Belts

[Dr_Heech]

1 hour ago, Duke Mantee said:

… actually it might be effective if I threw it at Putin’s head …

I doubt it, with putin the 'buckled bit' is on the inside 

 

[Duke Mantee]

13 minutes ago, Dr_Heech said:

I doubt it, with putin the 'buckled bit' is on the inside 

 

Truth 

[Thanks_M8]

Yesterday was care day for my wifes and my belts. 

can't believe the one third from the right and on the right end used to be the same colour.

Edited March 11, 2022 by Thanks_M8

[Broark]

Received my belts from @Duke Mantee, couldn't be more pleased with them!

[Duke Mantee]

I’m going to get you to photograph my belts, you put me to shame 

But thank you very much, it’s a great feeling for me to know you are happy with them

[Duke Mantee]

And one for @chicote - who actually provided this lovely vintage fabric that’s been used for the overlay … maybe he can tell you more about it

I have to say, his choice of materials and colours is stunning - black Sedgwick bridle, vintage green/blueish cloth, raw brass and real garnet and larimar gemstones:

 

Edited March 14, 2022 by Duke Mantee

[scooby]

Duke belt

 

Edited March 15, 2022 by scooby

[Duke Mantee]

@scooby thanks mate - great to see it being worn, perfect with denim I think

[Duke Mantee]

… and one for @Dr_Heech

Nice simple affair made from Lamport English veg tan leather in a slightly lighter weight (thinner) - about the 8oz mark (it seemed only the colour though was important to Doc - he wanted something to match the thread of a pair of special 1937 Levi’s, issued in March of that year only), all set with a Japanese sand cast buckle and matching hardware. I’ve given this a couple of coats of conditioner and finished the edges with beeswax.

[Dr_Heech]

^1938

 

[Duke Mantee]

1 hour ago, Dr_Heech said:

^1938

 

Shows you how little I know about jeans …

[beautiful_FrEaK]

^^ beautiful belt there again (and simplicity is king!)

[Duke Mantee]

A couple more for Johnny B

First up, a take on the WW1 belt (or a reimagined Sam Browne belt) - 10-12oz Wickett & Craig American Vachetta hand dyed and waxed … probably about 10 layers of so, to achieve a blackened red/brown vintage look

 

And since he’s bought 4 belts, a gift of a 12-13oz dark navy J&FJ Baker belt with nickel plated brass hardware

[Thanks_M8]

Can't compete with @Duke Mantee, but still...
Made two belts today, natural buffalo on the first 3, last pic of it is post-oiling. Finished up this order for a friend after some time.
Last picture is my new "fancy" belt, for wearing with suits and the likes.

Edited March 23, 2022 by Thanks_M8

[Duke Mantee]

I’m pretty sure it’s not about competing - it’s lovely handwork on your part @Thanks_M8 

[Thanks_M8]

thanks Duke! much appreciated and very true, in it for the fun and all (:

[beautiful_FrEaK]

[Duke Mantee]

My fledgling business has hit a downturn  … so in the interim I’ll make some for ME! 

[spidereye]

70s vibes round buckle belt pair with Levis 517 coudroy .

[Talan]

So finally the belt from @Duke Mantee found me in the mountains of Germany, where my wife and I are struggling to find peace from the war at home in Ukraine.  

[Duke Mantee]

The worst of times my friend - I can only wish you a happier future to wear it.

[Talan]

Two recently obtained belts, the russet from the famed Equus Leather, the black from @Duke Mantee. Both belts are made from the excellent J & F.J. Baker and Co leather. Worn with about the same frequency. Both belts are carefully and neatly made and the material is superb. Wear and feel about the same, although the Equus belt seemed slightly softer initially. Having said all that, the Equus belt is a little uncomfortable and can be felt on the body, whereas the other belt just "disappears" when worn - it fits perfectly and is not felt at all. In a shoot-out between the two belts, the belt from @Duke Mantee wins by a small but clear margin.

 

Edited April 25, 2022 by Talan

[Duke Mantee]

Wow - thank you for the comparison @Talan - but as you know the only factor I measure in is your satisfaction. Anyway, I’m really glad you are able to post here on the forum once in while. Things can’t be easy.

[Duke Mantee]

A couple here for @ALB who had bought some skinny belts and asked me to change the leather but keep the buckles:

So, a ¾” wide, 8oz Sedgwick veg tan bridle leather strap with a hand finish

And a 25mm, 8oz Walpier Buttero veg tan bullhide leather strap which is struck through: 

 

I have replicated how the buckles were attached on the original belts, so you have two different styles of stitching and keepers, both belts being edged and burnished with Tokonole and beeswax then the faces given a couple of coats of conditioner.

Edited May 11, 2022 by Duke Mantee

[Duke Mantee]

Another belt for @srudy

More of the J&FJ Baker leather - this being their harness leather natural finish (similar to the @talan belt mini-review although Equus call it russet, probably for sales purposes)

This one is weighing in at the full 6mm thickness, and for once I’ve not applied any treatment other than the Tokonole/Beeswax edge finish - anything I put on it will darken it, handling it darkens it, fuck - just looking at it I swear I could see it darken.

So hopefully you’ll get to see updates of the thing developing, getting indigo stains and ultimately ending up nearly black …

 

[Duke Mantee]

… and yet another for @srudy

This a hybrid style using the roughout of a Wickett & Craig harness leather around 4mm thickness. The base belt is derived from the Sam Browne military belts but there’s also a little bit of stud work too … I think it works well 

 

[srudy]

My mouth salivates when I see these @Duke Mantee - I can only wear one belt at a time and now with my collection of your belts I need more waists! Always beautiful, always so well done. Can’t wait to see these in person!

[Duke Mantee]

1 minute ago, srudy said:

My mouth salivates when I see these @Duke Mantee - I can only wear one belt at a time and now with my collection of your belts I need more waists! Always beautiful, always so well done. Can’t wait to see these in person!

You have some great ideas - love turning them into real life

[Duke Mantee]

An original design for Patina pals on IG based on the Māori Hei Matau - a stylised fishhook. It represents strength, prosperity, fertility, good luck and safe travel over water. It’s one of my favourite designs because although it’s based on a particular culture, the feel is very (cowboy) western.

The belt is built from Wickett & Craig bridle leather about 9-10oz, and has a Japanese sand cast brass buckle and vintage Japanese coin and some vintage 50s German glass jewels.

 

[Duke Mantee]

A simple sewn buffalo leather belt for @JRendon02 - the leather had a fairly matte finish so it’s been waxed and polished to bring up a soft sheen as he requested; and finished with his choice of cream ritza tiger thread and a Japanese sand cast brass buckle