Making a veg tan leather belt tutorial

[@viscache1]

Most department store belts are made in “an eastern country” where a “Genuine Leather” product is created by making a ‘dough from leather crumbs and ground up scraps (I’ve even seen bits of cigarette butts and gum wrapper) mixed with PVC powder and compressed into large sheets. From there it is vat dyed and stamped with a shiny leather grain pattern and cut up for belts, wallets and even shoes. It is treated as leather and contains a high enough percentage of leather dust to legally be called “100% Genuine Leather” (that is actually a brand name and patent branding). It is sewn around the edges to keep them from crumbling and dissolving under stress and friction but it inevitably breaks down after less than a year of use. This product is also used in “patent leather” shoes available in discount stores who don’t rely on return customers and who price sell every product on their shelves. If you want a lifetime product buy bespoke. If you add up all the $18.00 belts that fall apart in your life you could have bought two nice $200.00 belts and pocketed hundreds in savings! Same for wallets. My $180 wallet has lasted for 38 years and still looks great and holds its shape!

[@terric6927]

Thanks for the info, I've recently gained interest in belt making and started wondering why some belts have stitching along the edges and the ones I'm seeing in videos dont it all makes sense now

[@MaximRecoil]

"Most department store belts are made in “an eastern country” where a “Genuine Leather” product is created by making a ‘dough from leather crumbs and ground up scraps mixed with PVC powder and compressed into large sheets. From there it is vat dyed and stamped with a shiny leather grain pattern and cut up for belts, wallets and even shoes. No; you're describing "bonded leather," not "genuine leather." "It is treated as leather and contains a high enough percentage of leather dust to legally be called “100% Genuine Leather” (that is actually a brand name and patent branding)" "Genuine leather" contains no "leather dust" (again, you're talking about "bonded leather"). It's an actual piece of leather, but leather labeled as such is usually split from the lowest part of the hide (the part of the hide that was closest to the flesh of the animal), where the hide is at its weakest and therefore it's also the least desirable / cheapest part of the hide. Also, "genuine leather" is not a brand name. It's a legally-defined category of leather and any company can legally use the term as long as the leather in their product fits in the category. "Full-grain" and "top-grain" leather are upper splits of the hide where the leather is at its strongest, and is therefore the most desirable / most expensive part of the hide. The only difference between the two is that "top-grain" leather has been surface-sanded to remove natural imperfections (such as scars that the animal accumulated during its lifetime). Strictly speaking, both "full-grain" and "top-grain" are subcategories of "genuine leather," because that term covers any part of the hide. In practice though, the term "genuine leather" is usually only used for lower splits. Companies using lower splits of leather can't legally use the subcategory terms that are reserved for the more desirable upper splits, so they default to the best term that they can legally use: "genuine leather." It's better than bonded leather at least.

[@keithad6485]

I agree with you. I see these crap leather belts regularly from my customers, the belt states genuine leather, yet did not last long. Had one customer whose cheap Aldi belt with metal ring around adjusting holes lasted 4 weeks. Cracked right across one of the holes! He is a convert, never buying a cheap belt ever again. Aussie saddlemaker here.

[@viscache1]

@@keithad6485 I’ve sold to saddle makers and leatherworkers for a long time. There is no worthwhile ‘non-chemically produced’ leather out of China anymore. We rely on small batch makers but with inflation some of our saddle skirting quality leather is up around $900/half. People are no longer buying “extras” for kids projects, belts, and personal stuff. It’s just straight business. We soooo need this inflation under control.

[@shirleymalar304]

I really like the way the keeper is snuggled into the belt!

[@mrshide3464]

Thank you.. Your burnish method for the belt worked waaay better than burnishing by section with gum and rag. Burnish was uniform and easier too.

[@keithad6485]

Aussie saddlemaker here. Been a saddlemaker for 39 years and never used a lap skiver, you have convinced me to start using this tool. I have been using a round knife for hand skiving. Only cos this is how I was taught by when I learned my trade in the 1980s. That skiver is nicely sharpened, hardly any effort to skive! Is that a South African accent? At first I thought your accent was New Zullander (New Zealander).

