denim (Freewheelers naturally) … I always draw out the plan so there’s better understanding/visualisation

Snake Eyes 9oz Water Buffalo Leather Cobra inlays Standard Rivet vintage brass spots in 3mm and 4.5mm sizes Standard Rivet vintage brass jewel rings in 9mm and 11mm sizes Antique glass (1950s) jewels ~ 9mm in Siam and Topaz, 11mm in Amethyst Japanese brass buckle with hand patination Japanese vintage coin (Karasu 1 Sen, 1938) 90% copper, 10% zinc