[@pequodexpress]

It is much better to stitch parallel to the belt edges instead of across the width of the belt just below the buckle. It takes a bit more time, but the belt will last 60 years.

[@keithad6485]

Your advice is very good, you have described bridle stitching. Aussie saddlemaker here.

[@purpleyams8738]

This is my first video I’ve had the pleasure to watch on your channel. Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks for custom made belts. This video was really informative and I enjoyed watching it in its entirety.

[@nikearth]

Another great tutorial, thank you! I've seen you sprinkle these information here and there but I'd love a comprehensive tutorial on how to choose leather thickness, thread types, needle sizes, etc. Just in case, you're open for requests. 😽

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks. appreciate the suggestion of content. 👍

[@daver.summers3280]

You get more than a Thumbs Up! Your Master Craftsmen skills & touch breath life & soul into the leather, stitch and brass to the 33rd power! Semper Fi You gave the belt a Heart as the gift for life.

[@joshicus_saint_anger]

Great video! I appreciate all the small details

[@alphanumeric1529]

Finally, someone who knows how to fit a belt! You don't know how rare that is, especially on the interwebs!

[@dmack1827]

Perfect work Terrick! Always a pleasure to watch.

[@taradixon1]

Thank you so much. My son and I have been watching your videos for a few weeks now. We are so inspired. I LOVE leather and art --and creating things with it is really satisfying.

[@iColinCDN]

So nice to see a proper belt.

[@joshgroves1085]

I got a gun belt for my Ruger super Redhawk 44 mag it's a straight belt but I cut some good sise peace of of an old wor out leather boot to make a part to attach it to the belt then cut a good size slice in it so I can run my holster through it

[@pequodexpress]

In many of your videos, I had been wondering what the torch on the periphery is for. Very nice minimalist method for hot stamping.

[@BillyTzENDURO]

Love your vids man, They are very helpful! You're definitely one of the main inspirations that made me start working with leather :) Greetings from Greece!

[@lizzienicks4993]

Love watching you work. Another great video, thanks!

[@jamesmackay7284]

Great tutorial we'll done mate I really enjoyed it.

[@jujufanti4788]

Thank you for your tutorial! I made my first belt thanks to you! It's so amazing 🤩

[@gergemall]

Congratulations

[@joerico9461]

How long do you cut the belt keeper you said how wide but not the length

[@arthurdurham5112]

I always use Chicago screws. I like to be able to change buckles.

[@raulcabrerah]

Extraordinary , very good, i always look at it and seva it. i would like to know where you buy such good tools. I was amazed by the punch, excellent tool. From the word itself, a wonder like all the ones he does. My congratulations. Here in Spain you can't get good tools, Tandy does't bring those things, thank you so much

[@teogabrielsson4717]

Would this be possible to do with the original skiver as well? I got it as a gift and I would love to make a belt as a sign of appreciation. Would it be possible to make a video for that? Great work Terrick!

[@Rsama60]

Thanks for showing the edges. Nice belt, so far I made 5 belts, 4 of then I also made the buckels.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks sounds amazing! well done.

[@maxartusy6378]

A pleasure to watch this man work.

[@eppie_the_dutchman2605]

Very late response. What kind of products do you use in the cloth use when the sides and belt are treated with it, looks great and gorgeous and quick to use. Greetings from the north of the Netherlands.

[@dmack1827]

Your knives are absolutely stunning.

[@gardodacio9962]

Thanks for your nice and easiest leather belt tutorial, god bless!

[@gergemall]

Beautiful work .

[@diwakarsingh8629]

Very encouraging guidance....thank. U...very much sir.

[@michaelwolf8781]

Just finished my first belt. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@rubybrady7051]

Fantastic work of art

[@jamesrobins3057]

Great video. Thank you. Commencing a new project for a line of belts for the grooms of a mates wedding. Myself included. Will be onto getting one of those thinning knives from your site. Cheers

[@flavioelgato5809]

im watching your video to learn how to make chokers with charming quality, thanks!!

[@grahamhelder5364]

Love your videos! I’m just getting into leatherwork and I find these very instructional. Thanks!

[@purpleyams8738]

Your demo of your lap skiver was very intriguing. Do you normally just hand sharpening on a strop? Or do you also use stones? What angle is the edge on this knife?

[@j.maxwaddell2557]

Very new to leather working. What color die was used to get this color? I will look through your videos to see if you have die colors as a video you made. Thank you, great information.

[@mrmouse7642]

I love to see a master craftsman at work and I particularly love your precision and attention to detail. You make a beautiful product. I was taught by a master saddler and bridlemaker and our belts were essentially bridle straps for humans! Therefore, in order to keep the strength of the product, which was probably unnecessary given the differences of strains placed on a belt and a piece of tack, we did not stitch at a right angle across the width of the strap. We also used a creasing iron to give a pleasing detail to the edges which were bevelled and polished with edge stain. Fixed and running keepers were considerably thinner than the strap, being skived down by hand or using a splitting machine. We also squared them with a "looping stick" and creased them. What leather do you use, by the way? Is it South African? It looks real quality. Where do you get it from? Also, I love your maker's stamp - pure quality. Love to know what you charge. In UK saddlers/bridlemakers/leatherworkers are real skilled craftsmen/women whose products do not command the prices that the skill required to make them deserves.

[@siowkiat]

Looks very good quality

[@V3leathercraft]

Thanks Master... I am not confident on strap cutting without ruler... But will... Vachetta leather 3mm is good for belt and straps?

[@isaiahglynn3622]

I really enjoy watching you make things out of leather. And I will be ordering from you when I am ready to start my own leather products.

[@theestimator]

Looking for a decent flexible 2metre long straightedge ? Check out a Flooring Fitters Supplier , especially PVC or Hardflooring Fitters ALL have one , , it roll's up into a neat easy to store/handle coil.

[@kazuwilliams5222]

awesomely informative.

[@norman1826]

Nice to see SA people doing great work....I'm in Cape Town and was wondering if you made watch straps as well....

[@curbotize]

That is one perfect belt sir. I think my next belt should be hand made but how do you cut a straight edge if your hand is about as steady as one of those wacky inflatable arm flailing tube men? Is there a way to fix the rough edges if you haven't cut it perfectly straight?

[@commonsensecorner7275]

Does the strap cutter start to curve the leather, because the blade needs to be replaced? I’m waiting on the rest of my Amazon order of tools, I recently started watching videos and decided to get started in leather crafting.

[@rocfl59]

Great vid , very educational

[@xderiwx]

Awesome video, I really enjoyed it and the final product was beautiful! For belts, is there a general set of measurements for where to place the oblong hole and either rivet or stitch holes for the keeper, or is it totally dependent on how you want the look to be according to the buckle you have?

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks for the compliment. It will vary slightly according to buckle width and keeper width. I try to make everything fit as tight as possible and the rest will be fine

[@sergeiglubina3620]

Please tell me, with what threads did you flash the leather?

[@r.a.wwilso2759]

Enjoy your clear instruction vids , great work chatter very inspirational will b taking on my own belt build soon,growing nd learning Rob Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 uk

[@michaelrussell9890]

You are amazing!!

[@ianknight2053]

Stitching across a belt isn’t recommended as it weakens the leather. If you stitch parallel to the edge you can also stitch in the belt keeper. This is a quicker method but not strictly correct and the belt won’t last as long.

[@josephjoe9088]

Amazing work and a wonderful video. I stumbled on your channel by accident and I'm glad I did. You do take your time to explain and your works are so beautiful. I'm watching all your videos now and I hope it will help me with my new found hobby Thanks a lot from a fellow African

[@CHARTERMADE]

Hey Joseph, thanks for the comment, and joining our channel. I hope you find some helpful tips from the videos.

[@MattyDubz330]

Great Video! What tannery is that leather from?

[@victormatom1919]

Thank you so much ,I will do as you said.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Glad it was helpful

[@davidenglund]

@CHARTERMADE, where do you get leather of sufficient lengths for belt-making? What should one order? Thx

[@deathbreed]

So i have been doing it right! Nice video!

[@dariosantamaria6330]

Megusta hese tipo de horas lo veo de Bogota quiero ver sus explicaciones hojalata en Español gracias

[@dariosantamaria6330]

Bras

[@koffipot]

Thank you for a great tutorial. Hopefully, my next belt will be of a higher quality than previous efforts.

[@sergeiglubina3620]

Hello! Can I get some advice from you?) Please tell me - what kind of torb (edge ​​cutter) is it advisable to use when making belts? I have belts with a thickness of 4 to 5.5 mm. What is the best width of the belt edge to cut? (in mm)?

[@Jesse_Ghost_]

I knew with that accent where in South Africa are you and do you have a shop in the western cape ?

[@MountainFisher]

I bought a 2 meter ruler, works better than my small rulers put together, what a pain. Those strap cutters do not work very well on thick veg tan. I make my belts out of 12 to 14 oz veg tan without dyes or oils. Trying to cut that with a strap cutter is nerve wracking because it wants to cut to the side. Easier just to use my straight edge and it comes out where I want it too.

[@latitamontoya]

this is great but can you give steps by steps on belts for women because the shape it is so different than the straight ones. thanks

[@shane_fryd_rice]

You take such pride in everything. I have subscribed and will be watching more videos. I will also be getting on your site to purchase some tools, thank you much.

[@CHARTERMADE]

Hi Shane. Thanks for the comment and supporting our videos. Our website is still a work in progress and needs some fine tuning, so if there is something we can help you with that you don't find on there just drop me an email. [e-mail]

[@whatistug]

Thanks for sharing some great tips. I will certainly apply some to the next belt I make

[@pieroibanez6663]

I live in the US, where can I buy high quality already dyed, veg tanned leather hides for belt making? Thank you.

[@scottvanvliet2653]

Great video and channel. Just finished my first sheath and your other video was extremely helpful. Looking forward to making a belt!

[@CHARTERMADE]

Glad you finding some value from the videos.

[@arlenelobban6778]

Very informative, thanks !!!

[@sergeiglubina3620]

Good afternoon! Could you advise where to buy the highest quality belt buckles? I started manufacturing belts and don’t know where to buy the best buckles. Can you share links to sellers sites? I would be very grateful!)

[@sergeiglubina3620]

Please tell me which punch configuration did you use? 19.17 in video

[@vaseemsaifi7919]

Plz.. Sir make a belt for me i like your way and craft very much.... Please sir reply as soon as possible

[@somebody5106]

What did you do to finish the back of the belt ?

[@farhadfadayi7389]

great video. very informative. ond queston about 18:47 len len oil? I understand the beeswax oil, but the first one "" I didn't undrestand. sorry for my bad English, am Russian. thanks agian for great tutorial.

[@pearcem66]

I think he said 'Lanolin Oil'.

[@jeremieben4170]

Hi, can you please tell me where to buy the stitching clamp you're using. Thank a lot for your videos.

[@bagramdave883]

Is there a rule of thumb to determine the size of the slot for the buckle?

[@V3leathercraft]

Beautiful Perfect Curve Knife 😍😍

[@sergeiglubina3620]

good afternoon! very interesting to watch you! please tell me how can I darken the edges of the belt? masters sometimes do this. along the entire length of the belt, both sides darken the skin slightly.

[@joeofnotrades]

If you didnt have that cloth of yours how would you finish the surface of the belt?

[@lawrencetrujillo65]

I second the motion for an apron video! Perhaps you can include information for various sizes. New subscriber, and enjoying your site!

[@CHARTERMADE]

Thanks for the sub, I just may do an apron video

[@Leonitus485]

Everything on your website is sold out. Any idea when you’ll have some more stock available sir?

[@dmack1827]

You can also try Rocky Mountain Leather in Salt Lake City. They ship quickly. Terrick's pattern knives are well worth waiting for. Actually, all his knives are. Beautiful blades, all hand made and tempered individually. They really are incredible.

[@jacksemotchko7812]

Amazing craftsmanship and gorgeous leather. Are you partial to any particular brand of leather?

[@CHARTERMADE]

Well, I worked quite closely with a tannery here and I was lucky enough to work with them to develop leathers I was after. Of course there are many beautiful leathers available around the world. But everyone has there own preference to finishes so having a small variation of leathers to suit your current project is always handy.

[@michaelwolf8781]

You don’t use any glue on it?

[@Futwea]

Nice Video, what did you sharpen your tool with?

[@chandlersanders]

I may have missed it. What Oz leather is this?

[@gregahunt]

great job. i love your vids

[@psycholocke4090]

why haven't you made yourself a jig or some kind of marking guide or pattern to use for all the holes?

[@shivanjibo1477]

How can I buy this belt?

[@r.a.wwilso2759]

Great vids charter , clear instructions , goin f my 1st belt soon , this had been a big help Rob 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 uk

[@victormatom1919]

Hi Terrick very interesting videos . I am inspired I just wanted to ask where i could buy tools since Iam in Johannesburg? Great stuff.

[@CHARTERMADE]

If you want anything of quality you will have to import. Rocky mountain leather supply are really good people.

[@JesseYusufu]

Please where do you source your leather and the belt buckles

[@frankvelazquezjr.8669]

Very nice work. How much are your belts ??? Thank you

[@frankvelazquezjr.8669]

please feel free to contact me at [e-mail]

[@emilevantonder6537]

Hi Terrick. Great demo! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. What is the thickness of the veg tan leather you are using for belts and where can you buy this leather in SA?

[@CHARTERMADE]

Hi, Emile, the best place to buy supplies if you are starting out is Woodheads. I got all my initial stuff from them. There is a branch in CT and Pinetown

[@emilevantonder6537]

@@CHARTERMADE Hi Terrick. Thank you!

[@mikeboone4425]

What brand are using for your pricking irons they look very interesting. Happy trails

[@EternalCentral]

He goes over this at around 19:34 in the clip. The brand shown is Sinabroks, and he is using 4mm pricking iron version, with John James 002 needle, and with Ritza .8 Tiger Thread. Good luck.

[@mikeboone4425]

@@EternalCentral Thanks got it.

[@allanpennington]

How long do you cut the keeper in relation to the width of the belt?

[@RShiva-hn8bk]

How much price

[@Animatedron]

Great video as always! Any chance of finding out where that roller buckle is from? I’ve been trying to find a good quality one for ages and that looks like it might fit the bill!

[@CHARTERMADE]

Yes, a good solid brass buckle can be hard to come by. I found these a while back just bought a bunch. They may have come from buckle guy...🤔 hope you come right.

[@tiopaking]

love this

[@uork_888eldar2]

Nice.. 👏👏How much is?

[@ewayne1527]

What thickness leather do you use?

[@sergeiglubina3620]

Hello! My name is Sergey, I'm from Russia!) I wanted to ask you for advice. I started making leather goods. I use vegetable tanned leather. I buy already dyed leather. Leather without topcoat. I take colored leather and soak it with natural compounds, such as: bone oil, fat, a mixture of waxes. I ran into such a problem. After the leather has been soaked, I remove the remnants of the product with a cloth, and the tissue stains from the leather. That is, the leather (after impregnation) stains the fabric. I was told that after the leather is saturated, it must be covered with a finishing agent. What topcoat is used to create a reliable topcoat. But traditional finishes spoil the naturalness of the leather a little. That is, after applying the finishing agents, natural impregnated leather loses its attractiveness. This makes me very sad. I would like to soak the leather and, possibly, treat the leather with a finishing agent, but in order to preserve the naturalness of the leather. I want to soak and treat the dyed vegetable tanned leather in such a way as to preserve the naturalness of this leather. And most importantly - the leather should not stain the fabric when I wipe the surface of the leather. That is, the finish should be, but it should not spoil the natural properties of the leather. That is, I need: 1) Impregnate the leather with natural means (oil, fat, maybe something else) 2) Protect the leather, cover with a finish coating, but so that the leather does not lose its naturalness. And most importantly - in no case should it stain the fabric. Please advise me - how can I achieve this? Thanks in advance! Best regards, Sergei!